Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Tournament-Style Debate As A Natural Resources Education Technique, Matthew S. Carroll, F. J. Alt, A. M. Brandenburg, W. Schlosser, Steven E. Daniels

Sociology, Social Work and Anthropology Faculty Publications

Curricula in the natural resource professions are placing increased emphasis on course work dealing with the larger philosophical and value-related questions surrounding resource management. This development presents a challenge to instructors, particularly in terms of encouraging active student involvement in such courses. The use of tournament debate format provides one useful means for fostering such involvement while also aiding in the development of oral communication skills. The authors' experience with the use of debate suggests that certain modifications to traditional debate format aid in its successful classroom use.