Let's Debate Current Issues and Policies. Public Forum Debate Summer Camp
What's included
5 live meetings
4 hrs 35 mins in-class hoursHomework
Students may prepare for any debate ahead of time but will be given time in class to write a few points with evidence. Handouts will be given on each topic, they can read before hand or during our research phase.Class Experience
See syllabus for daily details. This camp is a great course to introduce or practice civil discourse, persuasive techniques, and modern-day domestic and international topics. This is a high school camp in a no pressure classroom. Each day we will learn a public forum (PF) debate skills and work on mini-PF debates. Some days we may run over, especially if I am working with Novice debaters that need a bit of skills building. Students can choose after our research, what side they would like to present, although if too many people want to debate one side, teacher may choose students after asking for volunteers to argue the unrepresented side. Students may prepare ahead of time, but it is not necessary. Handouts will be provided at the beginning of the camp for students to review before class. Our debate format will be introduced on Day One. Coach Hughes is a retired attorney, criminal justice professor, high school teacher and has coached Champion Speech and Debate teams and individuals for over 15 years.
Learning Goals
Students will improve their public speaking and debate skills in a friendly no pressure environment.
Students will learn where to find credible evidence sources.
Students will learn persuasive speaking techniques.
Students will learn why civil discourse is an important art in society.
Students will learn why eye contact, enunciation, pace, posture and tone matter.
Students will cross-examination techniques.
Syllabus
5 Lessons
over 1 WeekLesson 1:
Introduction to Public Forum
Students will learn the structure of a Public Forum Debate and then create an argument using the structure regarding abolishing single use plastics in the US. Public Forum Vocabulary Terms.
55 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
Credible Research for Competitions
Class focus is on what credible research and what judge's expectations (paradigms) are when competing. Students will learn the SPAR mini debate structure and research Open Borders.
55 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Student Debate
Today students will complete their SPAR debates on Open Borders, and we will introduce Debate Drills to give student's an edge when debating.
55 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Cross Examination
Students will learn how to ask effective cross fire questions while researching and debating the Second Amendment, should there be an assault rifle ban?
55 mins online live lesson
Other Details
Parental Guidance
The topics in this class could be upsetting to some learners. Second Amendment, Juvenile Offenders and Dreamers may trigger sensitive learners. I argue these topics with high school students all the time, but depending on research, students may find a fact or statistic upsetting. I will encourage students to discuss their debates with their friends and family.
Supply List
A place to organize their debate (word, google docs, etc). Handouts will be given in Word format.
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Teacher expertise and credentials
Doctoral Degree from State University of Buffalo School of Law
It is my pleasure to have the opportunity to work with you and your favorite student(s). I have over 20 years of teaching experience, from Pre-K through Graduate School. I am a former Professor and was the History Department Chair /History teacher at the High School Level for 10 years. My certification was in Middle and High School History. I am a retired Criminal, International and Family Law attorney. I also have coached Speech and Debate for over 15 years on both the NSDA and TOC circuits and regularly have students making it to finals in prestigious tournaments such as Harvard, Stanford and Georgetown. I also take students and parents overseas on Educational Tours and have been fortunate to travel to such places as China, Japan, Mexico, Paris, Rome, and Greece.
My teaching style is varied. I try to tailor my classes to the individua by using as many techniques and learning styles in each of my classes as possible. My two youngest children are Special Needs (Autistic, Apraxic, Cognitive and Auditory Delays). Working with my own children has taught me that education must be personalized to each learner for maximum impact. I encourage all students and their parents to contact me so that we can tailor each of my classes to your strengths and those skills you hope to work on the most. Please note that I will allow higher level students who are underage in my classes, or older students who have difficulties in class that are more suited to their level. Please contact me to discuss. I look forward to meeting you all.
Reviews
Live Group Course
$70
for 5 classes5x per week, 1 week
55 min
Completed by 16 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 13-17
4-7 learners per class