Page 135 - DMGT518_TRAINING_AND_DEVELOPMENT_SYSTEM

Training and Development System

Notes
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Caution Discussion works best when chairs are arranged in a circle or with other seating
arrangements that encourage learners to look at each other.

8.4.3 The Debate

The debate is another method that you can use during training. A debate is essentially a structured
but cordial argument about a particular issue or motion. It is an effective means by which to
bring out important views on a particular issue, foster teamwork, encourage public speaking
skills, and energize the learners.

When using the debate method, first segment the training group into three teams. Ask one team
to make a case for a particular position, and ask a second team to make a case against the motion.
The numbers of the third group serve as judges to determine which side has presented the most
compelling case. This can be a great way to involve learners and to raise and discuss key issues
surrounding a topic. Since the debate is a training method that is not used frequently, it also
represents a change of pace that will be welcomed by many learners.

Notes Illustration of the Debate
Subject : Self-Directed Work-Teams

Suppose you are conducting training on work teams in an organization transitioning to a
self-directed work-team structure. Divide the class into three groups. Ask one group to
make a convincing case that self-directed work teams will work and second group to make
a convincing case that self-directed work teams will not work. And then ask the third group
to listen to each side and judge which group provided the most convincing argument.
Inform everyone that the goal is to win the debate by putting forward the most convincing
case. Also remind them that they have been asked to debate and it may, or may not, reflect
their true opinion about the topic under debate.
After the debate teams have been formed and the issues for debate put forward, explain to
the group how the debate process will be carried out. The following script suggests how
you could introduce and conduct the debate.

Trainer: Everyone should know which team he is on. Keep in mind that a debate is a
friendly, structured argument about a topic. The topic in this case is “self-directed work
teams.” One team will argue why teams will work here at (company name) and the other
team will present a case as to why teams will not work.
You will be given some time to prepare with your team. You don’t want all to get up and
say the same thing, so you may want to make a list of all the points to be covered in your
presentation. Then, determine who will make which points.

There are a few rules or guidelines we will follow during the debate. First, everyone must
speak and, in the debate tradition, when you speak, you must stand. There is a time limit
though. The maximum is three minutes per person and there is no minimum time.
When you have had some time to prepare with your team, we will come back and have a
coin toss to determine which side goes first. The team that goes first will present the whole
of its argument. Then, the other team will present the whole of its argument.
Contd...

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