weekly
Middle School Debate: Debate With Respect & Confidence (Ages 9 - 12)
Completed by 264 learners
Ages 9-12
Live Group Class
Live video meetings
1x per week
6-12 learners per class
50 min
What's included
1 live meeting
50 mins in-class hours per weekHomework
1 hour per week. Students will have research outside of class to gather facts about their topic. They will have time in class to collaborate with their team to refine the team's position.Assessment
General feedback will be provided team-wide after each debate. As students become more proficient in their own debate skills, they may be asked to help score the debate for that session (Did the team support their statement with a fact or opinion? Did the team speak respectfully to opposing team? Etc.). This will serve two purposes: 1. Help students tune in to specific elements in debate that they observe. 2. Provide general feedback to debating teams.Class Experience
US Grade 3 - 6
Is the respectful exchange of ideas a lost art? In this ongoing debate club, students ages 9 - 12 will practice informed and civil debate. For fall 2024, we will focus on the Lincoln-Douglas Debate style. Please print the attached file in preparation for this class. Participants will learn debate terms, format, and how to support their points with evidence. Students will collaborate on an age-appropriate motion, brainstorm ideas, and gather information in teams of 2-4. Then each team will engage in a weekly debate that focuses on the technical elements of debate skills to include opening statements, 3-part body with main idea and supporting details, effective summary statement, elements of scoring, poise, voice projection, gestures, etc. Each student debate will emphasize respectful presentation of opposing ideas as well as active listening. Age-appropriate topics will be used. Please note that "hot button" topics that involve highly controversial ideologies will be approached cautiously. If/when such debate topics are addressed, participants will be encouraged to approach the topic from a neutral perspective to allow for unbiased analysis. This class is for the purpose of refining the art of civil debate and learning how to present, defend, and respect opposing ideas. Please adhere to the recommended age for an optimal learning experience to ensure your student has the maturity to engage in conversations that intentionally challenge opinions. **Also note that this is an ONGOING class with the following Outschool refund policy: "Cancel subscription at any point, no refund for past subscriptions. Payments can be refunded within 24 hours of purchase." SEE Rules and Refund Policy posted in classroom.** CLASS GOALS: • My goal is to tackle topics that are more relevant (see sample list below*). I will present debate topics from a neutral position. Please note that I will at NO TIME try to influence a student’s belief system – only challenge their thinking skills. I will try to put them on the team of their choice when possible. But sometimes I may intentionally put them on the other side to get students to step into the shoes of the opposite side. This helps them develop their thinking skills and it helps them to understand the opposing side better. • Students will be expected to do some research outside of class to represent their debate position. • This merits special emphasis: I will present topics for developmental exercises only - not to promote my ideology. I will also encourage students to be respectful of opinions they do not agree with. This is the essence of respectful debate! Always reach out to me if there is something that concerns you. • It is a valuable learning experience to receive constructive feedback as an individual and/or team score. Students need to be able to accept constructive feedback. • It is also valuable to learn how to observe and evaluate other debaters. Club members will progress to the point where they, with my guidance, take the role as debate judge occasionally instead of be part of a debate team.
Learning Goals
This class supports Common Core State Standards: CCRA.ELA – Literacy SL6.1 – 8.1, 6.2 – 8.2, 6.3 – 8.3, 6.4 – 8.4, 6.5 - 8.5
Students will:
1. Learn about the topic assigned.
2. Use research skills to prepare for the debate.
3. Work together in a team before and during the debate.
4. Practice public speaking skills.
5. Use critical thinking skills to “think on their feet” to come up with respectful and effective responses to the opposing team’s position
Other Details
Supply List
notebook, note cards, pencil, occasional pages to print
1 file available upon enrollment
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Meet the teacher
Teacher expertise and credentials
Texas Teaching Certificate in Elementary Education
My name is Tracey DB. I am a licensed teacher and have taught competitive debate & speech, communication, reading, and critical thinking skills to elementary - high school students, in public schools as well as homeschool settings, for over 25 years. This includes debate and public speaking competitions, mock trial, literature analysis, beginning reading, and composition. My Outschool classes include these same areas of study.
Whether your student is in traditional school, homeschooled, or in distance learning - I will make your child feel welcome. I truly believe in the potential of every child. So it is my honor to be entrusted with the responsibility of feeding their hungry minds, fanning their natural curiosity, and partnering with them in their learning journey. I can't wait to meet your learner and embrace our learning adventure together!
Teacher Tracey
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