The Noisy Classroom Developing Debate and Critical Oracy in Schools

Debate and critical oracy allow students to deepen their knowledge and understanding of academic subjects while simultaneously developing their communication and critical thinking skills, which can be hugely effective in increasing attainment. This book, written by an experienced teacher and founder of The Noisy Classroom, aims to help students learn to argue, disagree and debate in a constructive manner. Packed with resources and engaging exercises, it shows teachers how to develop an argument culture in the classroom that promotes open-mindedness and encourages students to explore new perspectives, defend viewsand challenge others. The Noisy Classroom includes: A reflection on critical oracy and why it is important. A step-by-step guide for teachers to set up and encourage debate across the curriculum, highlighting how to get the most out of a noisy classroom. Advice for teachers on how to overcome barriers to building and using critical oracy in the classroom, including troubleshooting when things go wrong. Practical ideas for sharpening pair, group and whole-class discussions, ranging from small starter and plenary activities to full parliamentary-style debates. The book brings together activities gathered and tested over20 years of working in debate, oracy and education. It is intended for school teachers, including both NQTs and more experienced practitioners.

Foreword Introduction Part one: The case for critical oracy 1. What is critical oracy, and what is the state of oracy in our schools at the moment? 2. Why is critical oracy important? 3. Overcoming barriers to using critical oracy in the classroom. 4. The role of senior leaders and teachers in a school of noisy classrooms 5. Troubleshooting Part two: What to do in your classroom: the activities 6. Parliamentary debate 7. Other forms of debate Balloon debates Boxing match debates Table debates Public meetings Conscience alley 8. Shorter activities Rebuttal tennis I couldn't disagree more Where do you stand? Hat debates 9. In character Hot seating Mock trials Question time Chat show News broadcast 10.Structures for critical group or whole-class work On that point Dragon's den Fishbowl discussion Expert groups Argument stations 11. Formats for critical pair discussion Teacher-Pupil Pairs Rotating Circles Quiz and Switch Question and answer pair up. 12. Activities to build oracy skills The um-er game Defending the indefensible Giving and following instructions How are you feeling? Expand-contract Appendices The Noisy Manifesto Key vocabulary for debates Sentence starters and connectivesfor critical oracy Argument and speech structure Examples of topic-based vocabulary for pre-teaching Assessment List of topics for debate and discussion Debate speech scaffold sheets Oracy in the National Curriculum Bibliography and useful links

Debbie Newman has been involved in oracy education for 18 years, firstly as the Head of the Centre for Speech and Debate at the English-Speaking Union and then as a secondary English teacher and whole-school lead on the spoken word. She was the coach of the England Schools Debating Team from 2006 to 2009, winning the World Schools Debating Championships in 2008. Debbie founded and developed The Noisy Classroom, an organisation that trains teachers, produces resources and runs workshops and programmesfor students in debate and critical oracy.