True/False Poll

Question: College is the only path to success: True or False?

Instructions for Teacher:

• Launch this poll at the very start of class via your preferred polling tool (or simply ask for a show of hands).
• Give students 30–60 seconds to respond.
• Display or tally the results in real time.
• Facilitate a brief 2–3 minute discussion:
  • Ask volunteers to explain why they chose “True” or “False.”
  • Highlight any surprising results or misconceptions.
  • Emphasize that today’s debate will explore multiple pathways to success beyond just traditional college.

This quick pulse-check activates prior beliefs and primes students for the upcoming discussion and debate on post-secondary options.

Structured Debate Guidelines

Overview

In this debate, two teams (Traditional College vs Alternative Pathways) will present arguments, rebuttals, and closing statements. Audience members will listen actively and participate in Q&A.

Roles & Responsibilities

Opening Speaker

• Present your team’s thesis and top 3 supporting arguments
• Time: 2 minutes per side

Rebuttal Speaker

• Address key points from the opposing team
• Offer evidence or logic to refute their arguments
• Time: 2 minutes per side

Closing Speaker

• Summarize your team’s strongest points
• Highlight any unresolved weaknesses in the opposition’s case
• Time: 2 minutes per side

Audience Member

• Take notes on each team’s claims and supporting evidence
• Prepare 1–2 clarifying or challenging questions for the Q&A segment

Debate Flow & Time Allocation

1. Opening Statements (4 minutes total)

   • Traditional College (2 min)
   • Alternative Pathways (2 min)

2. First Rebuttals (4 minutes total)

   • Alternative Pathways rebuttal (2 min)
   • Traditional College rebuttal (2 min)

3. Audience Q&A (5 minutes)

   • Audience members ask questions to either team
   • Team representatives respond briefly (30–45 seconds per answer)

4. Closing Remarks (4 minutes total)

   • Traditional College (2 min)
   • Alternative Pathways (2 min)

Debate Etiquette & Tips

• Be Respectful: No interruptions. Wait for the speaker to finish before responding.
• Use Evidence: Cite facts, statistics, or examples from your research.
• Stay On Topic: Focus on post-secondary pathways rather than personal opinions.
• Active Listening: Jot down opposing points to address during your turn.

Post-Debate Reflection

After the debate, use the Exit Reflection Prompts to record your thoughts on strengths, new insights, and how this discussion shapes your future path.

Good luck, and may the best arguments win!

Exit Reflection Prompts

Thank you for engaging in today’s debate. Please respond to the following prompts thoughtfully:

1. Key Takeaways:
   What are the three most important insights you gained about traditional college and alternative pathways?
   
   
   
   
   
   

2. Surprises & Challenges:
   Which argument or fact surprised you the most, and why? How did it challenge your previous beliefs?
   
   
   
   
   
   

3. Personal Relevance:
   After hearing both sides, which pathway (traditional college or an alternative route) do you feel more inclined to explore, and what factors influence your choice?
   
   
   
   
   
   

4. Next Steps for Planning:
   How will you use what you learned today to inform your upcoming post-secondary planning or goal-setting? Identify one concrete action you will take this week.
   
   
   
   
   
   

Take a moment to review your responses. Be prepared to share any final reflections or action steps with the class.