link to Media Literacy: How to Watch the Presidential Debates
Standards
Common Core ELA State Standards
The following national teaching standards may be helpful to those educators who plan to engage their students in debate analysis:
Speaking & Listening (Grade 7).
Delineate a speaker’s argument and specific claims, evaluating the soundness of the reasoning and the relevance and sufficiency of the evidence.
Speaking & Listening (Grade 9)
Evaluate a speaker’s point of view, reasoning, and use of evidence and rhetoric, identifying any fallacious reasoning or exaggerated or distorted evidence. (Source)
McRel Language Arts Standard 8 – Uses listening and speaking strategies for different purposes
Level III (Grades 6-8)
Evaluates strategies used by speakers in oral presentations (e.g. persuasive techniques, verbal messages supported by nonverbal techniques, effect of word choice, use of slanted or biased material)
Understands speaker’s use of logic and evidence in verbal arguments (e.g., logical or faulty reasoning, logical fallacies, degree and quality of support for claims) (Source)
The National Civics Standards include several references to the role of the media in the political process:
“evaluate the influence of television, radio, the press, newsletters, and emerging means of electronic communication on American politics” (Source)
The College, Career, and Civic Life (C3) Framework for Social Studies is also appropriate for analyzing debates.
The chart below shows the four C3 frameworks for inquiry on the left along with some corresponding questions on the right.
| The C3 Framework Inquiry Arc’s Four Dimensions |
Presidential Debate Considerations |
| 1. Develop questions and plan investigations | Who is debating? What topics does this debate cover? How is social media used during/after the debate? What roles do the news media play during and after the debate? |
| 2. Apply Disciplinary Concepts and Tools | What arguments does each candidate give to support his/her position? |
| 3. Gather, Evaluate, and Use Evidence | Be prepared to cite exact words, phrases and more used in responses byeach candidate. Research fact-checking websites that agree or disagree with something a candidate said. Do you agree with their conclusions? |
| 4. Communicate Conclusions and take Informed Action | Create a Powerpoint or Prezi using quotes from the candidates during thedebate as well as fact-checking conclusions. Post your conclusions to a school website, blog, Facebook page, or other appropriate social media. |
