Reaction to Christina McElwees Debate Project The lesson seems to be well thought out and organized.

It exhibits good teaching practice and is engaging. For example, the lesson requires students to research a topic and find quality articles to support their position in the debate. Engagement is increased with team work and stimulating topics. Students review skills learned previously in the semester. They are required to locate main ideas, to write an opening and closing statement. They will also defend their point of view in a rebuttal phase. They will think in terms of persuasion as they prepare their argument. Students will use metacognitive skills as they think through the important ideas from the text and record their interpretations of the material. During the debates, the non-participating students will listen and summarize the main points. When the debate is completed, each student will reflect on their experience.