Let's Debate: debate time!

Topic
- Citizenship & human rights
- Communication & media
- Identity & emotions
Learning skills
- Self-awareness
- Empathy & social awareness
- Critical & reflective thinking
- Creative thinking
- Communication & expression
Activity type
- Group discussion
- Circle group game
Materials
- Basic
- Printable downloads
Age
- 12 - 14 years
- 15 - 17 years
5 - 15 minutes
+5 players
Intermediate
Calm
Medium (classroom, square)

Contributors

Mobile School

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Everything you need to play this game

SOCIETY-C11 Download society-c11.pdf (24.4mb)
Bottle or 2 Dice

A step-by-step guide to play the game

Make sure to check the additional game information for tips on facilitating a peaceful debate.

One of the players spins the bottle or rolls the dice. The result determines one of 11 topics (see the additional game information for an overview of the topics).

The player shares with the group whether he is for or against this topic and gives at least three arguments why.

Now the next player turns the disc and gives his opinion.

The game ends when all topics have been discussed.

Extra game information

The topics:

(2) Robots - (3) Social Media - (4) Gender - (5) Multicultural community - (6) Weapons - (7) Religion - (8) Elections/Voting - (9) Vegetarian food - (10) Alcohol/Smoking - (11) Means of transportation - (12) Rainbow flag (LGBTQI+) - Question mark (own topic)

Tips for the youth worker to facilitate peaceful debate: establish a code of conduct with the players at the beginning of the game. A code of conduct is a "document" that lists the expected behaviours of all members of a group, and the behaviours that are unacceptable when interacting with each other.

You can draft a code of conduct together with the children/young people, and do this at the beginning of the game. Take a large piece of paper and pens and have the players think about rules they think are important in a group discussion. These rules are created by them, resulting in more loyalty towards them. Have them sign the code of conduct.

The following game can also be played with this educational poster:

Variations

Once a player has given an argument, the next player in the group is obliged to continue the debate with an opposing argument. Then the next players follow, again with an opposing argument (pro - contra - pro - contra). Try to challenge the group to keep the debate going for as long as possible.
Spin the bottle a second time. If it points to the green part of the circle, the player must give arguments in favor of the topic. If it points to the red part, the player must give arguments against the topic.
When playing with dice, you can agree beforehand that an even number means arguments in favor, and an odd number means arguments against.
Someone spins the bottle or rolls the dice. Go to one side if you are for this topic, go to the other side if you are against this topic. You can also give green or red cards to the players to allow them to show if they are pro or contra a topic.

Looking for more ways to use this panel? Discover the alternative game variation here:

Specific learning objectives

Learning to listen to an argument without interrupting.
Respecting different opinions.
Learning how to inhibit direct responses and big emotions.
Learning how to take another point of view.

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