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What Is a Debate? [Learning and Mastering the Beginnings of Having a Debate]

In this fun and interactive course, students will learn how to properly execute and succeed in the art of debating. Great for beginners or those that wish to join a debate team.
Shiane Fowler
Average rating:
5.0
Number of reviews:
(25)
Class

What's included

1 live meeting
50 mins in-class hours per week

Class Experience

Debate is a process that involves formal discussion on a particular topic. In a debate, opposing arguments are put forward to argue for opposing viewpoints. Debate occurs in public meetings, academic institutions, and legislative assemblies. In this class you will learn the beginnings of what a debate actually means and how to think critically when developing your viewpoint of a particular statement. 

Students will:

~Learn the different types of debate
~Be taught how to prepare for a debate
~Obtain confidence in themselves and their personal viewpoints 
~See how to effectively search for information to successfully win a formal argument 
~Learn how to respectfully speak to those who are on the opposite side
~Be taught how to have an open mind when listing pros and cons of a particular topic or statement
~Be able to diffuse an escalating situation that could arise with their critical thinking skills

This class will challenge students to see beyond what they may have already thought about a certain statement/topic, so that they can develop those critical thinking skills more effectively. Having an open mind is very important when entering the world of debating and having respect for others. Being willing to express yourself with clarity and appropriate speed are also very important. Students will build confidence in knowing that they are able to receive and give constructive criticism to their peers and superiors if needed. Their reading skills will be put to use while they do thorough research to obtain sound evidence. With these skills students will have the ability to make reasoned and well thought out arguments in addition to questioning the evidence behind a particular stance or conclusion.

Learning Goals

Students will:

~Learn the different types of debate
~Be taught how to prepare for a debate
~Obtain confidence in themselves and their personal viewpoints 
~See how to effectively search for information to successfully win a formal argument 
~Learn how to respectfully speak to those who are on the opposite side
~Be taught how to have an open mind when listing pros and cons of a particular topic or statement
~Be able to diffuse an escalating situation that could arise with their critical thinking skills
learning goal

Other Details

Parental Guidance
Certain topics that will be discussed, or may arise in class by either student questions and/or class discussions, include but are not limited to: Ethical/moral claims Presidential elections from the past Medical findings and scientific research Please note: ALL research that we discuss will be from sound resources. Biases will not penetrate this classroom from the teacher's point of view. However, some students may feel strongly about certain topics, but the teacher will ALWAYS challenge those to think bigger than their own predisposed beliefs while in this class. There will never be room for arguing of any kind that does not properly flow with the art of a formal debate.
Supply List
pen and paper for personal notes
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Sources
Teacher will create all sources personally unless stated. Youtube will be the only other primary source for homework other than simply researching data.
Joined May, 2020
5.0
25reviews
Profile
Teacher expertise and credentials
I have been a debate coach on the middle and high school level for 3 years. I have a minor in English and have thoroughly studied the needed topics to critically think through tough discussions in everyday life. I have a passion for making students think critically outside of their beliefs by using research and thought our questions. 

Reviews

Live Group Class
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$13

weekly
1x per week
50 min

Completed by 12 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 13-18
2-8 learners per class

This class is no longer offered
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