The Arts Unit Unit Creative Teachers
Working as a team
Cohesive teams
This section gives you some tips on how to prepare as a cohesive team, before the debate, during prep and during the debate.
Before you begin, make sure you view the planning a program page. This page shows you how to organise training sessions and plan your program.
Teamwork
Learning intention: work together effectively through improving preparation strategies and overall teamwork.
Debating topics usually reflect current events so stay informed about what is happening in society through listening to, viewing and reading a range of reputable news sites. Tune in to the various interests and knowledge of each of your team members!
Preparing for a debate
This video explains how topic selection works along with providing a suggested breakdown of preparation time.
In preparation time, teams should think about the following steps:
silent brainstorm
discussion
case Construction
1st speaker speech
2nd speaker speech
final preparations.
Effective use of preparation time
Duration: 08:26Working cohesively during prep time
In the prep room:
Set aside time (such as after your silent brainstorm) for uninterrupted listening.
Write the first affirmative speech as a team!
Think about appointing someone to have the decisive vote if there is an argument about the case in prep.
Working cohesively in the prep room
Duration: 05:02Working cohesively during debates
In the debate:
At least one person should be listening carefully to the debate!
Make sure any notes that you pass to your team are clear, well structured and easy to read.
Chill out! Be encouraging to your team and they will be encouraging to you.
Working cohesively in a debate
Duration: 03:55Analysing effective teams
Suggested activity
1. Watch one of the finals to see a high-quality debate between successful teams. Choose between the NSW Premier's Debating Challenge finals: Years 7 and 8, Years 9 and 10, and Years 11 and 12. You can also watch debates from the Junior State Debating Championships.
2. During and after watching, consider and discuss: what makes each team effective? What are they doing well?
3. Reflect as a team and plan how you can continue to improve as a team.
