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Published online by Cambridge University Press: 12 May 2020
What professor in his right mind would argue with himself in front of a class? The lead author of this article has done just that and found the use of the two-hat debating technique an exciting way to teach. The professor plays the role of two or more people presenting different points of view wearing a different hat for each character. The characters portrayed could be Plato and Aristotle discussing the best form of government or could be an environmentalist, rancher, and timber company executive debating the use of Forest Service land. In each case, the instructor needs to research the positions that each speaker would be likely to take, prepare a brief script, select an appropriate hat, and throw him- or herself into the part.
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