Activity 1 - Hear me out!

During their daily lives people generally find themselves living in opinion bubbles, which function like eco-chambers, they mostly come across information that resonates with their point of view. We collectively got used to the fact that we do not have to face opinions differing from ours. Fact-checking is a possibility to get out of these bubbles.
It is always healthy to clash facts and views, as it helps our development to progress. It is a way to avoid hearing only comforting information and rather be part of an thought provoking conversation. 

Description
This activity supports the participants in broadening their knowledge about fact checking in a safe, organized, competitive way while they also learn the art of debate and public speaking.
Learning Outcomes
After completing this activity, learners will:
  • Understand how fact-checking works in real life and how they can implement it in their own lives.
  • Be able to express themselves more coherently
  • Be able to practice a certain kind of critical thinking
  • Be able to exercise active listening during the debate.
  • Become more willing to engage in verbal interactions with others rather than just believing in their own right.

Materials needed for implementation
  • Stopwatch
  • Furniture (desks and chairs) for participants
  • Blank pages for making notes, write elements of the debate

Time required
Max. 55 min.
Minimum / Maximum group size
10 - 14 plus the judge of the debate can also be a participant.
Level
Beginner (no prior knowledge required).
Introduction
Explain to the participants that this activity will broaden their horizon. To proceed forward with the activity it is important for them to learn the elements of a meaningful debate so they can participate in a respectful manner. The most important for them is to learn the difference between challenging someone's ideas and challenging someone's identity. 

Show the group the following videos (in English, auto-generated captions are available for other languages:

Big Think: Debate world champion explains how to argue:


Hub Scoula: Debating skills - Introduction:


10 min total
Activity description
1. Explain the basic rules to the participants.
Support material can be found here:
https://www.edu.gov.mb.ca/k12/cur/socstud/frame_found_sr2/tns/tn-13.pdf (Time frames can be adjusted)
5 min

2. Divide the group into two teams, one arguing in favour of fact checking, and the other exploring potential negative implications and consequences it can have. Both teams have to gather information and evidence that supports their agenda. After the preparation phase each team has 4-5 minutes to present their findings.
During the opening statements the other team is making notes and counter arguments. 
Conduct a structured debate where each team presents their arguments and engages in a respectful discussion.
20 min

3. The debate facilitator sums up the arguments of both teams and formulates an evaluation of their performance. If there were other participants as listeners they can make comments too.
5 min

4. In the big group, participants can share their experience along the activity – what they found most challenging, what surprised them etc.
5 min
Debriefing
On post-its, participants write down 1 conclusion they left with.
The facilitator asks them questions like:
Q: Do they felt like the other side might be right?
Q: Can the two sides be right at the same time?
Q: Do they think fact checking important after the debate?
Q: What kind of “side effects” fact checing can cause?

2 min.
Adaptation to online mode
Though technology is able to accommodate such genres in the online space, for participants with no former debate experience it is suggested to conduct this exercise face to face.
Further resources
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