This module is a part of a larger collection of bite-sized learning
on facilitating social learning spaces.
This collection of learning bites was created by Danida Fellowship Centre together with Beverly and Etienne Wenger-Trayner and produced by Grape and Brand By Hand. Photos used in the collection were taken by @Crawfurd Media, @E Pictures Media Ltd, @Daniel Samwel and Danida Fellowship Centre, supplemented with Stock Photos.
Ready to try it yourself?
Here’s how to set up a debate – so people can disagree, playfully and productively.
1. Pick a tricky issue
Pick a tricky issue with two sides – either in advance or together with the group.
For example: “Should all training be face-to-face?”
2. Split the group (randomly)
Ask participants to count 1–2–1–2. This makes it clear: they’re not here to defend their own beliefs.
Online, assign people randomly to breakout rooms (pro and con) or assign numbers in the chat to divide the group.
3. Prepare your arguments
Teams shape their arguments – and choose three people to debate in Round 1.
4. Round 1: The debate begins
The teams take turns at the debate table. One minute per speaker: Pro – Con – Pro – Con – Pro – Con
The rest of the group watches and listens. Online, only the speakers keep their cameras on during the debate.
5. Round 2: Sharpen your point
Teams regroup. They’ve heard the other side – now they respond. Each team chooses one speaker.
This time, con speaks first, and pro has the last word.
6. Step out of role
Now that the debate is over – drop the roles. Let people speak freely, as themselves. What do they think now?
Use the chat or open mic to invite reflections from everyone.
Reflection: How could a debate be useful in your context?
In many groups, people hold back.
Maybe they don’t want to seem negative. Or they feel it’s safer to agree with the majority.
Have you seen this in your own context?
Imagine using a debate to explore a difficult question – where participants speak for a side, not for themselves. Could that open up the conversation?
Your turn: What kind of issue might this work for?
Take a few minutes to reflect. Write down your thoughts.
How would you adapt it?
Work document
You can use the work document to note down your thoughts or just pause and reflect.
It’s a way to bring doubt into the open – without putting people on the spot.
By playing with disagreement, we make it safer to speak up. To question. To imagine alternatives.
Could this help your community explore difficult choices – with more curiosity and less pressure to agree?
Try it out. And see what happens when disagreement becomes an expected part of learning.
Next step: Try it with a group you know well
See how it feels – and adapt it to your context. Download a guide to the debate below.
Inspired by “Communities of practice within and across organisations, a guidebook”, Etienne Wenger-Trayner, Beverly Wenger-Trayner, Phil Reid and Claude Bruderlein (Social Learning Lab, 2023).
Debate – step-by-step guide
A practical guide to running a debate with your own group.
