What's included
1 live meeting
1 hrs 20 mins in-class hoursAssessment
Students will be assessed based upon how well they argue their side, respond to their peers, and make comparative analysis.Class Experience
US Grade 4 - 7
Students will be given a short lecture on how to develop their persuasive abilities and how adapt to an audience. They'll be taught how arguing with their peers can be different than arguing with teachers, parents, employers, and in a competitive setting. They will also be taught how to adapt how they speak given their audience and how best to be receptive to what others are saying so that they can better answer their arguments. After answering any questions students might have, they will be do a debate activity where they can implement the skills that they learned during the lecture. During the activity students will be given the opportunity to provide feedback to each other and will be given a decision by the instructor on who won, as well as tips on how to improve. After the first round of the activity is complete, we will have a second round so students can immediately build upon the feedback they received. In the second round, students who won the first round will against other students who won, while students who lost the first round will debate against other students who lost. If time allows, after the second round is complete, the top two students will compete in a final round to determine the session champion. This class is designed to build upon the lessons taught in my "Intro to Debate" course, but students can feel free to register for this course without having any prior debate experience or having taken my other class.
Learning Goals
Students will learn the difference between ethos, pathos, and logos as well as how to combine these persuasive styles effectively in order to best advance their arguments given the audience they're speaking to. They will become better speakers and critical thinkers while learning to listen to their peers and formulate responses. In terms of everyday life, learning how to adapt to one's audience is essential in influencing others effectively through argument.
Other Details
Parental Guidance
The topics used are ones acceptable for elementary and middle school students. We will not be debating any issues that would be considered off limit at a public school. If there any topics that might be triggering or of particular concern to parents they can feel free to contact the instructor and ask any given topic not be used. No topic will be used that a parent voices an objection to.
Supply List
Students should come with paper and something to write with. Taking notes on a computer is also entirely fine. A timer is suggested, but not required.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Teacher expertise and credentials
The BCDA's founder has been run a competitive college debate team for twenty years. He has also run elementary and middle school debate workshops for the past four years both in the US and internationally. We have now taught well over a thousand kids from countries around the world digitally through this platform with great reviews. If for whatever reason you feel the class didn't live up to what you were looking for, please contact us for a refund. We are offering these courses as a way for students to get the benefits of debate and peer-directed education while schools are shutdown. Debate is not necessarily for everyone, but we are confident that if your kid is excited about it they will enjoy this class, and don't want you paying if that's not the case.
Reviews
Live One-Time Class
$20
per classMeets once
80 min
Completed by 501 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 9-14
2-6 learners per class