The "Open Debate" activity is designed to actively engage students in critical thinking and constructive dialogue. This interactive method encourages students to develop their argumentation skills, listen effectively, and engage respectfully with differing opinions. Through a structured discussion around thought-provoking statements, students learn not only to defend their own viewpoints but also to understand and potentially persuade others. The ultimate goal is to reach a win-win outcome where mutual understanding and collaboration are central.
- Activity goal
- Exchange knowledge | Practice skills
- When
- In class | Post class | Pre class
- Where
- Offline
- Duration
- < 30 minutes| < 60 minutes
- Group size
- Small | Medium
Step-by-step
Step 1
Prepare statements: Create statements that naturally divide students into supporters and opponents.
Step 2
Set up the space: Divide the room into two sides using tape or an imaginary line.
Step 3
Form teams: Split the students into two teams: team green (pro) and team red (con).
Step 4
Prepare arguments: Give students time to come up with arguments. This can be done individually first, then in teams, or directly as a team activity.
Step 5
Justify positions: Both teams present their positions: “We support this because…” and “We oppose this because…” to the other group.
Step 6
Speeddate: Students from both teams pair up for a speed date. In rotating pairs, each student has 3 minutes to uncover as many concerns and interests of the other as possible.
Step 7
Team meeting: Teams regroup to discuss the collected arguments and develop strategies to persuade the opposing team.
Step 8
Appoint speakers: The teacher assigns a spokesperson for each team. Each speaker can request a time-out to consult with their team.
Step 9
Debate phase: One student starts with an argument to persuade or inspire the other side. The opposing team responds by acknowledging, accepting, or rebutting the point. Active listening and recognizing emotions are essential here.
Step 10
Cross the line: If someone is convinced by the other team, they cross the line and join that side.
Step 11
Win-win outcome: The goal is to create a win-win situation through mutual understanding.
You can also give students the debate statements and assign teams at the end of a class (steps 1 and 3). They then collect and develop arguments between class (step 4). Steps 5 through 11 take place during the next class.
