15 October 2012 Last updated at 14:33

Teacher's guide: Live debating

Send in photos from your classroom during the debate!

If you're planning on joining a World Class live debate session, this page can help you make the most of your involvement.

The debates are topical global conversations for pupils around the world. The following tips are designed to help you do this, as well as dealing with some of the practical issues of taking part.

• All you need for a debate is a computer with an internet connection, and some pupils - it doesn't matter how many.
• Take a quick look at our previous debates to see how they work - examples here and here.
• Make sure you locate the live debate page before the debate, and show the films provided to your pupils if you can. (The debate page is clearly promoted on the World Class homepage in the preceding week.)
• If you need inspiration, use the debate points (located at the top of the live page) as talking points.
• Once the debate begins, send the opinions and comments of your pupils to [e-mail], and we'll post them on the live page - keep an eye out for them!
• Send us photos from your classroom so we can post them during the debate - pupils love seeing themselves online and it fosters enthusiam. Please ensure that you complete and return the consent form (below) so we can post your photos online.

PDF download BBC World Class consent form for photos_[101KB]

• During the debate, encourage your pupils to think about what others are saying. Do they agree? Disagree? Have a counter-point or follow-up? Email it to us.
• If you can't make the set debate time, send us your opinions beforehand and we'll use them during the debate.
• And most importantly - don't be shy!

Still have questions? Email [e-mail] and we'll do our best to help.