Structured Controversy (SC) – sometimes referred to as ‘Co-operative Controversy’ or ‘Structured Academic Controversy’ – is a co-operative learning activity. During SC all students, working in teams and small groups during class time, engage in an informal debate like discussion about a controversial issue arguing one position in Round 1 and then another position in Round 2. The purpose of SC is not to defeat the other side, but rather to uncover the various arguments pertaining to the issue in question. To watch videos including instructor and student comments about this technique, see Active Learning in Large Classrooms.

Preparation:

1. Create an exciting and controversial resolution/topic
2. Communicate the substance of and your enthusiasm for the topic you have chosen
3. Establish and communicate your expectations for the conduct of the SC
4. Prepare short assigned readings for students
1. different coloured paper for different articles
2. each student has only one article or package of articles (on one colour different from other articles and packages)
3. distribute packages at least one week before (but not too far in advance)
5. Create team tents: sets of letter names and number names up to the required amount for your size of class (based on the size of the teams, which I like to be 3 or 4 only)
6. Find a timer for the event (one that can be projected onto a screen with an alarm would be best)
7. Prepare instructions and schedule for display to the students during the SC (Power Point, for example)

Execution:

1. Welcome the students and review the procedures and expectations
2. Direct students to form their own teams of 3 or 4 such that there are as many different coloured articles are represented (which maximizes the breadth of information available to the team
1. One member of the team needs to see you to get a team tent (a number or letter designation)
2. Distribute name tents in pairs ONLY, one number and one letter such that you end up with an EVEN number of teams. You may need to wait to hand out a name tent to a team until another team shows up.
3. If there is a team left with no pair DO NOT give them a name tent but express your regret and ask them to disperse into other teams. You must have an EVEN number of teams!
3. Teams prepare their arguments for both the affirmative and the negative for a period of time (10 minutes or so – your call)
4. Inform the teams which will be negative and which affirmative (i.e. All lettered teams will take the negative side to start and all numbered teams will take the affirmative.)
1. Allow 5 minutes or so for teams to prepare their side
5. Direct teams to find a partner team (letters with numbers – never two numbered or two lettered teams)
6. Using the timer begin Round 1 together (so you end together).
7. Between rounds allow some time for preparation of Round 2. Continue as in Round 1 (I use shorter times for each team to speak and rebut.)

Conclusion:

1. Allow time for a post-SC briefing about the resolution/topic in small and/or large groups and perhaps the creation of a short in-class group assignment.
2. Ask students to comment on the process (out loud in class, in small groups, on paper during class time, or after class using an on-line tool, or …)
3. Make notes about what to do next time and bask in the joy of a great teaching and learning adventure!

See the articles attached below for more information.