Brainstorm,+Dialogue,+Debate

__**Brainstorm/Dialogue/Debate**__

Civil discourse is a foundation of productive discussion and it is skill that your students may need to learn. Here is a simple mini-lesson that helps them navigate the process. Civil discourse is an essential part of civil society and allows groups to discuss tough topics in ways that are respectful; it is about speaking in a way that honors each individual and their contributions. There are a number of ways to think about civil discourse. There are more resources available at //Teaching Tolerance// if you're interested in pursuing the topic further with your students.

Here, the idea is broken down into three easy to remember categories: brainstorming, dialogue, and debate. As a group, discuss these types of interaction and the behaviors that go along with each one, then use these methods to structure your future sessions. It is a simple but powerful tool.

__Brainstorming__: Goal is to get many ideas on the table. All responses and ideas are good ones. __Dialogue__: Goal is to explore ideas by talking through them. This is the time to explain the ideas. __Debate__: Goal is to defend an idea. This is the time to pick a position and defend it with evidence and examples.

1.What is civil discourse? 2. Why is it important to use these types of civil discourse? 3. What happens if one member of the group is brainstorming while another is trying to debate? (This can lead to frustration, feeling defensive, and ultimately, a breakdown in communication) 4. What sorts of behaviors go along with each of these modes? Create a class list.
 * __Questions for students__**:

__Optional__: This may be a good time to have students engage in a prompted writing about this topic. Ex. "Consider a time when you have experienced a communication breakdown because people were using different discussion methods?"

If everyone is clear about when the group is brainstorming, dialoguing, or debating, and which behaviors go along with each form of interaction, it allows the group to work together more effectively with less frustration and fewer hurt feelings. **Remember to return to this framework to structure your future discussions.**


 * Activity taken from PeaceJam Ambassadors curriculum, "Youth Guide: Getting Started with PeaceJam," PeaceJam Fdn.**