Live, public, unpredictable discussion about science: can we afford to
risk it?...
Sounds good, especially for those who live near London. (There's a
wonderful statistic I must pin down sometime, about a startlingly huge
percentage of the population of Britain living within a sixty mile radius of
Buxton in the heart of the Derbyshire Peak District, close to my home. 40%?)
> My female neighbour, however, did not think it was a debate: "It's too
> crowded and noisy in here. It's difficult to hear." In that sense, it was
a
> pity that so many turned up.
Why not put it on TV so rather more than 81 privileged people can enjoy it,
with perfect reception? Seriously. If those "in the chair" are as competent,
sensitive and prepared to take risks as Colin Blakemore seems to have been,
then surely the debate will be sufficiently topical, "close to the edge" and
"Big-Brother-real" for TV people to become seriously interested. Maybe also
with some kind of viewer-voting?
> The majority of contributors returned the ball by referring to previous
> speakers' or Blakemore's statements and questions (56%). There was,
however,
> only one good rally, when the topic was held for 6 contributions. So, in
the
> sense that debate is a discussion in which contributors react to each
> other's views and develop their own arguments, it was only partly a
debate.
Domination of meetings and conference sessions by eloquent herd-leaders
stinks anyway! All good TV game shows have rules. Film it in the pub
setting, with clinking glasses, cheery atmosphere and a tough but smiling
and sensitive host at the head of the table. A dozen or two
participants sit with networked laptop computers in front of them.
"Thank you... Next please!... Please click the previous contribution you are
commenting on..."
Up to forty, short, bulleted phrases appear superimposed on the TV screen.
One becomes highlighted.
"OK... And your comments?..."
(Turns over a large, spotlit, one-minute sandglass.)
"TIME!... OK.. Start typing a summary of your main point in under twelve
words. Thank you... Next please!..."
Participants have agreed to be strapped to their swivel-chairs. Any
indignant scientists or yellow-trousered Marxists who speak out of turn are
immediately wheeled out of the room by a technician, their protests fading
into the distance. Close-up of a mischievous glint in the host's eye and
laughter from the other participants subsides to a hush...
Just a thought. It might even persuade me to watch TV occasionally.
Ian Russell * [log in to unmask]
Successful learning environments are
more exploratory than explanatory.
* http://www.interactives.co.uk *
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