NGPF crowd favorite, Debate: Should College Students Have Credit Cards?, was highlighted in the 2020 FinLit Month Calendar. At a time where many schools have transitioned to offering synchronous and asynchronous learning, we’ve listed some adaptations that may work for your current classroom environment.

Synchronous Learning Environment

• Split students into an even number of small teams and assign which side of the debate they will cover. Students identify and list arguments (either synchronously or asynchronously) that support their group’s position prior to the assigned debate date. On the assigned debate date, all students connect via video conference platform for debate.
• You may choose to have either a  standard debate structure where each group debates  an opposing group or you could call on individual students to carry on the debate as a whole class.
• We suggest coming up with a way students can “raise hands” during the debate if required.

• In real-time, use a discussion board (such as Padlet, NearPod, or Google Classroom discussion stream) to have students list arguments for or against the debate topic. Ask students to rebut each other’s arguments on the discussion board.

Asynchronous Learning Environment

• Students complete the resource as provided without the culminating debate.

• Students complete the resource as provided and rather than a culminating debate, students submit an individual response (essay, video recording, FlipGrid, cartoon sequence, brochure, etc). Identify that students should outline their position as well as rebut potential counter-arguments.
• Additional Extra: Have students vote for most compelling submission

• Within a set timeframe, use a discussion board (such as Padlet or Google Classroom discussion stream) to have students list arguments for or against the debate topic. Ask students to rebut each other’s arguments on the discussion board.

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Want more ideas on how to adapt activities to a virtual environment? Be sure to check out a NGPF Virtual PD and collaborate with educators from across the country!  

About the Author

Laura Matchett

After graduating with an education degree and spending 7 years in an elementary classroom, Laura made the switch to the non-profit world and loves interacting with students, educators and business professionals across the country. She is passionate about all students having access to high quality education and views personal finance education as one way to ‘level the playing field’. When Laura is not locating or creating high quality educational resources, you can find her mountain biking or searching for the best ramen in town!

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