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F.O.C.U.S. - Problem Solving for Policy Debate
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Welcome Parents, Coaches and Students
- "F.O.C.U.S. Problem Solving for Policy Debate" is a 5-Step
Problem Solving Process that should be taught and learned early
in a student's debate training. The premise is that debate
training IS problem solving training for life. It is a process
moving from an objective analysis of a problem to a synthesis
solution. The first 3 steps, is similar to the Extemporaneous
speaker or Policy Analyst, identifying facts, and key ideas in
order to arrive at an advocacy position. The final 2 steps, is
similar to the creative designer, the problem solver, building
the house that will withstand critical review.
This book presents a new organizing framework for arguments called, "Determinants", that take the place of and are used along with the traditional stock issues. They are the grouping of arguments, a communication framework by which to refute and defend an advocacy position. This book links the traditional stock issues to each of the four "determinants" of success.
"F.O.C.U.S. Problem Solving for Policy Debate" is a book for everyone. Let me explain how to use this book depending on your policy debate knowledge and experience.
- For the Beginning Debate Student, Parent or Coach of the
beginning debater:
First, read this book early on in your debate education to grasp the 5-Step process. The Toulmin Model of Inductive Logic is included and both are required knowledge prior to "diving" into stock issues. The worksheets will help you organize information and write an affirmative case. The checklists will help you rebuttal your own case and will be used when on the negative.
Second, get a good intro debate book with a discussion of stock issues, such as Christy Shipe's "Introduction to Argumentation and Debate. "
Third, get a good research book, such as Anna Crowson's book, "Policy Debate Research" .
For the Experienced Debate Student, Parent or Coach of the experienced debater:
Read this book and ask yourself, "Have I been solving for the resolution in this way? Have I been quick to not gather all the facts, objectively? Have I not been a policy analyst, an extemporaneous student before being the creative case writer? Have I been analyzing key ideas before becoming an advocate of one? Have I jumped to synthesis case writing too quickly before I have all the facts?" And finally," Have I rebutted my own case?" This book will empower you with a better understanding of the Toulmin Model, give you a new framework to order your arguments, called "determinants.", introduce you to "problem statements" to guide your case writing and, in general, give you a new way of thinking to better analyze and communicate a solution.
Outtakes from the Book
Good solutions just don't happen.In policy debate the solution is known as the case. It solves for an initial problem statement called the resolution. This book will help you order your steps in the problem solving process, order the presentation of the case, and, over time if you develop your persuasive speaking skills, you will be presenting real viable solutions to problems.
In competitive debate this can result in a judge deciding your case warrants an affirming vote. In life, a successful problem solving exercise can mean designing and engineering a good building or the latest high-tech gadget, putting together a workable business plan, getting a grant, winning a legal battle, or creating new policy.
The 5-Step Process is both simple and comprehensive.
It is not limited to just policy debate, but is a process that you can use through out life regardless of your career, position or challenge that lays before you. It is a 5-step process, so don't jump to an advocacy position and develop your case without first gathering all the facts and identifying key ideas and opinions within the vast research phase.
Order out of chaos
This is my job as I enjoy organizing data and making sense of it all. It is called "Information Architecture" which is the art, science, and business of organizing information so that it makes sense to people who use it. It is a filtering and organizing process whose goal is to structure. Until there is interpretation or meaning, there is no order.
Tom Peters , the author of "In Search of Excellence", years ago claimed that in today's chaotic information laden world, the individuals most needed in society will be those who can "make sense of it all". Alvin Toffler , the author of "Future Shock", "The 3rd Wave", and "Power Shift" proclaims,
'The illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn, and relearn." Alvin Toffler
Facts are only important if they are appropriate or relevant. Facts are collected to describe the Necessity or Needs of the existing condition, as well as, proposed ideas for change.
Gather Facts as determinants of success or failure.
Ben Franklin observed, "One of the tragedies of life is the murder of a beautiful theory by a gang of brutal facts."
Because there is no end to facts, collect ONLY those that might have a bearing on the problem and organize them into determinants. In addition to necessity, facts include statistical ‡ time projections, economic $ costs data and defining boundary relationships, and constraints of target peoples, organizations and related associations.
Observe the key ideas for change.
As you gather Facts you can not avoid Observing key ideas or concepts within the boundaries of your objective investigation. The knowledge grid will prove useful to organize the facts with each key idea and to record your interpretation of the data.
Study your grid flow sheets and the 4 determinant problem statements.Discuss and debate the key ideas.
Decide which ideas are worthy for consideration.
Definition: Interpret
To explain the meaning of; to conceive the significance of; to explain; to make sense of; assign a meaning to.
Make a Choice - Decide which key idea you will advocate.
Definition: Advocate
To speak, plead, or argue in favor of; one that argues for a cause.
The Four (4) Problem Statements -Understanding & With-Standing
The four problem statements summarize your advocacy position. Each is one paragraph to a half page in length. The Problem Statements will be your design guide. It is your bold claim as Toulmin extols. Your claim along with your useful information (idea evidence) will allow you to build a case that promotes Understanding and allows you to With-Stand critique.
You had earlier entered the idea into a Knowledge Grid, but only in brief broad interpretive statements. Now, the statements will go "deeper" to capture the essence of the need and the essence of the new knowledge of your solution. It will be a point you should return to often to evaluate the design solution (your case presentation). At minimum you should have 4 statements, one for each of the 4 major determinants. So you will cover boundaries, necessity, $costs, and time summary statements.
Definition: Essence
The intrinsic or indispensable properties that serve to characterize or identify something.
Information Architect, The Solutions Group
Policy & Value Debate Coach since 2001; Coach of NCFCA National Debate Finalists, 03-04
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