The results of this study suggest that when dealing in class with social issues such as the disposal of high-level radioactive waste that require a certain level of basic scientific knowledge, debate and other kinds of active learning may be more effective than lecture-style, noninteractive pedagogical methods. When implementing active learning, however, time and cost and many other factors need to be considered. For the courses described in this chapter, the author was

able to gain the cooperation of NUMO, which made it possible for her to integrate into the course lectures by experts and visits by students to relevant facilities. But when such outside help cannot be obtained, alternatives must be considered.

To take debate on social issues beyond the walls of the university classroom, a DVD of the 2013 students’ debate competition may be a valuable resource that could be shown to the general public. In addition, there is a need for a more conducive learning environment for the debating, which could perhaps be achieved by creating scenarios for model debates and organizing workshops.

This course also pointed to the need for consumer education. It is important to not only think about the short-term consequences of the things we use and their disposal, but also to consider from a global perspective how our consumption will affect future generations. In debate for education, it is important to tackle a range of social issues from multiple points of view. In debating the issue of radioactive waste, in particular, it must be conveyed to students that the issue is not one that is solved just by shutting down nuclear reactors; whether or not we use nuclear energy in the future, the waste has already been produced, a by-product of our consumption.

This chapter has focused on courses aimed at undergraduate students. If possi­ble, in the future, the author would like to run similar debating courses with middle — and high-school students and with adults, and then assess, as was done in this study, the impact of debate as an educational activity.