How did disputations work in medieval university teaching?

In medieval universities, teaching was primarily conducted through two methods: the lecture and the disputation (disputatio).12

A disputation was a formal debate that served as a core component of the Scholastic method. During these sessions, a specific question was proposed for examination. Students and the master would thoroughly argue both the affirmative and negative sides of the issue, drawing upon established authorities such as Aristotle, Plato, and the Church Fathers.12

The process concluded with the master providing a formal resolution to the problem, synthesizing the arguments presented. This rigorous practice encouraged critical engagement with philosophical and theological texts, reflecting the broader intellectual culture of the time where scholars sought to reconcile reason with faith.12