Dialogue and debates in the classroom

Dialogue and debates in the classroom

Consider the differences and how you will actively listen and participate in the classroom

Debate

Dialogue

The goal is to 'win' the argument by affirming one's own views and discrediting other views.

The goal is to understand different perspectives and learn about other views.

People listen to others to understand how their experiences shape their beliefs.

People listen to others to find out flaws in their arguments.

People critique the experiences of others as distorted and invalid.

People accept the experiences of others as real and valid.

People appear to be somewhat open to expanding their understanding of the issue.

People appear to be determined not to change their own views on the issue.

People speak primarily from their own understanding and experience.

People speak based on assumptions made about others' positions and motivations.

People oppose each other and attempt to prove each other wrong.

People work together toward common understanding.

Strong emotions like anger and sadness are appropriate when they convey the intensity of an experience or belief.

Strong emotions like anger are often used to intimidate the other side.

Adapted from : Schirch, L., Campt, D. W. (2007) Defining DIalogue. In The little book of dialogue for difficult subjects: A practical hands-on guide. Intercourse, PA: Good Books