5.1 Different dialogue formats
Different Dialogue formats can lead to different outcomes for your learners. To remind you, the most common four outcomes of Dialogue sessions are:
- Improved political knowledge and understanding.
- Building trust and relationships between young people and those in power.
- An opportunity for young people to advocate and make change in their communities.
- Better oracy and critical thinking skills.
Usually all types of Dialogue sessions will achieve all these outcomes to a degree, though the Dialogue format you choose, and the preparation your learners do, can prioritise a particular outcome.
All of these formats can be delivered via video conferencing or in person. Just a reminder though, The Politics Project can only facilitate online sessions, not in person ones. If you wish for an in person session you will need to facilitate that yourself.
A standard dialogue session
This is the most common Dialogue format. It is the ‘all rounder’ format, and can be used to achieve all four outcomes. In a typical session you will probably get through around 15 questions.
5 MINUTES
Short introductions from the facilitator, the learners about the school / college, and from the politician.
40/45 MINUTES
Discussion formed by learner questions and 2 to 3 questions from the politician.
5 MINUTES
Thanks and goodbyes.
Interactive dialogue session
This is a more interactive Dialogue format that includes ice breakers and activities as well as learner questions.
5 MINUTES
Short introductions from the facilitator, the learners about the school/college, and from the politician.
10/15 MINUTES
Ice breaker / activity.
35/40 MINUTES
Discussion formed by learner questions and 1 or 2 questions from the politician.
5 MINUTES
Thanks and goodbyes.
Here are some suggested ice breakers / interactive activities you could do:
Where do you stand?
This is one of our popular “Explore” resources, an interactive game that helps learners to discuss social and political issues. Learners are presented with statements about various issues, and they have to decide whether they agree with them or not. Your class could choose some of their favourite statements, and alongside the politician, discuss their opinions.
Everyone's favourite heroes
The facilitator explains that everyone must go round and introduce themselves: saying their name and who their political or community hero/ role model is.
Blue sky thinking
Each person explains what they would do or change about their community or country if they had unlimited money. What would be the first thing they would spend it on for the local area? What would be the top 3 things they would spend it on? Why?
Presentation led dialogue
In this format learners present information to politicians about a particular topic or issue.
5 MINUTES
Short introductions from the facilitator, the learners about the school/college, and from the politician.
10/20 MINUTES
Learner presentation to the politician about a specific topic or issue.
10/20 MINUTES
Discussion formed by questions/response from the politician to the learners about their presentation and the issues raised.
20/30 MINUTES
Learner questions and 1 or 2 questions from the politician.
5 MINUTES
Thanks and goodbyes.
