Early Childhood Issues: Group Project and Debate 2 Parts/20 points Total
As a group, choose a current controversial issue in the field of Early Childhood Education. You will need to research and explore in depth both sides of the issue. Your group will split into two opposing sides (Pro Team and Con Team) for the debate. Each side will present a solid argument in defense of their position. Be prepared to respond to the opposing side and to field questions from the class. A web site to explore some issues is ProCon.org Some examples of issues to explore are:
Education as a guaranteed right
School reform
Teacher evaluation
Gender roles in the classroom
Homeschooling
Redshirting for Kindergarten
The Academic Kindergarten
Value of play in education
Public funding for childcare programs
Reopening schools in the era of COVID
Charter schools/School vouchers
Security/armed guards in schools
Media use in school/by children
Standardized Testing
School uniforms
12 month Schooling
Remote/Hybrid Teaching
Universal Pre-K –Is it working?
Teacher Qualifications for Child Care and Elementary Schools
Gender Bias in STEM
*Other topics are welcome and must be approved.
Overview for Debate- Prior to the Written Outline, each group will write a one page essay that describes the topic of your group’s interest and why it is important. List at least one argument in favor and one argument opposed. Include a citation for each argument.
Part A. Written Outline 2-3 pages 10 points After selecting a topic and positions, each individual group member (pro/con) will write an outline. Each team (Pro and Con) will create an introduction and conclusion together for the affirmative and the negative positions. Each individual team member must independently research the topic and work together to write a minimum of three arguments, using the format below. You may add more than three details/evidence for each reason. For each detail, be sure to provide supporting arguments using research from outside sources.
Debate Outline Format:
1. Affirmative Introduction
2. Body a. Detail b. Detail c. Detail
3. Conclusion/Summary
1. Negative Introduction
2. Body a. Detail b. Detail c. Detail
3. Conclusion/Summary
Final Submission prior to Presentation: Your Group will hand in one paper for each team (pro/con).
Remember: Include a bibliography
