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Panel debate

Short description

Selected students participate in a panel debate on a topic and must represent an academic stance that they have worked on with their group.

              

Objective

THE OBJECTIVE

CREATE A SAFE LEARNING SPACE

 You can help create a safe space by establishing a healthy culture for discussions in the classroom. Students may feel safer during discussions if they are taking on a specific role or stance rather than arguing for a personal view. This gives them an opportunity to practice their discussion skills. 

Execution

PREPARATIONS

TEACHER'S PREPARATION

  • Consider what the topic should be, for example a current issue or a core topic in the course. 

  • Consider which positions students should take on, e.g. a particular theoretical perspective or a specific academic role. 

IN CLASS

IN PLENUM

(5min)

  • Introduce the activity and topic to the students.

  • Divide students into groups and assign each group their academic stance.

I GROUPS

(15 min)

  • Students work with the topic and make arguments and points based on their assigned stance.

  • Each group appoints a representative to take part in the panel debate.

IN PLENUM

(30 min)

  • A representative from each group takes part in the panel debate. The other group members act as spectators but can step in to support the representative if needed.

  • The teacher facilitates the panel debate, but the students have the floor and must argue according to their assigned stance.

IN PLENUM

(10 min)
  • All students take part in the discussion.

Options to vary the activity

Online

The activity can be carried out online, e.g. via Zoom. Students are put into break out rooms to discuss in their assigned groups, and later gathered in the main room to carry out the panel debate. Only those students participating in the panel debate are unmuted. Other students can unmute themselves and raise a hand in Zoom if they want to add something.

Overview

Time frame 1 hour
When will the activity take place? In class
Format In plenum
Teaching format Classroom instruction
Type of activity Communication and discussion
How Presence, Online
Technology Zoom

Contact

Revised 16.04.2026
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Nina Bang Morgensol