by Virginia Gaces

Created on: November 23, 2008   Last Updated: September 29, 2010

A teacher should look upon every activity as a learning tool, whether this is done outside or inside the classroom. Competitive debate is one of the most common methods that educators utilize to enhance the didactic phase and to maximize the teaching-learning process.

How is competitive debating done?

1. Two teams from 3-4 members are usually given a topic for debate. One group would be the affirmative and the other, the negative; e.g. "Should there be a division of the state and the church?" You could create numerous topics from your lessons.

2. Each member of the group would be given 5-7 minutes to present their arguments.

3. After each argument the other group is allowed to interpolate or to rebut the merits and demerits of the other team's presentation.

4. The team who earns the highest points, with regards to the validity of arguments presented, would win.

This is a great learning tool because of the following significant reasons:

1. The students not only learn how to express themselves in public but would also learn how to respect the right of others to speak. During the debate, no one is allowed to butt in unless duly acknowledged by the on-going speaker.

When the exposure of the students to debating activities is intensive, they would become more and more confident in expressing themselves. Being a fluent writer does not necessarily denote that students are good speakers, too. It takes practice to perfect oral expression and this is one effective tool to do it.

There are many graduates with above average IQs, who were turned down upon applying for a job, because someone with an average IQ was hired; all because he knew how to express himself fluently.

Learning is also about expressing your thoughts and ideas well.

2. Debate teaches students to argue without rancor or enmity. They develop their skill on tactfulness and dynamic expression, without appearing condescending or haughty. Debaters are trained to remain calm and collected. Voices should never be raised or negative emotions should not be displayed. When a debater shouts, interrupt rudely, or makes face, a demerit point is given to their group.

3. The logical and organized presentation would teach students to organize their thoughts; that arguments are considered logical when they could be supported by facts. This is one of the bases of giving out points; the arguments presented should have facts, and not hearsay, to back them up.

4. Students learn how to be good team players. Cooperation and

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>