Debating with AI

Debating with AI’s Docs ▸ Debating with AI

Title  “Debating with AI”
Creator Dimitra Dimitrakopoulou
Main Idea / Description In this learning scenario, students engage in a structured debate, interacting with a chatbot to develop critical thinking, argumentation skills, and a deeper understanding of generative AI (GAI). Students will explore AI’s capabilities and limitations, fostering responsible and informed use.
Target Group (students’ age, learning level, background, disabilities) Students aged 12-15 years old
Curriculum & Learning Subjects Computer Science, Language
Competencies  Knowledge:

  • Understanding AI capabilities and limitations,
  • Ethical considerations of AI
  • Debate structure
  • Argumentation

Skills: 

  • Critical thinking
  • Digital Literacy
Teachers’ Wellness Competencies
  • Emotional e-awareness
  • E-self -management
  • Social e-competency
  • Emotional leadership
Learning Scenario Framework
Pedagogical Method Project-based learning

Emphasizing strengths (T1. Lean on your strengths and have a positive mindset)

Relationships support (T4.Support and work well with others)

Encouraging engagement (Engage students in self-directed and dedicated learning)

Goal-oriented learning (T7. Be persistent and work toward your goals)
Software & Materials
  • ChatGPT or similar AI chatbot
Evaluation Tools
  • Participation in the debate and interaction with ChatGPT.
  • Quality of arguments and counterarguments.
  • Ability to manage emotions and reflect on emotional responses.
  • Completion of worksheets.
Learning Scenario Implementation
Learning Activities

 (Description, duration, worksheets….)

 Description:

Introduction to Debating (10 minutes)

  • The teacher explains the basics of debating, including structuring arguments, using evidence, and anticipating counterarguments 
  • Introduce the debate topics and assign roles to each student (pro or con).
  • Explain emotional management and its importance during debates. Discuss techniques for managing emotions, such as taking deep breaths, staying calm, and reflecting on the chatbot’s responses.

Debate Topics:

  • Does social media have a more positive or negative impact on teenagers?
  •  Is climate change the biggest threat facing humanity today?
  • Are robots and AI replacing too many jobs?
  • Should coding be a mandatory subject in school curriculums?
  • Should students have the right to use AI tools for schoolwork?

Chatbot Interaction for Debating (30 minutes)

  • Students select one of the topics and interact with ChatGPT. They will present their main arguments to ChatGPT and receive counterarguments.
  • Students reflect on how to respond to ChatGPT’s counterarguments while managing their emotions.

Peer Feedback & Improvement (20 minutes)
Students pair up with classmates to review each other’s performance in the debate. They will provide constructive feedback on the quality of arguments, emotional management, and interaction with the chatbot.

Group Discussion: AI Limitations & Ethical Considerations (20 minutes)
Students discuss the ethical implications of using AI in debates and everyday life. Questions include: Can AI be biased? What are the risks of relying on AI too much? 

Homework: Write a Reflection Essay (30 minutes, homework)

Students write a short essay on their debate experience, reflecting on how AI influenced the discussion, their emotional response to counterarguments, and what they learned about AI’s capabilities and limitations. Ask them to include their thoughts on whether AI could ever completely replace human debaters, and why or why not.

Worksheets:

Debate Topic: ______________________________

Your Position (Pro or Con): ___________________________

Main Arguments:

———————————————————–

ChatGPT’s Counterarguments:

————————————————————

Strategies for Response:

————————————————————

What did you learn from the debate?

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