Debate & Public Speaking Skills

DEBATE LIKE A CHAMPION Awarding Body : © 2017 English Speaking Board (International) Ltd. Registered in England Company No. 01269980 Registered as a Charity No. 272565

QUALIFICATIONS AWARD IN DEBATING – LEVEL 1 AWARD IN DEBATING – LEVEL 2 AWARD IN DEBATING – LEVEL 3

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Award in debating INTRODUCTION Dr. Kate Shuster and John Meany (2005) explain in their textbook Speak Out! Debate and Public Speaking in the Middle Grades: “Debate and public speaking are of extraordinary value to middle school students. Participation in debating can boost student self-confidence, accelerate learning across the curriculum, and improve critical thinking and oral communication skills” (p.5). Through this written commentary, we define debate and argue for its inclusion in the middle school curriculum as a foundation not only for speaking and listening but also for all literacies. We present a model for teaching debate that begins with two simple lessons on argumentation and leads to lifelong skills in oral communications, teamwork, and critical thinking.

In Classroom Kids walk into debate class, read the board, “The atomic bombing of Japan was justified.” And the conversation begins. (The teacher remains silent.)

“Japan bombed Pearl Harbor and we needed to get them. An eye for an eye.” “Yeah, but lots of people died and so many got cancer.

The animals all died.”

“We wanted to end the war.”

“We had to prove we were strong.”“That’s not right. Innocent people died.” “And they surrendered.”

“But so many people got burned and died.”

We used to think this passed for debate, even higher-level critical thinking for young adolescents. However, based on our work with middle school students , we have learned that this is not debate. It’s not even sufficiently sophisticated for the “first constructive speaker.” (Context for debate terminology follows.) This classroom dialogue is merely a conversation. And these students diverse learners including English language learners are capable of much more.

What Is Middle School Debate?

We’ll start with what it’s not: yelling at your opponent; talking but not listening; presenting but not responding; or even the presidential “debates” we see on television.

Rather, debate is “an organized public argument on a specific topic. It is organized in that there are rules of debating. It is public because it is conducted for the benefit of an audience. It involves arguments, which are well-explained opinions. A debate is also on a specific topic, with one side arguing in favor and the other team opposing the issue” (Shuster & Meany, 2005, p. 44). Each student must use argumentation and refutation, supported by reasoning, research, and evidence. Listening and note-taking during the de- bate are essential.

Easily adapted across curriculum, debate

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The result is

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How Debate Works The teacher assigns a topic. Students are charged with researching both sides of the debate so they can understand the full argument and be prepared to defend either perspective. The debate involves two teams, the proposition and opposition, each with three students. Similar to a trial, the debate opens and closes with the burden of proof on the proposition. Each student has one speech to deliver in the following order: First Proposition Constructive speaker; First Opposition; Second Proposition Constructive; Second Opposition; Opposition Rebuttal; Proposition Rebuttal.

A debate is typically one class period, about 30 minutes long plus time for teacher and peer feedback and assessment. Students learn to appropriately interrupt with questions, called points of information, and may politely heckle (use one word or short phrase to point out errors to the judge). During the debate, the students must listen closely to the other team’s arguments and take notes, called flowing in debate jargon. At the conclusion, the judge (teacher and/or student peers) declares a winner and awards speaker points (evaluation for each student’s speech).

Why Debate?

Since classical times, debate has been one of the best methods of learning and applying the principles of critical thinking.

—Austin J. Freely and David L. Steinberg, Argumentation and Debate (2013, pp. 3–4) Debate is a cornerstone of 21st-century literacy. It requires research, analysis, reasoning, and evidence. It actively engages young adolescents in critical and complex thinking about both historical and current events. Students who master those skills are ready for high school and college, lectures and seminars, as well as the workplace, where the ability to think on your feet, reason critically, make and affect decisions based on solid reasoning, collaborate on and among diverse teams, and effectively express yourself orally are paramount.

Enhances Success- Improves Academic Success While there is a need for additional research on the educational outcomes of debate, particularly among middle school students, studies indicate a positive relationship between participation in debate activities and academic attainment (Akerman & Neale, 2011; Wood, 2013). Additionally, according to Akerman and Neale’s international review of qualitative and quantitative research, evidence links debate to improving subject knowledge, developing critical thinking, promoting communication skills (including improved English when it is not the student’s first language), and boosting aspirations, confidence, and cultural awareness.

Meets Common Core State Standards Debate is an obvious fit for the Common Core, linking to over 50 standards. The anchor standards in Speaking and Listening read like a description of debate. Through the clear and persuasive spoken word, debaters work with di- verse partners to integrate and evaluate evidence, explore points of view, develop organized arguments, and listen closely to define and further develop their lines of reasoning.

Debate also incorporates the other literacies, notably: • • • • • • • •

Close reading of text (Reading) Inclusion of information texts (Reading) Analysis and evaluation of textual evidence (Reading and Writing) Use of reasoning and evidence (Reading and Writing) Command of Standard English in writing and speech (Language) Vocabulary acquisition and use (Language) Use of literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects

Supports Career Success Debate serves students beyond the classroom, making them “career ready,” as defined by many employers. The skills that 21st-century employers seek can be honed by the speaking and listening skills taught in a debate unit. According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) Job Outlook (2010), the top four skills that employers seek are outcomes of our middle school debate program: 1) communication skills (verbal), 2) strong work ethic, 3) teamwork skills (works well with others), and 4) analytical skills. “Each year, without fail, strong communication skills come out on top” (p. 25).

QUALIFICATIONS

Who are ESB? English Speaking Board (International) Ltd. (ESB) is a national awarding organization offering qualifications focused on communication skills at school, in college and throughout life.

We deliver examinations in schools, businesses, prisons, colleges and charities across the UK and around the world.

Our qualifications are recognised by OFQUAL, SQA and Qualifications Wales and are mapped to the relevant National Curriculum and ESOL Core Curriculum requirements.

In 1953 Christabel Burniston founded ESB. She was a pioneer of a new approach to developing speaking and listening skills. Breaking away from the traditional ‘elocution’ classes of the era, ESB’s method was to allow learners to learn and be tested on their communication skills in a supportive group.

Founded on a philosophy which values the worth of every individual, this ethos still holds true today. ESB strives to inspire confidence and increase self-esteem through acquiring interactive speaking and listening skills.

ESB’s mission is to promote clear, effective communication at all levels by providing high quality assessments, training and services in the UK and around the world, recognising and encouraging the potential of all.

ESB’s vision is to be a leader in the development and provision of high quality and relevant English Language qualifications both at home and around the world.

Qualifications ESB qualifications focus on effective communication skills, with a practical emphasis. We are proud of our history of providing high quality, flexible assessments.

ESB employs an experienced team of external examiners that visit centres across the UK and internationally. Our speaking and listening assessments are carried out at the students’ centre in a pair or small peer group.

ESB now also offers qualifications in Reading and Writing for speakers of other languages.

Different groups of our qualifications are accredited by various external regulators including Ofqual, SQA and Qualifications Wales.

Award in Debating (Level 1) ESB Level 1 Award in Debating gives late primary and early secondary school pupils an opportunity to endorse their talent for debating and improve their skills. Debating is an essential life skill and an aid to develop soft skills such as critical thinking, teamwork and leadership. All of ESB’s schools qualifications are mapped to the UK National Curriculum and are proven to increase attainment and confidence in speaking and listening.

Award in Debating (Level 2) ESB Level 2 Award in Debating gives secondary school students an opportunity to endorse their talent for debating and improve their skills.

Award in Debating (Level 3) Award in Debating (Level 3) gives sixth-form and college students an opportunity to endorse their talent for debating and improve their skills.

Qualification Criteria Unit Aim - The overall aim of the qualification is to promote clear, effective, confident oral communication and responses within a participating group of 6 or 8 candidates. The Level 1 Award in Debating is mapped to the statutory requirements for Spoken Language in the National Curriculum at Key Stage 3.

Level 1 Award in Debating Assessment method

External Assessment

Grading

Pass, Merit, Distinction

Accreditation information

Ofqual Start Date: 1st October 2015 Code: 601/7971/5

Total individual time

4 minutes

Credit value

2

Age range

10-13

Target group

Indicative age groups are Years 6-8, but this is not prescriptive; the assessment may be taken by younger or older candidates. Level 1 Awards in Debating are suitable for key stage 3 of the National Curriculum. Outcomes for Level 1 Awards in Debating are mapped to National Curriculum requirements for Speaking and Listening where possible and appropriate.

Level 1 Award in Debating Syllabus Content Summary

• Get Level 1 qualifica�on • Complete 10 level 2 projects • Appear for External Assessment

by ESB

Section 3: Structure Structure work efficiently, using effective introductions and conclusions, linking and summarising.

Level 3

• Complete Training • Level 1 debate projects • Appear for External Assessment

by ESB

Section 2: Style Show effective communication skills (both verbal and nonverbal).

Level 2

Level 1

Total Time: Section 40 1: Minutes Content (including Debate a 4 minutes motion (own per choice – see individual guidance for candidate suitable ) examples), 2 teams demonstrating 6 or 8 evidence of candidate research and s understanding.

3Qualification or 4 in favour Process 3 or 4 against.

Section 4: Listening & Responding Demonstrate listening skills and teamwork, using rebuttal, counter argument and points of information where appropriate.

• Get Level 2 qualifica�on • Complete 10 level 3 projects • Appear for External Assessment

by ESB

Exam Centre : Zabeel International Institute of Management & Technology, Dubai, UAE Exam Dates : On demand , will be announced later Exam Fee : Contact Office at mail@zabeelinstitute.ae or 04 3974905