NC/1NR — AT: Doesn’t Solve Critical Thinking

2NC/1NR — AT: Doesn’t Solve Critical Thinking

Debate plays a central role in fostering critical thinking skills

Last week's Minnesota Urban Debate League (MNUDL) tournament featured something new: all the debates happened in Spanish, fitting considering it focused on U.S. economic engagement with Latin America. It was also a preview of sorts for next year, when several tournaments will include Spanish and Somali divisions. What the MNUDL is doing – challenging middle and high school students from all backgrounds to become active learners through discussion around a central topic – should be emulated by all school districts in our state. Policy debate represents a unique way to boost student achievement and give students the tools they need to succeed after graduation. Recent research points to a diminished capacity for critical thinking, reasoning skills, and creativity among middle and high school students. The trend toward empirical measures of progress, especially the emphasis on standardized testing, has pushed aside development of these critically important abilities. In the modern age, students need to learn how to communicate effectively, process information rapidly, and think critically. Common Core pays lip service to the need for reasoning skills but there has been little initiative nationally or from our own state to directly attack this growing problem. Policy debate (or cross-examination debate) has not only been shown to boost likelihood of graduation, test scores, and grade point average, but it teaches unquantifiable lessons about communication, argumentation, skepticism, activism, and rulemaking. According to a study published in Educational Research and Reviews, even controlling for several factors related to academic achievement, debate has a uniquely positive impact on educational development. Policy debate is evidence intensive. Students must spend hours researching topics in order to be successful. Competitors are forced to consider opposing positions and craft arguments in favor or opposed to various propositions. Normally, the debates center on if and how a policy should be implemented by the federal government. Occasionally, however, students discuss how they themselves should combat various social ills such as poverty, violence, racism, and gender inequality. Every debate is unique; students must be able to think on their feet to respond to any and all arguments. Debate offers an opportunity to stimulate several oft-forgotten but still very important, aspects of educational development. In dialogic argumentation students are engaged more thoroughly than they are in nearly any other type of classroom activity. The state legislature would be wise to help cash-strapped districts expand their extracurricular activities. School districts should prioritize debate programs within their extracurricular offerings.

Debate effectively teaches the skills Common Core attempted to teach through rigorous standards

Ayers 13 — Ryan Ayers is a writer who creates informative articles in relation to education. In this article, he describes the benefits of being involved with a debate team and aims to encourage further study with a Champlain College Masters in Criminal Law. (“The benefits of participating in a high school debate team” December 19^th, 2013, Available online at http://www.parentscountdowntocollegecoach.com/2013/12/19/high-school-debate-team/, Accessed 7/14/15)

The education you have during high school can benefit you in college. This is especially true if you plan to pursue a law degree. There are reasons to make a high school debate team a part of your education. A Debate Team Will Help You Learn Communication Skills When you work in the legal field, you need to know how to communicate effectively. The best way to prepare for success is to learn these skills in high school. There is no better way to learn effective communication skills than by participating on a debate team. Debate requires you to think clearly and carefully before you speak. You will learn to formulate your thoughts, and know in advance what you want to say. You will learn to be logical and rational. These skills will help you communicate in an effective manner. Your Education Can Help You Learn To Focus On Facts When debate is part of your education, you will learn to separate emotions and opinions from facts. You will be able to approach each topic you debate from a logical perspective. These skills will be useful in the classroom, and in your future career. Debate Will Help You Gain Confidence In Yourself Confidence is an important part of your education. Not only is confidence essential to a successful career, it can also make your life better when you are in college. A person who has confidence in himself is more likely to resist negative peer pressure. If your fellow students drink, use drugs, or engage in other harmful activities, the self-confidence you develop from participating in the debate team can make it easier for you to make the right choices. You will know you do not have to follow the crowd, or engage in behaviors that are not in your best interest. When debate is included in your education, it can also help your social life. As socializing is an important part of the college experience, self-confidence can help you make friends. When you are self-assured, you will be the kind of person other students will like. You Can Become Goal-Oriented From Your Debate Team Experiences Even if you are still in high school, gaining the most from your education requires you to be goal-oriented. When you practice for a debate, you will have goals in mind. When you know what you want to accomplish, it is the first step toward accomplishing the goal. This is a habit you can carry with you into college, and into your future. Debate Makes Education Fun while debate is serious, it is something you will enjoy. From learning about new topics to interacting with other students, it will be an enjoyable part of your overall education. However, you will also find an activity can be fun and serious at the same time. While you will take many classes and participate in other activities in high school, the debate team is one in which you will have a good time. Your education is your foundation for the future. Nearly every decision you make today will affect your future in some way. When you are planning the courses you will take, and the extra-curricular activities you want to participate in, make sure the debate team is on your list. The debate team can provide a head-start to a successful career. It can benefit you throughout your college years, and when you enter the workforce. Equally important, it is something you will thoroughly enjoy. It can provide many benefits and opportunities that you cannot afford to miss. The debate team should definitely be part of your high school plans.

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