I have been using USA TODAY, especially the "Today's Debate" editorials, for the past four years. Because the "Today's Debate" is so current and well written, it excites the students to read. Generally, it is more interesting than reading an older story found in a textbook. I use the debates to teach reading, writing, vocabulary, grammar, and oral communication.
An example of a typical lesson plan would be the following: The two opposing views are read aloud by the students. The difficult words are selected ahead of the reading and their definitions are listed on a separate sheet of paper. Other words that are later found to be difficult, but that are not on the list, are defined and then added to the list. Next, examine sentence structure and designate random subjects, verbs and objects. Then the students each paraphrase a paragraph in writing, and we discuss the results as a class.
Then we divide the class into two groups, and the debate begins! Each side is allowed ten minutes to present its points. This is followed by a two-minute summation, and then we vote to determine which view is more acceptable. At the beginning of the lesson, students had been asked their opinion on the subject to be debated. It is surprising to see how many change their positions.
One particular debate that impacted the class profoundly was the "The Clinton Subpoena", dated July 28, 1998. At the beginning of that lesson, a large majority of the class was against forcing President Clinton to testify before the grand jury regarding the Monica Lewinsky case. After reading and discussing the two opposing views, the class unanimously switched positions and felt that he should be required to do so.
Workplace training requires unique teaching methods. The subject matter must be relevant and intriguing. The editorial debates meet these needs. They are extremely well written and spark interest, response and resolve.
