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Intro to the Art of Debate (Self-Paced Class)

Completed by 195 learners
Ages 8-13
Self-Paced Course
Join us in learning how to logically debate tough questions in a way that promotes respect and compromise!
Average rating:
4.8
Number of reviews:
(1,516 reviews)

4 pre-recorded lessons
4 weeks of teacher support
Choose your start date
1 year of access to the content

Enroll Now, Start Anytime

Go at your own pace
Your learner can start learning when they want and progress at the speed that works best for them.
Start when you want.
Learn at your own pace
Access course material for a full year.
Get hands-on support from teacher.

What's included

4 pre-recorded lessons
4 weeks
of teacher support
1 year access
to the content

Class Experience

US Grade 3 - 6
By the end of this Self-Paced class, students will know how to compose and analyze sound, respectful arguments around controversial questions. 

We'll learn:

- the fundamentals of debate structure 
- supporting logical arguments with research 
- recognizing logical fallacies and crafting rebuttals
- the art of compromise

Practice debate questions will supplement the Lessons. They're guided by learner interest, but may include topics like:

-Is cloning justified? 
-How is social media effecting society for better or for worse? 
-Is the death penalty justified? 

This is a Self-Paced class with no live meetings. Each of the 4 Lessons includes a pre-recorded Lesson Video (plus an Optional Worksheet for comprehension) with accompanying Debate posts, where students will do activities and engage in a back-and-forth with the teacher. Each Lesson's Debate will correspond to the debate skills taught in the corresponding Lesson.

Students are also welcome to message me or arrange Q&A or live "office hours" for additional support.

I also offer this as a Live Class, if your student prefers that method of instruction: https://outschool.com/classes/weekly-debate-club-RxtEu9gw#usu529M6QA

This class is also perfect for Saysa (Scholastic Asia Young Storytellers Award) participants. 

See you in class!

Class Listing photo by Miguel Henriques on Unsplash

Syllabus

4 Lessons
over 4 Weeks
Lesson 1:
Basics of Debate
 We'll start by learning the fundamentals of debate structure. Plus Debate practice with the instructor and other students. 
19 mins of video lessons
Lesson 2:
Logical Arguments & Research
 We'll craft logical arguments and learn about how to do good research, then put both to practice in our Debates. 
16 mins of video lessons
Lesson 3:
Rebuttals & Logical Fallacies
 We'll familiarize ourselves with common logical fallacies, then practice rebutting flawed arguments from the instructor. 
Lesson 4:
The Art of Compromise
 We'll end by discovering how to form compromises between two sides of a debate issue. 
12 mins of video lessons

Other Details

Parental Guidance
If you or your student doesn't want to engage with a certain question for any particular reason, just let me know and I'll happily provide alternatives
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.

Meet the teacher

Joined April, 2018
4.8
1516reviews
Profile
Teacher expertise and credentials
Master's Degree in Education from University College London
Bachelor's Degree from Georgetown University
My business degree includes courses on public speaking and I've served on international business case competition teams, which had a similar format to a debate. 

It's crucial in today's world, filled with misinformation and arguments on social media, that young people know how to logically express themselves and engage with others. 

Reviews

25 total ratings, 15 with reviews

Excellent class for newbies to debate. My son really appreciated the... 
Jasmine H.on Feb 1, 2024
This class not only provides debating skills, but also encourages my... 
Sisly C.on May 11, 2023
"The course progressed just as described in the Class Experience! My son... 
Jc C.on May 8, 2023
Great introduction to debate for my 11yo! The concepts were broken into... 
Alyssaon Mar 29, 2023
Our daughter learnt some of the rudiments of debate and enjoyed the... 
Maria S.on Sep 6, 2021
My daughter checked teacher's comments first when she came back from... 
An Outschool parenton Aug 26, 2021
Nick Babyak, M. Ed. suggests this class next...
Creative Writing: Intro to Storytelling (Self-Paced Class)
Nick Babyak, M. Ed.
4.8
(1,516)
$10 per week
Self-Paced Class
4 weeks
8-13


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