I couldn’t agree more. High school debate class was the same. The room was setup on two sides facing each other. You picked a side to defend it, but once you begin to dissect the issue with questions and responses, you could change sides at any time, but had to disclose why you were changing sides. It was one of the most effective critical thinking classes I ever had. And kids looked forward to it! No homework and no tests, only participation. Students could put on a suggestion list any topic for debate.