Session 12-Philosophy Debate

Today's debate was very engaging. From last week and over the weekend I've trying to study our group's assignment - Daoism (Taoism). I still felt I was not prepared well. According to the instructions of Clay, we needed to understand the overall background of Warring States. We certainly need to find out the core belief of Daoists (Taoists). In addition, we need to locate the appropriate quotes as supports. It was some online research and reading. But it's worth it. Because Daoism (Taoism) has a great impact in Chinese culture and history. Now, since we have the great experience with the debate, I have already have some ideas to arrange a debate activity with my upper level Chinese students. Thanks to Tony and Joe for the team work!

I loved the debate today! Although, as most others, I was a little anxious about the debate, but the structure of it was perfect! It was a bit slower moving (which is good when just learning about a topic), Prof. Dube asked great questions and helped guide us toward the right answer when we were stuck rather than just giving us the answer right away (which is what any great teacher should do!), and each question built upon the last.

I think that with the right guidance, preparation and moderating, this would be an EXCELLENT activity to try with students of any level. The resources we were given and the lectures we had provided us all with great information and quotes, but outside research added to the overall understanding. I think it would also be interesting to close this lesson by asking students to identify which philosophy they think is the strongest or they agree with the most and explain why. With enough time, it would also be a great activity to ask students to come up with their own philosophy (about school, government, relationships, etc.). Could be very interesting...

Thank you so much for dinner! I missed you today-- hope everything went well. RF

I agree with many of the others that today's debate was a very positive experience. I personally felt a lot of anxiety about my lack of knowledge about the subject. Added to the anxiety was not knowing in advance the debate format or what the questions under debate would be. I found the chart in the lesson plan packet was very helpful for the team when we were finally able to meet during lunch to prepare.

It was the gentle way in which Professor Dube handled the group that made the exercise engaging and fun - his questions made me want to think more about how to weave these concepts in ways that make the material accessible to students today. The rap poem created by one of Dr. Dube's students about Confucianism was a great example of how to take these abstract concepts and make them relevant for our students today.

The Debate was another Awesome learning experience for me, it was fun to see a different point of view from each school of thought. By working with the group, every one get involved, brain storming, filling out the chart and participate in the debate, that was a great project based learning experience. At the end of discussion session about the Father and Son case study,( the father did some things against the law and the son knew about it, what is your suggestion to the son). That's a good summary session, which allowed every one applied what he/she learned to solve the problem. I think our learners can benefit this project based learning case in the future International Leadership lessons.

It's the first time I realized that a good structured debate can be a powerful tool in teaching. First of all, it can help students to have a better understanding about the content materials. Secondly, it can be used to lead students to have an in depth discussion on a specific subject. Thirdly, it is an effective engaging method to get students participate in learning. I will definitely try to adapt and integrate this method in my teaching.

Thank you for the sandwhich. I needed that! That was very thoughtful and appreciated.