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8 Ways to Encourage Healthy Debate in the Classroom
Put yourself in someone else’s shoes
It is important to remain respectful when you do not share the same views as your classmates. Attempt to at least try to see things from another perspective.
One exercise you can to do to practice this in the classroom is kinesthetic mirroring. By mirroring what another person is showing in their body and face with your own body, you can develop a more profound empathetic connection than you would be able to express with words.
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Identify your passion
Everyday leadership begins with a passion and a mission. Ask yourself: “What am I passionate about? How can I turn that passion into a mission?”
Once you identify your pass...
Listen
Try listening more than you speak. Listen to experts and fellow enthusiasts, including those with whom you disagree. Absorb their perspectives, insights, and experiences.
From listening to others, we can gather valuable insights from both their successes and their failings.
You have a voice. Share it
But remember that using your voice as an everyday leader comes with a responsibility.
When sharing your opinion—in-person or via social media—be clear, be concise, and be constructive. That is the best way to be heard.
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The spirit of inquiry
Amazing leaders are not interested in winning for their own ego. They understand that finding the truth benefits the whole team so everyone can win.
Open your mind a...
Don't assume anything
Without a face or a voice to convey emotion, written text can easily be misconstrued as being terse, sarcastic, snarky, or even mean.
Always assume you don’t know the tone of any written communication you receive and openly inquire as to the emotions of your debate partner.
Stating the desired outcome
Many people enter into a debate ready to battle with only one side knowing the rules and purpose of engagement.
Before beginning any debate or argument, discuss with the other party a purposeful outcome and define clear rules of engagement.
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Arguing for our opinions
The problem with the statement “I’m entitled to my opinion” is that it's used to protect beliefs that should've been given up. It is a damaging element of public discourse for som...
Opinion and specific knowledge
There is a difference between opinion or common belief and specific knowledge.
Opinion has a level of subjectivity and uncertainty. It varies according to someone's tastes or preferences. (You like chocolate more than ice-cream.) It is pointless to argue about this kind of opinion.
“Entitled” to an opinion
If 'entitled to have your opinion' means everyone has the right to say what they want, the statement is true, but not necessarily important.
If 'entitled to have your opinion' means your statements are serious candidates for truth, then it's false. And this too is a distinction that tends to get blurred.