Using a Case as the Basis for a Modified Debate

Abstract

This paper discusses how student participation in case discussions can be increased and how class sessions can be enlivened by using a “four-way modified debate” with a case serving as the basis for the debate. It describes how the debating and judging teams are established and what procedures are followed when conducting the debate. A case that has been used successfully as the basis for a debate is presented. The results found when using this approach are described, as are possible modifications to it. Suggestions as to how to conduct modified debates are given.