Outschool
Open currency, time zone, and language settings
Log In

High School Speech and Debate Public Forum

In this course students will learn all about Public Forum debate and prepare to compete in an all-class tournament (Debate and/or Speech Options).
Jennifer Hughes, B.A., J.D., LL.M, LC
Average rating:
4.8
Number of reviews:
(654)
Popular
Class

What's included

10 live meetings
9 hrs 10 mins in-class hours
Homework
1-2 hours per week. Each week the instructor will work with debate groups and they will be expected to complete assigned parts of their arguments. Students should expect 1-2 hours of work weekly after the third week. For speech events, students should practice their piece daily and fill out practice sheets as well as supplemental worksheets (such as character bios) for their event.
Assessment
Grades are available upon request. Student will receive full points when they can check off everything on teachers rubric.
Grading
included

Class Experience

This section was designed to give both beginner and intermediate debate students an opportunity to further develop skills Public Forum debate.  Skills worked on will include framework, research, flowing/advanced flowing techniques, logical reasoning, summary/refutations, weighing, crossfire and public speaking skills. We will use current NSDA topics throughout the course. In addition to classroom participation, students will compete in an end of session tournament to showcase what they have learned.

I have taught/coached this class for many years in a traditional setting. I have also coached online for many years.  I currently coach for Potomac Debate and on Outschool.  My students have competed in many prestigious tournaments (and won), including Harvard, TOC and more. When I was in person at the High School, my students won several State Championships in various events and even had students move on to Nationals.  It is hard work but so rewarding.  Students will be given a grade rubric with expectations for all projects. We follow all National Speech and Debate Guidelines for all events.  You can find out more about the NSDA and see past debate topics by going to:  https://www.speechanddebate.org/    
 
Success in debate really depends on how much work you put into the topics.  Students will have homework in this class.  Our final is to participate in an in-class online tournament with outside expert judges.  It is a friendly tournament, and students will be ready.
Learning Goals
Student goals include:  
I.   Enhancement of critical thinking and reasoning abilities.
II.  Further academic advancement and development. 
III. Development of sound and logical arguments.
IV. Learning the value of extensive and intense study of an issue, from all sides. 
V.  Development of Communication Skills, having the adaptability for many styles and allowing for complex argumentation. 
VI.  Understanding Public Forum Debate Structure and Case Framework
learning goal

Syllabus

10 Lessons
over 10 Weeks
Lesson 1:
Introduction to Public Forum
 Students will discuss Public Forum debate structure and formatting.  As a group we will work in pairs to make arguments using the claim, warrant and impact structure. 
55 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
Introduction to Cross Fire and Debate Drills
 Students will learn how to ask effective crossfire questions and run debate drills that they can practice at home. 
55 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Credible Research, Case Briefs and Judge Expectations
 As a class we will discuss credible research, examine two case briefs and learn about judging paradigms.  The group will get ready to SPAR next class. 
55 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
SPAR: Students will complete mini mock debates
 Mock Debates 
55 mins online live lesson

Other Details

Parental Guidance
Students have some choice when it comes to speech events and may choose scripts that are sensitive in nature. There ust not be any inappropriate words and it must be material that is appropriate for High School students.
Supply List
Supplies will vary depending on students choice for competition.  Speech events usually require a script.  Debate requires 3x5 cards, stopwatch and normal school supplies, such as writing utensils.  For extemporaneous speaking, students will need access to newspapers and magazines, as well as folders and a case to hold their folders.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined March, 2020
4.8
654reviews
Popular
Profile
Teacher expertise and credentials
Doctoral Degree from State University of Buffalo School of Law
I am a Criminal Justice Professor and High School History/Economic/Speech and Debate teacher.  I am also a retired practicing attorney in New York State (Criminal, Family and International law).  I taught Speech and Debate for many years at the Middle and High School Level.  I am an award-winning coach at the State level.  My students also compete and have won at the National Level.  Several received scholarships to college based on their speech and debate accomplishments.  I have also taught Advanced Placement US Government, Advanced Placement Comparative Government and traditional High School Government for over ten years.  Civil Discourse is very important to me along with fact-checking and understanding propaganda. 

Reviews

Live Group Course
Share

$32

weekly or $320 for 10 classes
1x per week, 10 weeks
55 min

Completed by 10 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 13-18
4-14 learners per class

About
Support
SafetyPrivacyCA PrivacyLearner PrivacyManage Data PreferencesTerms
Financial Assistance
Get The App
Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play
© 2024 Outschool