Education for Deliberative Citizenship, Debates in Higher Education and the Experiences of Chilean Students

Abstract

The goal of this study is to analyze, through a case study methodology, the experience of participation of two Chilean higher education students in debate competitions and how they contribute to their formation as deliberative citizens. These students participated in an international debate program defined by the organizing university as oriented to train in deliberative skills. Based on the findings, the article discusses about the relevance of this activity for the deliberative citizenship formation of these students, as well as some of its aspects, such as its competitive nature, which are problematic.