Da argumentação no Facebook ao debate regrado: usando novas ferramentas na prática de textos argumentativos

Abstract

We propose an analysis of the argumentative strategies used by students in the social network Facebook and a regimented debate in Portuguese classes in basic education, observing the results obtained in the practice of argumentative texts. This research occurred in a public school’s eigth grade group. The work was divided into two stages: first, the students were led to argue in teacher-mediated discussion using the social network, and then, in a regimented public debate. The topics discussed have arisen due to the real needs of students. Both sets of arguments presented by the students were analyzed – those used on Facebook and those in the regimented debate – under the perspective of the types of arguments proposed by Perelman and Olbrechts-Tyteca (2000). The results are relevant in theories of argumentation, for the argumentative force in the thesis defence; in the area of linguistic variation, for the use of appropriate language to the text genre; for motivation to work and the social effects in the students’ lives. Thus, approaching theory and practice, on the network and beyond, we proposed the use of new technologies in education to develop orality and foster students' argumentation skills, seeking to form more critical and ethical citizens. Therefore, this study goes beyond school walls in order to positively affect students’ social lives