Moving Debate

Objective of the tool/method The moving debate has several advantages in comparison with other debate forms. First, this easy-to-use method enables even shy/calm participants to be an active part of the debate. Second, this form of debate is relatively short in time, because of the quick responses of the participants. This easy-to-use method helps to explore the self-perception of the participants rather than finding a solution for a given “problem”. It helps to generate a common ground in working groups, projects etc.
Description of the tool What you need: You need, depending on the size of the group, a spacious room. The space is important because the participants need to move from one side to the other. You need a host, who is guiding the group. The host needs to make notes during the debate. How you proceed? First, the host has to find a topic for the moving debate. Second, questions around the topic are gathered. It is important to find easy questions. Complexity, therefore, can lead to lukewarmness. Use, for example, “would you rather” sentences which build upon the question before. The participants stand in the middle of the room at the very first stage of the debate. The host asks a question which can be answered: yes/no or right/wrong. The host than has to decide which of the answers is dedicated to one side of the room. The participants are now moving from one side to another. In each round everyone is encouraged to explain their opinion. This is necessary, if the majority is bunched on one side and just a few on the other side. The participants can move sides at any time during the process. The participants will persuade each other; the host has to encourage this. A round is finished, if everyone is located on one side. The statement then is right or wrong, but at least the group collectively agreed on the decision.
Fichier : MovingDebate_bf_fichierjoint_tool_moving-debate.docx Download
Succes factor Important for discussion in AE: This method is useful if you want to find a common ground in a heterogenic group of people. This tool can be used, for example, to study the perception of group members about their vision of agroecology. It is always very useful in situations where you do not have a clear definition of something.
Address Deutschhausstraße 10 35037 Marburg
Town Marburg
Author of the index card Nicolai Dellmann
Author structure University of Marburg