Debate Lounge (Chat Group)
Join us in debating topics selected by learners to hone our critical thinking and writing skills!
Nick Babyak, M. Ed.
Average rating:
4.8
Number of reviews:(1,491)
What's included
Group experience
This Debate Lounge (group) is an encouraging group for learners to debate topics that interest them in a moderated setting. Learners are welcome to suggest debate questions, but the instructor has plenty to share as well. Debates may fall under topics like current events, education, politics, social issues, technology, and more. Example Debate questions include: "Should Schools have Uniforms?" "Is Social Media a good influence on us?" "Should we Clone Extinct Animals?" The instructor will moderate the debates by, for example: asking follow-up questions, prompting learners to add research to their debate arguments where possible, encouraging learners to "play devil's advocate" (argue for the side of an issue they currently disagree with, to build debate skills and understand different perspectives) and by ensuring that learners are respectful and positive. Learners who want to learn the fundamentals of Debate in structured lessons are encouraged to take my "Into to the Art of Debate" Flex class: https://outschool.com/classes/3b561e4f-7e71-4143-ac2f-23eab6872560/schedule#usu529M6QA and those who want live debate are encouraged to join my Weekly Debate Club (Ongoing): https://outschool.com/classes/weekly-debate-club-RxtEu9gw#usu529M6QA or Weekly Debate Club for Older Students: https://outschool.com/classes/7e0e914d-be48-41bb-ad1a-f299290df558?sectionUid=c2496863-80e6-49c6-8cd1-34f11683bd64#usu529M6QA See you in the Group! Class listing photo by Miguel Henriques on Unsplash
Other Details
Parental Guidance
If you or your learner 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.
Guidelines
Welcome to the Debate Lounge! I'm excited to debate with and learn from you.
Below are Outschool's group participation guidelines. Above all, be good to each other in the group, and we'll all have fun!
"We want all of our learners to feel comfortable, connected, and safe. That's why we have 3 rules we ask you to follow: Be Kind, Be Safe, and Be Respectful.
Be Kind - Help all learners feel welcome and included.
Learners from all over the world, with different backgrounds, races, ethnicities, abilities, gender identities, religions and body types, participate in our Group. Always be nice and make others, especially new learners, know that they belong and are welcome. Teasing, name calling, or bullying anybody in our community? Nope. Not happening here
Be Safe - Keep your personal information private and never ask other learners for theirs.
Personal things are personal. We want to keep you safe on Outschool, but we also want YOU to understand how to be safe when you're meeting other learners or teachers. Keep your full name, home address, gaming or social media name, email, and school name private.
Be Respectful - Treat others how you want to be treated.
Keep language clean and information you share safe. If you wouldn't say it or share with your grandma, don't do it here. Swear words, racy videos, and violent images are not allowed. Treat Outschool like a public place, and when in doubt, keep things covered."
What can learners do in this chat group?
1/3
Should Scientists Clone Extinct Animals?
Debate Lounge (Chat Group) is a community of learners that come together on Outschool to share what they’re learning, ask questions, participate in challenges, and get feedback on their projects
Sample learner reactions
How does a “Chat Group” work?
Access anytime
Access to an online community, anytime — Share and create with like-minded peers from any device
Verified learners
A space for verified learners — All participants are verified by Outschool via video before joining
Educator-led
Educator-led activities, events, and discussions — Outschool educator moderates content and facilitates engaging activities
Joined April, 2018
4.8
1491reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
2 Degrees
Master's Degree in Education from University College London
Bachelor's Degree from Georgetown University
I've been teaching popular and well-reviewed Debate classes on Outschool for almost 6 years. My business degree includes courses on public speaking and I've served on international business case competition teams, which have 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. I look forward to debating with and learning from you!Reviews
Live Group Class
$5
monthlyUnlimited access
0 active learners
No live video meetings
Ages: 9-14
