Objective: To evaluate the usefulness of formal debates in the pharmacy classroom as a way to learn course material and as a tool for developing competency in essential skills including critical thinking, communication, public speaking, research methods, and teamwork.
Design: Debates were incorporated into a self-care course, where students were assigned different debate topics focused on controversial issues. Quantitative analysis was completed to assess debate style learning, knowledge about the subjects presented, and the impact on necessary skills.
Assessment: Quizzes given before and after debates showed up to a 36% improvement in grades and up to a 31% change in opinions on the topic. Students assessed themselves as more competent in the skill sets at the completion of the debate series.
Conclusion: Incorporation of debates into didactic style courses offers students an opportunity to improve upon skills that will help them succeed as pharmacists.
Keywords: active learning; debate; instructional design; pharmacy; self-care.