CHAPTER 2. Why use Debate

In an environment like the one we live in that is highly changeable and that demands rapid adaptation processes and problem solving, the training of young professionals is becoming a real challenge.

In this sense, educational contexts must adapt to social and economic demands, and teachers must lead the processes by adopting pedagogical approaches that respond to the detected needs. Therefore, understanding that one of the skills that is most in demand in new professionals is critical thinking, the debate tool as an educational methodology to promote this skill and others such as teamwork or active listening, turns the debate in a priority practice in university environments.

2.1. Implications of the methodology of the Debate

  • Active participation of the student in his educational process based on internal motivation.
  • Organization of joint activities, emergence of interrelationships between the teacher and the students.
  • Ensure dialogical communication between students in the process of obtaining new knowledge.

Debate is an educational methodology that combines the art of structured argumentation with dialogical discussions, which encourages meaningful dialogue and the productive exchange of ideas. In addition, it encourages participants to engage in respectful, constructive, and intellectually stimulating conversations.

Debate promotes active citizenship by encouraging participants to engage in discussions about social, political, and ethical issues. By exploring diverse perspectives and engaging in reasoned debates, students develop the ability to understand complex societal challenges and propose viable solutions. Debate prepares individuals to be informed and responsible citizens who can contribute to democratic processes, engage in public discourse, and advocate for positive change.

Debate serves as a powerful educational methodology for fostering dialogic discussions. By providing a structured framework for respectful and constructive dialogue, it enhances critical thinking, promotes active citizenship, and nurtures empathy and understanding. Through debate, participants learn the art of persuasive argumentation while engaging in meaningful exchanges of ideas. By embracing this methodology, educators can create an environment that fosters intellectual growth, encourages collaboration, and equips individuals with the skills necessary to navigate complex issues in an increasingly diverse and interconnected world.

2.1.1. Understanding Dialogic Discussions

Dialogic discussions, also known as dialogue, involve an open and collaborative exchange of ideas with the goal of mutual understanding and knowledge enhancement. Unlike debates that often focus on winning arguments, dialogic discussions prioritize active listening, empathy, and the exploration of diverse perspectives. By creating a supportive environment where participants can share ideas without judgment, formatted debate facilitates dialogic discussions that lead to enhanced critical thinking and deeper understanding.

Points explaining the importance of dialogic debates in university education:

Skills in Discussing Ideas: Dialogic debates enhance students’ abilities to analyse, criticize, and defend different ideas. These debates help students learn how to express their thoughts effectively, construct logical arguments, and understand the perspectives of the opposing side.

Critical Thinking Skills: Dialogic debates contribute to the development of students’ critical thinking skills. During the discussions, students are required to support their arguments using evidence-based thinking, logical reasoning, and identifying contradictions. This helps improve their analytical and critical thinking abilities.

Empathy And Understanding: Dialogic debates assist students in understanding different perspectives and developing empathy. In a debate where various viewpoints are presented, students try to understand the thought processes of others by putting themselves in their shoes. This enables students to gain a broader perspective and enhance their societal understanding.

Confidence And Communication Skills: Dialogic debates increase students’ self-confidence and enable them to acquire effective communication skills. Debate environments provide opportunities for students to express their thoughts clearly and coherently, present persuasive arguments, and improve their public speaking skills.

Social Engagement: Dialogic debates encourage students to actively participate in society. Debates promote students’ understanding and advocacy of democratic values, human rights, and justice. As a result, students engage actively in social issues and effectively participate in democratic processes.

For all these reasons, dialogic debates are an essential component of education at the university level.

2.1.2. Structured Argumentation

Formatted debate provides a structure for participants to present their arguments and engage in a systematic exchange of ideas. The use of rules and formats, such as time limits, turn-taking, and specific speech patterns, helps ensure equal participation and fairness. Participants are encouraged to present well-reasoned arguments supported by evidence, fostering critical thinking and the development of persuasive communication skills. This structured approach ensures that dialogic discussions remain focused and productive.

Here are some reasons for the importance of structured argumentation:

Logical And Consistent Debate: Structured argumentation enables participants to organize their arguments by considering them. Presenting each argument with its reasons and consequences allows the debate to progress logically and ensures consistency between the parties. This results in a more efficient and effective discussion built on a solid foundation.

Clarity İn Communication: Structured argumentation helps participants express their thoughts clearly and comprehensibly. Preparing and organizing each argument in advance reduces confusion and facilitates more effective communication of the message to others. This minimizes misunderstandings and communication problems, thus enhancing the efficiency of the debate.

Evidence-Based Thinking: Structured argumentation encourages participants to gather and present evidence that supports their arguments. Evidence is crucial in enhancing the credibility of an argument and promoting a more objective progression of the debate. In a structured discussion, systematically presenting evidence makes it easier to identify false claims and recognize strong arguments.

Mental Discipline and Critical Thinking: Structured argumentation enhances participants’ skills in organizing, analysing, and critically evaluating their thoughts. Determining the justifications that support each argument requires mental discipline, as well as the ability to think from different perspectives and respond to challenging questions. This process strengthens participants’ critical thinking skills and allows for the emergence of better knowledge and ideas.

2.1.3. Respectful and Constructive Dialogue

One of the key features of formatted debate is its emphasis on respectful and constructive dialogue. Participants are encouraged to listen actively, consider opposing viewpoints, and respond thoughtfully. Through this process, individuals learn to appreciate the value of diverse perspectives and engage in civil discourse. By fostering an environment of respect, formatted debate creates space for collaboration, empathy, and the exploration of shared understanding.

Respectful and constructive dialogue awareness is the mutual respect and constructive communication between participants in a discussion. This awareness involves acknowledging that individuals may have different opinions and requires listening to these opinions with mutual understanding.

Respectful dialogue is based on principles of mutual respect, refraining from personal attacks, and avoiding judgment. During a discussion, people express their ideas while valuing and respecting the opinions of others. Respect ensures that the discussion is conducted in a fair and balanced manner, allowing participants to communicate effectively without displaying a hostile attitude towards each other.

Constructive dialogue aims to be solution-oriented and strives to achieve a common understanding during the process of discussion. Participants collaborate by creating a discussion environment that embraces diversity and richness instead of conflicting different ideas. Constructive dialogue encourages individuals to seek understanding of different perspectives, accept criticisms in a positive manner, and expand their knowledge with new information. Its purpose is to facilitate mutual learning and development.

These awarenesses help improve people’s communication skills and enable them to contribute to discussion environments in a healthier, more productive, and collaborative manner. Respectful and constructive dialogue can enhance understanding among communities, be effective in resolving conflicts, and promote collaboration in achieving common goals.

2.1.4. Enhancing Critical Thinking

Formatted debate cultivates critical thinking skills by challenging participants to evaluate and analyse arguments from multiple angles. Through the examination of evidence, logical reasoning, and the ability to identify fallacies, participants develop a more nuanced understanding of complex issues. By engaging in dialogic discussions, students learn to question assumptions, develop well-grounded arguments, and critically evaluate their own beliefs and biases.

Steps and Tips for Structured Debate to Develop Critical Thinking

Understanding The Topic: It is important to have a good understanding of the topic you want to develop critical thinking about. Familiarize yourself with the details of the topic and grasp the arguments well.

Analysing Arguments: It is important to understand and analyse the arguments of both sides. Evaluate the views advocated by both sides and identify common points or differences.

Thinking logically: Organize your own thoughts and arguments in a logical manner. Provide evidence, statistics, or examples to support your thoughts. Evaluate the arguments of the opposing side logically and criticize them when necessary.

Evidence and sources: Present evidence from reliable sources to support your arguments. Make use of sources such as scientific research, statistics, or expert opinions.

Questioning and criticism: It is important to question and criticize the arguments of both sides during the debate process. Carefully listen to the arguments of the opposing side and respond appropriately. However, while making criticisms, strive to use respectful and constructive language.

Original İdeas: Try to present original ideas and perspectives to develop critical thinking. Instead of just criticizing the arguments of the opposing side, convey and defend your own thoughts as well.

Empathy: Try to understand the perspective of the opposing side during the debate process. Practicing empathy provides a deeper understanding and creates a foundation for more effective discussions.

Focus on the audience: Focus on the audience during the debate and try to communicate your message clearly. Good communication skills enable the effective sharing of critical thinking.

Evaluation and feedback: Evaluate your own performance and arguments after the debate. Seek feedback from other participants and use this feedback to improve your shortcomings.