Developing arguments - critical thinking teacher's pack

Developing arguments
A lesson plan on how to structure arguments using informal logic and aMap (www.aMap.org.uk)

Learning outcomes
The students will :
- understand how arguments are structured using “informal logic”
understand how to develop their own structured argument
practice creating their own arguments
have an interactive argument with friends (in the class and on the internet)

Explaining argument structure
Explain to the class how people use “informal logic” in their everyday arguments
Explain how informal logic is based around a four part structure:
Position
Proposition
Reason
Evidence
Explain how the linking words characterise this structure:
Position: “I think . . .”
Proposition: “Because . . .”
Reason: “As . . .”
Evidence: “Supported by . . .”

Testing their understanding
Once the class has an understanding of the basic informal logic structure, then give them an example:
Position: “I THINK Obama is a great President”
Proposition: “BECAUSE he’s a great leader”
Reason: “AS he listens to people and commands respect”
Evidence: “SUPPORTED BY the fact that he runs monthly town hall meetings where he answers people’s questions.”
Now ask the class for a topic to base an argument around, and develop up and argument with them helping fill in the parts of the argument.

Developing personal arguments
Now get your students into pairs.
Select a question you want your students to develop an argument around, for example: “Should students wear uniforms to school?”.
Hand out an aMap “argument sheet” to each student
Then ask one person from each pair to develop up an argument “for” and the other “against”.
N.B. Make sure they develop up their argument using the “aMap argument sheet” - providing three complete arguments to support their position. (see the “aMap argument sheet format on the next slide).

aMap argument format

Arguing online! As homework, ask each of your students to visit www. aMap .org.uk , and create an argument on any subject they like - and start an argument with a friend! See the example below:

Happy arguing ; - ) www.aMap.org.uk N.B. to support your lessons, you can buy our series of aMaps from www.aMap.org.uk/buy

http://www.amap.org.uk	201
http://year7socialworld.wikispaces.com	38
http://www.slideshare.net	30
http://thestaffroom.wikispaces.com	12
http://thoughtsoneduc.blogspot.com	9
http://every1working2gether.pbworks.com	2
http://teachingcomparative.pbworks.com	2
http://ccstechtraining.blogspot.com	2
http://amy.globalblogs.org	2
http://us-w1.rockmelt.com	1
http://www.google.com	1
http://translate.googleusercontent.com	1
https://twimg0-a.akamaihd.net	1
https://bbapp1.selu.edu	1
http://paper.li	1
http://wcstechspot.blogspot.com	1
http://thoughtsoneduc.blogspot.ca	1

Developing arguments - critical thinking teacher's pack

by Delib on Sep 15, 2009

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Developing arguments - critical thinking teacher’s pack — Presentation Transcript