MakeOver panel discussion

It is not without reason that the panel discussion is one of the most popular formats in extracurricular political education. We have approached this method from various perspectives and make suggestions for minor adaptations in order to strengthen its political-educational potential. Think of this brochure as a pool from which you can freely choose and combine. For example, do you want to activate your audience, emphasize controversies or stimulate an exchange between experts? Have fun browsing.

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The panel discussion is a frequently chosen format, especially at larger events. According to Klaus-Peter Hufer, in a panel discussion, an open, usually controversial topic is presented by experts with different positions. "The aim is to get to know the different views, insights, justifications, recommendations and proposed solutions to a controversial topic through a lively discussion" (Hufer 2007: 132).

In principle, the method has the potential to open up controversial discussion spaces. Many participants can take part at the same time. The audience members
in a classic panel discussion, however, tend to participate passively in the event. Attention is focused almost exclusively on the experts on stage. Contributions from the audience are allowed, but are usually at the very end of the format. They therefore tend to result in comments on what has already been said rather than a lively exchange between all participants.

In consulting situations, we often encounter statements like this:

"The structure of the methodology offers little to no activation of the audience and therefore no real discourse."

"The guests often present rehearsed phrases rather than taking the audience into account."

On the following pages, we offer various approaches to meet these challenges.

Hufer, Klaus-Peter (2007): Panel discussion, In: Reinhardt, Sibylle & Dagmar Richter (eds.) (2007): Fachmethodik: Politik-Methodik. Handbuch für die Sekundarstufe I und II, Berlin, 132-134.