Introduction
Dear students of 2nd of ESO,
the aim of this webquest is create a debate discussing a relevant and trendy topic:
Should mobiles phones be allowed in school?
You will have to work in pairs:
- decide who is going to be for the topic and who against it.
- look for information, both facts and opinions, to support your views.
- debate about it while recording yourselves!
Task
1.
On this debate task you are required to research about the topic Should mobiles phones be allowed in school? and also to prepare your arguments for or against it. You will need to read articles, watch videos or news about the topic, ask people (teachers, members of the school board or parents about it), etc.
Take into consideration that some important actors might be relevant: parents, teachers, school rules, etc. What do they say about smartphones?
You can write and make a summary of the main ideas you are going to use. This will help you clarify your ideas and give them an order.
Once you have this, you can start thinking about connectors that will help you express your opinion.
2.
Rehearse one or two times with your opponent. Pay attention and listen carefully to what he/she says because you may have to adequate your answers to what he/she proposes.
4. Record yourself. Remember to be confident and secure. Respect your opponents opinions and be polite when expressing yours.
Good luck!
Process
This project will last three sessions:
1st: Preparing ones arguments.
2nd. Rehearse, debate and record while doing it.
3rd: Viewing of the debates with all the class.
1. Choose your opponent.
2. Decide who will be for and who against the topic.
3. Look for arguments that can defend your views: read articles, watch news, which is the rule in your school (or in other schools) about mobile phones, what do/would parents say, etc.
4. Consider which arguments may your opponent prepare so you are ready to refute his/her views.
5. Be respectful and polite when expressing your opinion.
Evaluation
1. Students field work. Good argument to support their views. Taking into account both opinions and facts. 40%
2. Use of language: connectors and expressions. Use of English: pronunciation, vocabulary, fluency. 30%
3. Good manners, polite attitude, self confidence. 10%
4. Attitude during the 3 sessions: effort, working in peers and alone, interest. 20%
Conclusion
Dear students,
you have completed the debate project. Congratulations! 
I hope that you have enjoyed these days learning in a different way.
- You are know aware of what debating is and involves
- You are prepared for speaking in front of an audience
- You know how to seek and use resources to prepare arguments
- You have developed a critic spirit
Credits
Resources
Finding arguments:
https://www.teachermagazine.com.au/articles/controlling-smartphone-use-in-schools
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_phone_use_in_schools
https://gizmodo.com/schools-are-giving-up-on-smartphone-bans-1824280233
https://www.zdnet.com/article/total-ban-on-smartphones-in-schools-should-others-follow-frances-lead/
Useful tools: