Do you class struggle to get going with debating? Here is a cool new tool to try.

Using aMap in the classroom!

aMap is short for 'argument map'. 

The idea's very simple - to get more people arguing by mapping out complex debates in a simple visual format.

>> Background to aMap and its uses in education

At its heart, aMap is about helping people get to grips with complex (or otherwise) issues and getting people thinking – so are ideal for use in the classroom for lessons like Critical Thinking and other philosophical based subjects . . .

The underlying structuring of aMaps is based around “informal logic” – this is the logic people use to argue in everyday life.  Informal logic has a four-tiered structure:

- Your position (I think . . .) – what you think overall

- Propositions (Because . . .) – reasons that support your position

- Arguments (As . . .) – supporting arguments that back up each of your propositions

- Evidence (Supported by . . .) – supporting evidence to back up your arguments

 Create your own aMap

Explore these examples:

Cat or dog?

Is downloading music without paying for it stealing?

Share your ideas of how aMap could be used in the classroom.

aMap would love to hear from educators to help them develop up aMap further to be used for formal educational purposes. We’re also interested in partnering with teachers / lecturers to help develop up a whole series of educational aMaps for the classroom.
  "The art of persuasion"-arguing convincinly!!