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Using Debates in Economics to Increase Learning and Develop Marketable Job

Skills

© Gordon Smith

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• Marketable skills desired by

employers• The debate framework

• Creating opportunities for success

• Assessment of the outcomes

• Lessons learned

• Video examples

Presentation Outline

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Marketable Job Skills

• Communication skills

• Critical thinking

• Problem solving

• The ability to obtain and process information

• The ability to work in groups

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The Debate Framework

• Three-person teams

• Opening arguments

• Rebuttal arguments

• Q & A

• Student vote

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Creating Opportunities for Success

• LibGuide

• Mock debate

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Assessment of Outcomes

• Pre-Course Survey

• Pre-Debate Survey

• In-Debate Survey

• Post-Debate Survey #1

• Post-Debate Survey #2

• Post-Debate Vote

• Debate Evaluation Rubric

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Lessons Learned

• Take advantage of the teaching opportunities

• Guard against over-enthusiasm

• Make sure everyone participates

• Be cautious with grade assessment

• Set and stick to clear ground rules

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Questions

• Contact information:o Gordon Smith

Anderson UniversityAssociate Professor of Economics/Financegsmith@andersonuniversity.edu