Debate Club

Student Reflections

We greatly enjoyed the Debate ASA. The students were motivated, though they may have had different expectations. We focused on the formal debate - they were more acquainted with controversial, brief, and spontaneous debates. We shortly talked about the history of debate and the format we plan to debate in. Following the lecture, we brainstormed a variety of debate motions (topics). We voted for the motion we wanted, divided the teams with a random generator, and started brainstorming arguments. We believe that this first session was successful. Moreover, we liked how it went and “flowed,” we had a sufficient number of sign-ups. We could improve our time management, which could enable us to start the debate faster. A week later, our focus was shifted to capital punishment and if it is a just punishment. We made teams and started forming arguments. However, some kids did not show up§, and Kevin decided to leave the classroom. We continued building arguments, with Yotam’s team disadvantaged due to Kevin’s absence. Mr. Warren let us go outside to plan arguments free of the others’ hearing radius.

More to follow...