Mock Debates Provide Real Life Lessons
In the last week of November, Alicia Hawryluk’s Grade 12 Canadian and International Politics students put on lively mock U.S. presidential and vice-presidential debates. They emulated Kamala Harris, Donald Trump, JD Vance and Tim Walz as they argued about issues like gun control, education, and abortion.
The debates were part of an in-depth learning process that involved teamwork and lots of research. “We watched both the presidential and vice presidential debates in class,” says William Singer ’25. “And then it was up to our groups to complete a 50-minute research presentation focusing on our candidate, including their early life, their rise to power, scandals, and any relevant information or stance on key topics.”
At the debates, which were held in the MS|US Library, boys donned costumes and got into character to face off from their respective podiums. “We know that boys learn best when they have opportunities to do independent research and bring it to life,” says Hawryluk. “When they can take part in their learning as opposed to sitting and just listening to a teacher, I think that they're going to be more engaged.”
From one argument to the next, the students showed their knowledge about their candidate’s take on each issue. “Both Ms. Harris and Mr. Trump were immensely captivating figures who juxtaposed each other in their behaviour on stage,” says Singer. “We knew we were being assessed on our knowledge of their stances as well as the performative aspect.”
Singer says that the mock debates offer an entry point for people who may not otherwise have an interest in politics. “ I definitely think that they bring a wider audience in,” says Singer. “It's a great method to grab people's attention, especially when it gets lively and when issues can get a little personal.”
“ I wanted them to gain a real understanding of the key issues that Americans were facing,” says Hawryluk. “I hope it encourages them to become engaged citizens in their own communities.” The students also tapped into their critical thinking and collaboration skills through the process.
Hawryluk was so impressed with the work of her students that she found it hard to be objective and had to ask a colleague to judge the winner. In the end, the mock Republicans won thanks to, she says, their entertainment value.
