PBL Symposium Debate Schedule (1 hour)

Motion: “This House Prefers Online PBL to Face-to-Face PBL.”

Format: Adapted British Parliamentary (6 teams × 2 speakers each)
                              

Time	Activity	Details
0:00 – 0:05 (4 min)	Opening & Motion Announcement	Moderator welcomes audience, introduces motion, explains debate rules and judging criteria.
0:05 – 0:09 (5 min)	Team Draw & Role Assignment	Teams draw lots to determine their positions (Proposition or Opposition) and speaking order (1–6). Moderator records results publicly.
0:09 – 0:14 (7 min)	Team Preparation	Teams finalize strategies and coordinate based on their assigned roles.
0:14 – 0:18 (4 min)	Opening Proposition (Team 1)	Defines motion, outlines Online PBL’s benefits, sets framework and main arguments.
0:18 – 0:22 (4 min)	Opening Opposition (Team 2)	Refutes Team 1, presents case for Face-to-Face PBL, establishes contrast.
0:22 – 0:26 (4 min)	Closing Proposition (Team 3)	Strengthens Online PBL stance, expands on flexibility and inclusivity.
0:26 – 0:30 (4 min)	Closing Opposition (Team 4)	Highlights interpersonal and feedback benefits of Face-to-Face PBL.
0:30 – 0:34 (4 min)	Extension Proposition (Team 5)	Adds new perspectives—global access, digital literacy, innovation.
0:34 – 0:38 (4 min)	Extension Opposition (Team 6)	Counters new points—emphasizes empathy, engagement, and realism in F2F learning.
0:38 – 0:50 (12 min)	Rebuttal Round	Each team’s second speaker delivers a 2-minute rebuttal (order 1→6). Moderator keeps strict time.
0:50 – 0:56 (4 min)	Judges’ Deliberation	Adjudicators finalize scores and prepare feedback. Optional facilitator reflection.
0:56 – 1:00 (4 min)	Feedback & Results	Judges provide commentary, constructive feedback, and announce the winner.

Debate Team Role Allocation and Speaking Order 

To ensure a fair and transparent process, team roles for the AHA–PHS PBL Symposium Debate will be determined through a live random draw using an online wheel   https://wheelofnames.com

 

The first team drawn becomes “Team 1” in the speaking order. Each team decides internally which member will deliver the first and second speeches.

• Speaker 1 → Main argument
• Speaker 2 → Rebuttal, reinforcement, or summary

 

Once all teams have been assigned an order (1-6), their speaking order and roles will be as follows:

Speaking Order	Team Role	Side	Speaker 1	Speaker 2	Time
1	Opening Proposition	Online PBL	Main Argument	Rebuttal/Support	4+2 min
2	Opening Opposition	Face-to-Face PBL	Main Argument	Rebuttal/Support	4+2 min
3	Closing Proposition	Online PBL	Extension Argument	Integrate & Defend	4+2 min
4	Closing Opposition	Face-to-Face PBL	Extension Argument	Integrate & Defend	4+2 min
5	Extension Proposition	Online PBL	Expand Argument	Synthesize & Conclude	4+2 min
6	Extension Opposition	Face-to-Face PBL	Expand Argument	Final Summation	4+2 min

Teams 1, 3, 5 - Proposition (Online PBL)
Teams 2, 4, 6 – Opposition (Face-to-Face PBL)

 

Summary of Events Flow

 1. Team roles are assigned via live random draw before the debate.

 2. Each team has 2 speakers, with Speaker 1 presenting the main argument and Speaker 2 providing reinforcement or rebuttal.

 3. Visible time cues should be given to each speaker (30-second warning).

 4. After all main speeches by Speaker 1 of each group, we shall proceed to the rebuttal round by Speaker 2 of each groups (2+2 minutes per team).

 5. Judges deliberate while teams reflect on arguments; results and feedback follow.

Tips for Preparation

1.    Understand the Motion

Reflect on the meaning and implications of the motion “This House Prefers Online PBL to Face-to-Face PBL.” Identify key terms and consider both practical and pedagogical perspectives related to PBL.

 

2.    Develop Clear Arguments

Construct arguments that are coherent, evidence-based, and logically sequenced. Each point should be supported by examples or references relevant to PBL practice, learning outcomes, or student engagement.

 

3.    Anticipate Counterarguments

Think critically about what the opposing side might say. Prepare reasoned rebuttals that address potential weaknesses in your own case and strengthen your overall stance.

 

4.    Coordinate with Your Teammate

Divide speaking roles strategically — one may focus on establishing the main argument, while the other reinforces points, presents examples, or delivers rebuttals. Maintain a consistent and unified narrative.

 

5.    Practice Time Management

Rehearse to ensure your speech fits within the allocated four minutes. Aim for a strong opening, a structured body, and a clear conclusion.

 

6.    Engage with Confidence and Respect

Present with clarity and enthusiasm. Listen actively to other teams, respond thoughtfully, and uphold the spirit of academic dialogue and mutual respect.