When the tragic mass shooting in Parkland, Florida took place, the world was astounded by the articulate students who survived this attack. They all had been students in debate through much of their schooling. They were well-informed, they thought critically, and they could express and defend their points of view cogently and logically. These students stood out, in contrast to the average adult who is often poorly informed, thinks uncritically, and cannot present a cogent, articulate explanation of their point of view (if they have one). Debate, as an integral part of our curriculum in the social sciences, would serve the students and society well.
Yes. It must be everywhere. In order to inculcate proper critical thinking its a must, even with competition. Out of such environments grew Greek skepticism.
Competition is a motivator in learning. Debate promotes quality of education. It builds confidence, encourage reading habit, showcase talent and can also be used to create awareness. The process should be continue and be part of curriculum.
Please forgive me for repeating your question:
"Should DEBATING be required as a continuing part of a curriculum in high school?
Simple Answer: YES !
Why? Some of the reasons are given below:
1) Because of the information age that we experiencing. That rapid dissemination of knowledge going unchallenged is detrimental to mental health.Not only for the youth but also for the adult and the elderly. In other words we are all effected by the inability to know how to debate.
2) Informal debate is unavoidable,
3) Effects mental health and as such
4) Quality of life,
5) Formal classes in debate teach :
a) validation of information sources,
b) respect for the individual of opposing viewpoint
c) provides the debater that she/he can control their emotions
when the beta frequency of the brain is stimulated by shock.
d) how to qualitatively think logically and thus train the
alert state of the brain via the brain's visual interpretation
of those or opposing viewpoint's. Thus helps to train the brain.
e) value judgement which supports the Albus/Mystel node as
given in their text Engineering of Mind. This is clearly illustrated
by the judgement of which team won the debate and how their
performance effect this judgement. In other words provides a
protected solution to real world life problem experiences.
Hopefully this will help you promote your love for the subject. You are to be applauded for your efforts.
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Thank you all for your prompt and reasoned support for Debating in the high school curriculum. Hopefully, you and others can be advocates to effect including Debating in the curricula across the globe.
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