PARLIAMENTARY DEBATE: AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION

Age group:

13–100

Keywords:

Sustainability, Critical Thinking.

Time required:

45 minutes

Number of people:

Minimum 8, maximum 30

Equipment, materials, and space needed:

Computer, projector, Internet, previously identified video link, tables and chairs. Activity explored and suggested by: Aventura Marão Clube - Portugal.

Aim of the method: To critically think about sustainability and to develop debating and communication competences.

Preparation: Identifying a short video (maximum 10 minutes) about the subject and looking into the british parliamentary debate rules and set the room with the tables and chairs in a debate format.

Possible videos to use for the session are:

“From Landscape Architecture to Conservation Agriculture, by Thomas Woltz (www.youtube.com/watch?v=9VlY-3V63yI). “FUTUREMAKERS: Jill Isenbarger.” (www.youtube.com/watch?v=bb8YZsRpkXQ). “A Global Food Crisis May Be Less than a Decade Away.”, by Sara Menker (www. ted.com/talks/sara_menker_a_global_food_crisis_may_be_less_than_a_decade_ away#t-136449). “Regenerative Agriculture -- a Solution to Climate Change”, by Ben Dobson (www. youtube.com/watch?v=yp1i8_JFsao). “What Are the Most Important Moral Problems of Our Time?”, by Will MacAskill (www.ted.com/talks/will_macaskill_what_are_the_most_important_moral_ problems_of_our_time#t-79793).’

As introduction to the british parliamentary debate can be made by using the “A Brief Introduction to British Parliamentary Debating.” video, bi Alfie Coates (www.youtube. com/watch?v=jGB6p6yob-M&t=33s).

DESCRIPTION

INTRO The facilitator contextualizes the activity within the scope of the concrete context where the session takes place, the contents, the educational process and/or the group concerned. The facilitator presents him or herself and gives the group members the opportunity to introduce themselves and share their experiences as well as their expectations for the activity.

EXPERIENCE The facilitator explains that the group will be divided into two smaller groups, one of

them to advocate against the argument of the video they are going to watch, and the other to advocate in favour. He or she explains how the debate will work, following the british parliamentary debate instructions. The groups watch the video and have 10 minutes to prepare.

DEBRIEFING After the debate, the facilitator asks the group how easy or hard was it to act against or in favour of the argument and why. The facilitator suggests a round of sharing of impressions about what each of the participants feels he or she took from the experience.