Using Debate in a Nursing Active Learning Classroom
Have you been struggling lately for inspiration for your active learning classroom?
Lately, I’ve been looking outside of nursing for ideas to improve my classroom. We don’t often think of the debate as a skill in nursing. But it can be a classroom or clinical tool that supports research, reasoning, and communication.
It is better to debate a question without settling than to settle a question without debate.
The four-corner debate is an active learning technique that can expose students to content differently. It is an exercise in openness, active listening, critical thinking, and empathy. As students move into professional practice, they must understand that while they can have personal opinions, a nurse must respect the “inherent dignity, worth, attributes and human rights of all individuals” (ANA Code of Ethics). Having a broad worldview and an open, understanding mind is essential as a nurse working with diverse patient populations.
Benefits of Using Debate as an Active Learning Technique
There are many benefits to including debate as part of a nursing course and building this skill in nursing students.
Critical Thinking
As nurses, there will be differences of opinion with peers, patients, families, and providers. Therefore, students should be able to practice making a well-thought-out argument for their beliefs.
Improved Expression of Ideas
Presenting a well-planned argument with main points and supporting evidence is a skill. In addition, students will be able to practice tone, such as demonstrating respect for other viewpoints or taking on an air of authority.
Increased Empathy
Having empathy as a nurse is essential. An empathetic view of others will help students develop relationships with their patients and professional contacts.
Mastering Complex Situations
Patient care can become highly complex. There are many moving pieces, many interpersonal and interprofessional relationships to navigate, and questions that are not always easy to answer. Practicing these through debate gives students exposure to the complexity of the healthcare scene.
How to Implement a Four-Corner Debate
Start by identifying the controversial topic or statement. Here are a few examples:
The government should legalize marijuana
Convicted inmates should receive healthcare
The United States should mandate vaccines for COVID-19
Physician-assisted suicide should be legal for those with a terminal illness
In my theory course, for the learning plan on pain, we talk about the current opioid epidemic in our country. I give them the statement, “Narcan should be available over the counter.” These topics can become an emotionally charged discussion as students often have strong personal opinions on this topic.
Next, designate each of the room’s four corners with either Strongly Agree, Agree, Disagree, or Strongly Disagree. Have students move to the corner that matches their opinion on the statement. Once grouped, ask them to work together on creating a short presentation about their position. It can be helpful to give them a goal, such as writing your three best arguments as bullet points.
Finally, have each group present their arguments. When the presentations are complete, allow students to change their opinions if they feel differently after hearing from the other groups.
***This activity can become emotionally charged depending on the topic, so be clear on the expectations of respect and kindness for all before starting.
Variations:
Debates can be utilized in a variety of ways. Think-pair-share works as a debate format. Another format is called a problem-solving debate. Students are given a technique to use to solve a problem (think of different methods to interpret ABGs) and must solve a problem and present their assigned approach and all of its merits to their small group or class.
If doing this activity virtually, assign four breakout rooms as the four "corners" or choices. Students should enter the breakout room that they feel best fits their opinion and create their argument via web conference.
Best for:
This activity works best when working through controversial nursing topics. The idea of a debate gives students the experience of discussing different viewpoints and listening to other opinions. A specific topic, such as priority assessment findings in fluid overload, would not have a difference of opinion and will not work with the four corner debate.
Start Building a Four-Corner Debate Activity
This debate is easy to implement into certain lessons or clinical post-conferences. First, borrow a situation from clinical practice, your own experience, or a topic that relates to your classroom content. Next, give students a controversial statement and have them build an outline with 3-4 arguments for their position. Finally, have them share their opinions and listen to those of the other groups.