$10

weekly

or $40 for all content

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

Completed by 193 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!

Nick Babyak, M. Ed.

Average rating:

4.8

Number of reviews:

(1,513 reviews)

4 pre-recorded lessons

4 weeks of teacher support

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1 year of access to the content

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Go at your own pace

Your learner can start learning when they want and progress at the speed that works best for them.

Enroll Now, Start Anytime

Start when you want.

Learn at your own pace

Access course material for a full year.

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About Learning Overview Schedule Teacher Reviews

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

Nick Babyak, M. Ed.

Joined April, 2018

4.8

1513reviews

Profile

Teacher expertise and credentials

2 Degrees

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.