DEBATE

<< Background >>The project was requested with the aim of introducing debate as a pedagogical tool in higher education. This methodology will make higher education more attractive to potential students, who consider that a theoretical approach is predominant in these institutions at the moment. New methodologies are urgently needed to increase the attractiveness of higher education among young people.This educational methodology fosters critical thinking, empathy, and students' ability to listen and consider different points of view. In addition, the project seeks to address the need to improve students' active participation in class, promoting a more dynamic and engaged education. In the current context, where polarisation and lack of dialogue prevail, it is crucial to equip young people with skills that enable them to debate constructively and reflectively on relevant issues. The project also responds to the need to train teachers in debate techniques and in the implementation of dynamics that stimulate dialogue in the classroom.It will also meet the needs of the project partners as they will be able to use it to improve their teaching methodologies.<< Objectives >>The DEBATE project was designed with the main objective of fostering the development of crucial skills and competencies for university students, specifically their critical thinking skills and employability. It seeks to create collective learning environments where students can practice and improve these skills through the use of debate as a pedagogical methodology. This methodology not only promotes critical judgment, but also encourages active and reflective participation, allowing students to question, evaluate, and construct arguments in a coherent and evidence-based manner. All of this encourages motivation to learn.In addition, the project pursues other key objectives, such as improving the quality and efficiency of education and training at the university level, while promoting active and engaged citizenship. In a broader context, the project is also expected to contribute to the enhancement of students' creativity and innovation by exposing them to different points of view and ways of thinking and to better prepare them for the challenges of the modern labor market.<< Implementation >>In the project, several key activities have been implemented to ensure effective and cohesive development. These include transnational meetings between project partners, which have enabled coordination and monitoring of project progress. In addition, a teacher training course focused on debate methodology was held in Porto, to equip teachers with the necessary tools to implement this pedagogical technique in their classrooms.Local laboratories have also been set up where teachers and students have been able to work practically on the debate methodology, encouraging active and participatory learning. At the international level, online debates have been organized, bringing together university students from different countries, promoting multicultural exchange, and the development of critical skills.To ensure the transfer of knowledge and results, local seminars have been held to share the findings obtained throughout the project. Finally, a Final Conference was held in Spain in Pozuelo de Alarcón, aimed at presenting the achievements of the project.<< Results >>- Debate methodology e-learning manual: This manual provides a detailed guide on how to implement debate methodology effectively in the educational environment.- Collaborative e-learning platform: An online platform has been developed that allows users to access educational resources, share experiences and collaborate in a virtual environment. This platform is designed to foster interaction and collaborative learning among participants.- Handbook for developing debate in different contexts: This handbook is integrated within the platform and provides guidelines for adapting the debate methodology to different educational and cultural contexts. - Online debate tool: A specific tool has been employed to allow users to participate in online discussions in a structured way. This tool is integrated into the platform and has facilitated the organization of debates in real-time, as well as their moderation and evaluation.- Report on the feasibility of a new debate-based training program. It proposes a training program based on the results obtained.- Results exploitation plan.