Debate as a methodological resource for teacher training in Physical Education

Abstract

The aim of this research is to assess the use of debate in higher education in the subject of Physical Education, as well as to identify the students' opinion regarding the usefulness of debate as a methodological resource in the teaching-learning process. To this end, 3 debates were promoted with students taking the subject Physical Education in Primary Education; an area located in the 2nd year of the Primary Education Degree. A questionnaire of 7 open and 3 closed questions was prepared and answered by 174 people who had participated in the 3 debates. The data collected were analyzed with the SPSS computer program and the results determined that the great majority of participants valued the application of debate in the classroom as positive. It is concluded that debate is a propitious element in higher education since it promotes active participation and critical spirit, as well as an improvement in reflective, argumentative and communicative skills.