Part 4:

The Debate

Objective:
  • Examine and discuss efficacy, legal, and ethical issues related to mandatory HIV testing in pregnant women and newborns

The Online Debate

  • The debate process:
  • Students will debate the proposition that there should be mandatory HIV testing of all pregnant women and newborns.
  • Building on the research, reading, and discussion earlier in this lesson, groups of three students will prepare to debate both sides of the issue.
  • In a pre-arranged time, two groups of students will meet in a synchronous chat to debate the issue. Argument positions pro and con, as well as debate roles that provide introduction, rebuttal, and summary of the position will be assigned randomly by the instructor at that time.
  • After the debate has been completed, all students will complete an evaluation of themselves and other group members regarding their participation in both the preparation and the presentation of the debate.

Preparation for the debate:

  • Each group will prepare to debate both sides of the issue: Should HIV testing of all pregnant women and newborns should be mandatory?
  • Among your group, decide how to best utilize online communication tools, assign the workload, and organize your information.
  • Prior to the online debate, provide all members with necessary information, so that any member can argue either side of the issue.
  • Sign up for debate time slot that is agreeable to all group members

Participation in the debate:
  • One member in each group will be randomly designated by the instructor to post an introductory statement supporting their position.
  • Next, randomly designated members will rebut the opening statements of the opposing side.
  • Finally, the remaining group members will summarize their group's position.
  • Groups speaking in favor of mandatory testing will post first in all rounds, and groups against mandatory testing will post second.
  • Opening statements may be prepared in advance, but rebuttal and summary statements should respond to the issues posted in the discussion.
  • Five minutes per round, per side will be permitted for posting of rebuttal and summary statements.

Evaluation:
  • A self and peer evaluation of each group member should be completed for both the preparation phase and the participation phase of the assignment and emailed to the instructor, along with any additional comments. Evaluations will then be averaged to obtain point score for the lesson.

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Go to VCC for group chat/debate

Go to Grading Rubric for this Assignment