The debate room should be separate from the classroom to heighten the uniqueness of the situation. While a trip to the plains of Africa of hills of Gombe would be the best way to study an animal's behavior, examining animal behavior on film and in written articles can be effective especially if the information is then used in a public debate. Since current research is growing faster than textbooks can record, the text materials are supplemented with current periodicals, journals, and videos. Students take notes on all videos or films viewed and articles read. Students are encouraged to make a choice.
Additional articles read are to be noted only if they are supportive of the students' position.
They build their debate on designated guidelines an democratically assign tasks among members of the group. The debate takes place over a two-day period with a variety of observers. All participants and observers are given rating sheets to complete and the information is collected and tabulated. Students are in an active rather than passive learning mode. The teacher becomes consultant and catalyst.