GenAI as debate partner

Students use GenAI as debate partner to enhance their ability to construct and evaluate arguments.

Purpose

This activity allows students to simulate debate with GenAI, constructing their own arguments and responding to counterarguments. Students practice refining their argument while considering alternative perspectives.

What will students achieve?

Students will be able to:

  • Practice constructing coherent and logically sound counterarguments.
  • Evaluate the relevance, validity, and coherence of arguments.

Required resources

  • Access to at least one GenAI tool such as ChatGPT, Claude, Copilot, etc.
  • A curated set of debate topics relevant to the discipline(s) involved.
  • Note: this activity can be done with an Aila agent.

Activity instructions

  1. Provide students with debate topics with clear pro/con positions. Students can also suggest their own topics and choose to argue for or against their own position.
  2. Students select their position and prepare their opening arguments.
  3. Students enter the prompt in the GenAI tool of their choice. For example:
    "You are a skilled debater. You will debate me on [topic]. You must argue for [opposing position]. I will argue for [student's position]. Present your opening argument in 150 words or less."
    Students respond to the AI’s opening with their own opening argument, and then prompt:
    "Respond to my argument and present your rebuttal. Point out any weaknesses in my reasoning."
  4. Students reconsider how to refine their argument incorporating GenAI’s response.
  5. Students engage in three to four rounds. Encourage students to recognise and point out GenAI bias during debates.
  6. Students summarise the strongest points from both sides of this debate.

Considerations

  • Clear time limits can be set, to prevent students from spending excessive time crafting ‘perfect’ responses.
  • Ensure debate topics are academically appropriate and avoid highly sensitive personal or political issues.
  • Students should be made aware that GenAI can hallucinate and not every response will be factually accurate.