Students are assigned different roles and debate an issue from their given positions. They prepare and present arguments, viewpoints, and interests.
This method develops students’ ability to empathise, argue from a specific perspective, and gain insight into complex issues.
Introduce an issue that can be viewed from multiple perspectives and/or involves potential conflicts of interest.
Assign each student or group a role, e.g., politician, business owner, climate activist, researcher, or citizen. Provide, or ask students to help create, a role description outlining the person’s background, position, and interests.
Students read their role descriptions and may add further details about their role’s position and interests.
They research the issue using articles, videos, or reports to find facts and examples that support their arguments.
Students prepare and note their arguments while anticipating possible counterarguments from others, so they can effectively prepare counter-arguments.
Students debate in groups or the whole class, taking turns presenting their viewpoints.
Summarise with the students:
What was easy or difficult about defending a particular viewpoint?
Which arguments were most convincing—and why?
Did you change your opinion during the debate?
Have you gained new insights from the discussion?
| Engage | Investigate | Act |