Have you ever mistaken education for debate?

I do find other people think they’re in a debate when I’m actually trying to educate them.

I asked a lot of questions but I never argued with my teachers or professors.

You could rephrase it to read “Did you argue with your teachers in school?”

Agree with @Kropotkin.

Also, I agree that sometimes I should be quiet and listen more. Make sure to let people get their full thoughts out.

I didn’t argue with my teachers that I can remember, but I did debate with my parents and other adults around me.

Formal Education is vastly different than learning through trial and error in life.
Also we do learn in a debate more about the other about which is or is not important to them, their demeanour ( patient or conflicting).
Much is learned as their personality comes to the forefront in an argument that especially escalates , so just arguing for the sake of it gets nowhere fast, but argument done in respect for your opponent , such as in a debate affords an eyeopening experience for both opponents.
Here I had the fortune of living in a Tourist area where a variety of people visit, work or run a Business here.
In that I have had the privilege of discussing a variety of topics and learned a different perspective at times that came from the exposure of meeting different cultures and opinions that were culturally motivated.
I found most Eastern Cultures have a calm demeanour and understanding than western cultures.
They were more patient,understanding and polite and surprisingly more open to discourse on any topic.
Also discovered that these people from different cultures had simular family problems as many do in our society..we are all connected regardless of race, religion, station in life etc
I suppose it may be that they are visiting and on vacation that makes them more affable.

The real goal in a debate is not to change your opponents mind but rather to get them to think about getting an others perspective on the same topic.

They either come to a new realization or remain committed to their own idea on the topic.

“Also discovered that these people from different cultures had simular family problems as many do in our society..we are all connected regardless of race, religion, station in life etc”

I should had inserted Western Society rather than Our society)..My mistake.

No. Naturally, education may happen during debate.

@Inspired_2write I found most Eastern Cultures have a calm demeanour and understanding than western cultures.
They were more patient,understanding and polite and surprisingly more open to discourse on any topic.

Believe me, that can actually be a bad thing. Because we value harmony and peace so much, disagreement is highly discouraged, as it is considered the same as insult. Everyone either has to be in agreement all the time or has bitter conversations with each other. Eastern culture is also highly aversive of criticism, which makes discussion really difficult.

The people you talked to could very much be faking it to keep you happy. Or maybe you hadn’t touched on more sensitive matters yet.

I prefer the way Westerners handle discussion. Honest and straight to the point. No fear of losing anyone’s face.

@Mimishu1995
Or maybe that they are happy on vacation, so happy in all interactions?