Debates
What is a debate?
An opportunity for a group of participants to discuss openly the advantages and disadvantages of a particular idea
How to use a debate
- Only use a debate when you have a group of participants who know each other and can discuss ideas objectively
- Decide on a topic. Only choose subjects that are related to the training you wish to re-enforce.
- Phrase the subject as a statement, not a question, and make sure that two points of view are possible.
- Select the two speakers beforehand and discuss separately with each the points you will want them to make
- You should act as chairman and explain the statement to the group. Set a time for each speaker (say 5 minutes) and don’t let them over-run. Also, don’t allow any interruptions
- After the main speakers, allow other participants to make comments of up to one minute each
- You should then summarise what has been said on both sides
- Take a vote on the subject from the group as a whole
When to use a debate
- After a subject has been taught
- After a number of participants have had an opportunity to adopt a new practice and others have decided not to
Why use a debate
- To pass on good ideas from a small group of participants to the majority
- To convince the majority that a new practice is worthwhile
- To pass on first-hand knowledge of new practices
Source: Adapted from the International Course on Training of Trainers in Labour-Based Road Construction and Maintenance, compiled by David J Mason