For a debate setting, unless your speakers are standing at the front of the room, move the desks into a semi-circle shape to invite more open dialogue between students.

Arrange the seating

In inviting diverse voices in the classroom, you’re reminding your students that it is okay to have different perspectives and that they should be viewed as an opportunity to learn something new.

Welcome diverse voices

Accept that there will not necessarily be a resolution. Conflicts are okay when managed in a healthy way. It’s important to remind students that despite differences, we must always respect the thoughts and opinions of our classmates.

Model respectful conflict management

In order for you to contribute to an ongoing discussion, you must be paying attention to the points that your classmates are bringing to the table. Remember how it felt when others were actively listening to you by showing the same respect to others when they speak.

Actively listen

Everyone is entitled to their own unique opinion. It is important that your students feel that they have a safe, supportive environment where they feel encouraged to share their thoughts and feelings openly without fear of rejection or judgement. Play emotional charades. Prompt students to act an emotion out using a facial expression or movement to express their unique voices and feelings.

No ideas are silly

... to calm any nerves you may have. Take this time to collect your thoughts and organize your ideas to ensure you’re presenting your position thoughtfully, and not just speaking from emotion.

Breathe before you speak

If you notice that you are speaking up more than your classmates, take a step back to allow others’ opinions to be represented. If you notice that you are offering fewer points in the discussion, speak up — your opinions are valued.

Step up, step back

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.

Put yourself in someone else’s shoes

This Election, many students are sitting up and paying attention to politics for the first time. This year's debates may have been the first some generations have tuned in - and they weren't exactly demonstrations to be proud of.

Arrange the seating

8 Ways to Encourage Healthy Debate in the Classroom

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