Using Debate to Maximize Learning Potential: A Case Study

Abstract

Following a review of the literature, an educational case study is provided for the benefit of faculty preparing college courses.  In particular, we provide a transcribed debate utilized in a General Psychology course as a best practice example of how to craft a debate which maximizes student learning.  The work is presented as a model for the principles of not building straw-men arguments, not shying away from controversial topics, giving politically-incorrect viewpoints fair treatment, making a crisp presentation that students will take seriously, and exemplifying gender-equity and aggressive female role-modeling.  Reparative therapy and homosexual orientation was the debate’s topic.