What's included
10 live meetings
8 hrs 20 mins in-class hoursHomework
Students will need to do 10-20 minutes of research to help prepare for their casesAssessment
Students will share out mind maps for reflection Some in class polls/ debates / class discussionsClass Experience
This is an in depth study and debate club that meets once a week. Guided by a debate coach with over a decade of experience in the National Forensics League, this class will dive deeply into public speaking, rhetoric, logic, critical thinking, and research (to hone in on arguments). Topics covered will be some current events--mostly driven by student request--and are listed below. Topics that will NOT be debated: abortion, legalization of marijuana or any other drugs, or anything having to do with gender/ sexuality. Breakout rooms are used occasionally for collaboration/ teaming activities. What is taught: Skills aligned with Common Core English Language Arts Standards for rhetoric, research, and public speaking. STRUCTURE/ METHODLOGY: Warm-Up: Chat debate and/or QUICK JOT: current issues poll & reflection activity (5 – 7 minutes); classroom instruction: text/ video examination and discussion (10 minutes); debate activity: 30 minutes; recap lesson and homework assignment for research THERE WILL BE NO CLASS AUGUST 3RD 2023 (I WILL BE TRAVELLING) Week 1: Basics of Debate Types: Parliamentary, Public Forum, Policy, Lincoln-Douglas, Extemp and everything in between Week 2: Policy Debate: TOPIC: Resolved: The United States federal government should substantially increase its public health assistance to SubSaharan Africa. Week 3: Continuation Policy Debate: TOPIC: Resolved: The United States federal government should substantially increase its public health assistance to SubSaharan Africa. Week 4: Continuation Policy Debate: TOPIC: Resolved: The United States federal government should substantially increase its public health assistance to SubSaharan Africa. Week 5: Public Forum: TOPIC: Resolved: The justices of the Supreme Court of the United States ought to be term-limited. Week 6: Continuation: Public Forum: TOPIC: Resolved: The justices of the Supreme Court of the United States ought to be term-limited. Week 7: Lincoln- Douglas: TOPIC: Resolved: Civil disobedience in a democracy is morally justified. Week 8: Continuation: Lincoln- Douglas: TOPIC: Resolved: Civil disobedience in a democracy is morally justified. AND In a just society, capital punishment is justifiable Week 9: Extemp & Parliamentary Debate: TOPIC LIST FOUND HERE : https://sms.newmilfordps.org/8thgradedebatetopics Week 10: FINAL RECAP and Extemp & Parliamentary Debate: TOPIC LIST FOUND HERE : https://sms.newmilfordps.org/8thgradedebatetopics
Learning Goals
Students will learn how to:
analyze textual evidence for logicall falacies
cite the textual evidence that most strongly supports an argument
determine the best structure for a claim-data-warrant speech given time restrictions
analyze how a work of nonfiction uses persuasive techniques to convey an idea
determine the meaning of words and phrases and how they are used in a text
speak to a group or small group
Other Details
Parental Guidance
Students are researching their own topics. Topics covered will be some current events--mostly driven by student request. Topics that will NOT be debated: abortion, legalization of marijuana or any other drugs, or anything having to do with gender/ sexuality.
Supply List
Students only need something to write on and something to write with
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Teacher expertise and credentials
Georgia Teaching Certificate in Secondary Education
Bachelor's Degree in English from Kennesaw State University
-I have been a speech and debate coach for over 10 years in the state of Georgia, USA (a highly competitive debate circuit)
-I was awarded "Coach of Distinction" by the National Forensics League in 2009
-To teach a high school level course, I have the expertise of teaching English Language Arts in a public high school in the United States for 15 years
-I have won Teacher of the Year multiple times
-I am currently certified with the National Council for Teacher of English
-I am currently certified to teach English Language Arts Level T-7 (Highly Qualified) under the Georgia Professional Standards Commission from 2007 - 2022; certification to be renewed 2026
-I have a BS in English Education from Kennesaw State University
-I have taught this material through the Johns Creek Student Leadership Council for three years to students from middle school (grade 6) to high school (grade up to 12) high school
Reviews
Live Group Class
$20
weekly or $200 for 10 classes1x per week, 10 weeks
50 min
Live video meetings
Ages: 11-16
3-10 learners per class