Activity shared by Thomas Furse, PhD student in the Department of International Politics

Instructions

• Hand out extracts of relevant readings on the topic to be discussed (approx. 300 words). There should be a different text for each group. Try to get a collection of texts that differ in viewpoints.
• Write a question on the board.
• Ask the students to identify how the text they have been given answers that question.
• Go around each group to share to the whole class what they discussed. They have to reference the text when they make their case in the public discussion.

What the Activity Achieves

• Develops the student’s ability to assemble an argument from a piece of text
• Gives the students a new text, writer, book to think about
• Ensures they know the importance of referencing
• Improves public speaking and debating skills

Alternatives

• Students could find their own text or scholar online
• Students could write down how the text answers the question and share it with the other groups