Heated Debates

In case you are unaware, the U.S. Presidential election is coming up very shortly. Due to this, all of the Grade 11 and Grade 12 economics classes are taking part in some mini debates set to represent the real presidential election.

 One half of the class represents the right side (republicans) of the political spectrum and the other half of the class represents the left side (democrats). From there they were split into small subset groups. During the debates, the students discussed real-life problems in the U.S., for example, the budget and minimum wage. The students are expected to voice their respective party’s view on the topic and it’s policies. Each side takes a turn debating about the chosen subject while the opposing party listens and gives POI’s (point of information).

Outside of the actual 15 minutes or so that each group spent debating, there were additional requirements for the assignment. Each party had to collectively create an economic manifesto which included their party’s policies, plans of action if elected, and extensive use of graphs and visuals. Also , each party was responsible for creating two video commercials in to promote their party. This assignment provided students with the chance to research and study politics in the United States and then apply what they learn in their debate. Some students were debating for the opposite party in which they personally side with, so they were able to really strengthen their debating skills.

 All in all, it was a really fun assignment and the students really enjoyed it. Grade 11 Econ student Jimmy Park said; “What I like about the debate is that the students of AISG are able to debate and simulate what would be the Presidential Debate and discuss the issues of United States and its policies.” I asked Mr. Duncan, an IB Econ teacher, what he thought the benefit of students taking part in this debate was, and he answered: “The US presidential debates in IB Econ are a great way for students to have fun while learning about real world Economic and political concepts.”

So, now when the IB Econ students see the results on election day, they will now have a better understanding of how important debating is to the process and success of the U.S Presidential Election.