Effects of structured controversy on students' perceptions of their skills in discussing controversial issues

The teaching strategy that educators use when addressing controversial issues can help students develop the skills they need to deal effectively with controversial issues. Structured controversy is designed to allow students to practice these skills. This study measured the change in students' perceptions of their skills in perspective-taking, logical arguing, and reaching consensus after using structured controversy on two controversial issues. Results of two-factor analyses of variance and comparison of means indicate significant positive changes in 51 senior nursing students' perceptions of their skills in perspective-taking (less than .001), logical arguing (less than .01), and reaching consensus (less than .01). These results are consistent with findings of previous research studies on the effectiveness of structured controversy.