Using Structured Debate to Teach a Controversial Topic: Mammography for Women in Their 40s

Abstract

A structured debate resulted in residents reporting increased comfort level and willingness to discuss mammography with women in their 40s.

The Power of Debate: Reflections on the Potential of Debates for Engaging Students in Critical Thinking about Controversial Geographical Topics

“…The students in both cohorts thoroughly enjoyed the debate, they were excited and engaged, alongside as seeing it as a valuable learning experience (Dundes, 2001;Helenius et al, 2006). Significantly, and in contrast to some of the previous literature, this paper has found that these students rarely significantly altered their view from their original perspectives (Green & Klug, 1990;Omelicheva & Avedeyeva, 2008;Kennedy, 2009), rather the debate offered an opportunity to develop more nuanced and critical justifications in support of their original opinions.…”

“…This limited use may relate to the criticisms levied against the Socratic debate method, for being too adversarial and combative. Yet, research has indicated the effectiveness of debates in supporting learning in a variety of disciplines including economics, education, history, marketing, medicine, nursing, psychology, sociology and social work (Dundes, 2001;Helenius et al, 2006;Kennedy, 2009;Omelicheva & Avdeyeva, 2008). There is, however, a significant dearth of literature specifically reflecting on the use of debates in teaching geography, despite the range of topics in the discipline which offer potential for such a method.…”

“…This is a less rigid structure than the model shown in the appendix, in which students are allowed to focus on discussion and in which overt competition is discouraged (Helenius et al, 2006). It is likely that within this format the lines on either side may breakdown and there are no out-right winners as the groups challenge and discuss more, rather than concentrate on clearly defined points and rebuttals.…”

Evidence-based nephrology-rheumatology debates: a novel educational experience during nephrology fellowship training

“…9,10 Controversial topics in medicine can also be taught using structured debates. 11 This can also result in increased comfort level of trainees in discussing certain controversial topics in medicine with their patients. 11 Koklanaris et al have shown higher test score among residents who prepared and participated in a debate as compared to traditional lecture format.…”

“…11 This can also result in increased comfort level of trainees in discussing certain controversial topics in medicine with their patients. 11 Koklanaris et al have shown higher test score among residents who prepared and participated in a debate as compared to traditional lecture format. 12 In this study, trainees who prepared and participated in a debate were also shown to retain their knowledge better than those who attended a lecture.…”