DEBATE: a methodology to win any discussion
6 Days
Giulia Baiata
The debate is a discussion of opinions, organized by specific modalities, between interlocutors who argue a case for and against on an assigned topic. The rules of the "game" provide that the position for or against can also be disagreed with by the debaters, who also must be able to bring the appropriate arguments, with rules of time and fairness, without prejudice and prevarication, in listening to and respecting the opinions of others, demonstrating mental flexibility and openness to others' views and positions.
The strength and innovative scope of Debate is to be both a citizenship practice and a game; that is why it is so attractive that it also arouses interest "outside" school.
Learning outcomes
● Develop critical thinking and analysis abilities;
● Sharpen research skills;
● gain general and specific knowledge of many current affairs and social issues topics;
● Improve argumentation skills;
● learn to present an argument persuasively;
● gain the vision and understanding that there are two sides to most arguments;
● learn respect for others, to let them have their say, appreciating other points of view;
● gain the confidence to speak in front of a room full of people;
● practice how to structure and order their thoughts, to identify, introduce, develop and summarize key points;
● develop a sense of timing, to prioritize their material and speak within a given time frame;
● gain the flexibility to react quickly to new ideas, critical questions, and to remain unflustered in crises;
● create evaluation grids;
● participate in the Olympics of the debate.
Programme
DEBATE: a methodology to win any discussion
● Introduction to the course, the school, and the external week activities;
● Icebreaker activities;
● Presentations of the participants’ schools;
● What is a debate?;
● Analysis of a political debate.
Note: The course programme may undergo minor changes based on logistical considerations and resource availability.