Today was the day of the debate. I tried to set it up similar to the Institute for Political and Legal Education class that many high schools have. Alas, it often breaks down into insults being hurled across the room, but at least it's entertaining... Anyway, I thought my morning class did surprisingly well, but the afternoon class was kind of annoying. The two classes actually take turns being difficult on different days.

Although there was much complaining in both classes about having to take a position with which they did not agree, one girl in the morning class was a good sport and made a solid speech in front of the class. I was so proud :)

I'm thinking of doing a similar set up for a debate on the Spanish-American War in another couple of weeks. If it doesn't go smoothly I might just drop the format. Or maybe I'll just keep it for the first class if they can handle it.