Source: Independent Lens: "Please Vote for Me"
Funding for the VITAL/Ready to Teach collection was secured through the United States Department of Education under the Ready to Teach Program.
Debate Begins
(Video)
National K -12 Subject:
Lesson Plans Using this Resource:
This video segment adapted from Independent Lens documents the first school government election allowed in Wuhan, the most populous city in central China. It was an experiment that was conducted with a class of third grade students who had no experience with elections or the democratic process of voting for a class monitor. In this segment, the race for class monitor continues with a final persuasive presentation by each candidate. To learn more about this election, see the first video segment, "Debate Begins".
Download and ShareThe following Frame, Focus and Follow-up suggestions are best suited for middle school students using this video in an English language arts or social studies lesson. Be sure to modify the questions to meet your students' instructional needs.
What is Frame, Focus and Follow-up?
Frame (ELA) Have you ever participated in a class debate or given an oral presentation in front of the class? How did you prepare for it? How did you feel when it was your turn to speak?
Focus (ELA) As you watch the video, critique each candidate's presentation style and technique. Which methods work well? Which do not? Is there anything they could do to improve their presentations? Why do you think that?
Follow Up (ELA) Do you agree or disagree with how the debates were conducted? Is there anything participants could have done to be more persuasive and give better presentations? Write a list of recommendations for each candidate. Once each list is completed, notice if any recommendations overlap.
Frame (SS) What do you know about a democracy? What do you know about the government of China? How does it compare to the government of your country?
Focus (SS) What are some of the tactics used by the students to get their classmates to vote for them? Are these tactics effective?
Follow Up (SS) What are some other examples in society or everyday life where persuasive techniques are used? In your opinion, what techniques tend to be the most effective? Support your opinion by providing examples of how people react to these presentation techniques.
MRS. ZHANG: Who will be our Class Monitor? Please welcome the candidates.
CHENG CHENG: Respected teachers, classmates, greetings! A Class Monitor is the bridge between students and teachers. Class affairs will be decided through a committee, I won’t decide alone. I will be a democratic Class Monitor. Thank you.
MRS. ZHANG: Take it easy.
XU XIAOFEI: Teachers and classmates, greetings! I have cried when I faced difficulties. I have nearly given up, but I shall face difficulties with courage. I’ll work hard to live up to everyone’s expectations. I thank my teacher, classmates, and my mother, who is always supportive. A vote for Xiaofei will brighten every school day. Thank you.
LUO LEI: Dear teachers and classmates, greetings! My name is Luo Lei, I’m 8 years old. Over time, we’ve built up a profound friendship, I am happy to be here to say thank you. I will exert my ability and wisdom, be good at managing, be happy to manage, and win honor for our class! Please trust me. Please vote for me!
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