If you’ve ever had an argument with someone, you’ve participated in a type of debate. In formal debates, like the ones practiced by high school debate clubs, one team argues in support of an opinion or claim, while the other team argues against it. The goal of each side is to use logic, arguments, and persuasion to convince people to see the issue or topic their way.
The goals of collaborative discussions are similar to the goals of debates in several ways. In both forms of discourse, or idea exchange, participants offer their own thoughts, ideas, and opinions about a topic. And in both activities, participants are expected to provide proof—such as logical reasons, examples, and facts—to back up their claims.
However, the goals of collaborative discussions and debates also differ in some very important ways. Unlike a debate, the goal of a collaborative discussion is not to persuade everyone to accept one point of view. Instead, all views are considered and allowed to stand equally. Debates pit one person or team against another—in other words, they are competitive. In a collaborative discussion, though, everyone is on the same team, and their main goal is to gain a better understanding of a topic.
How well do you understand the similarities and differences between these approaches to presenting ideas? Think of an answer to each of the questions below. Then click the question to see an example of a correct response.
Two people or two teams compete by arguing opposing views or positions on a topic. Debaters try to persuade a judge or an audience to accept their own point of view. |
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There is no judge or audience to persuade. In collaborative discussions, participants work toward a common goal—to understand something more clearly or more deeply. |
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Competitions require winners and losers; in collaborative discussions, everyone wins if the discussion leads to better understanding or good ideas about a topic. |
