Using debate to build critical thinking and communication skills

https://twitter.com/etwinningeurope/status/1878819300208988530?s=46&t=WfByW9tc2wWUwdrxXtkPXg

Description

When implemented with sound pedagogical understanding, debate comprehensively develops skills in thinking, argumentation, communication, and inquiry-based learning. Critical thinking and effective communication can be considered core competencies of an active citizen, and their practice should be emphasised at all educational levels.

Debating is a theoretically well-founded, practical and enjoyable educational approach when executed with careful pedagogical planning. The course provides participants with the basic competencies and resources for effective debate education.

Learning objectives

• Extend and transform their understanding of the uses of debate in learning and teaching by articulating specific ways debate can enhance teaching and learning practices.
• Learn about debate as a pedagogical approach and practice and explore its ancient and modern history by explaining the pedagogical principles that underpin its use in education.
• Identify and evaluate potential benefits and possible disadvantages of using debate as a learning activity, supporting claims with examples of evidence. 
• Analyse how debating supports the development of critical thinking, argumentation and communication skills by discussing specific examples of case studies. 
• Design one pedagogically sound educational experience based on debating, including clear learning objectives, activities, and justification for its educational value.

Methodology & assessment

The course is offered as an asynchronous course with flexibility in regard to when and where participants follow the course content and join the course activities. However, there is a final deadline in place for the submission of a course product. Participants are required to actively contribute to the course activities by sharing their work and submitting a course product. This product is submitted and assessed by peers or the course instructor in the final module of the course. 

Certification details

Upon successful completion of the course, a digital course certificate is awarded. The certificate shows the name of the learner and key course details such as the estimated learning hours, the learning objectives, and a link to the course homepage. 

Additional information

• Language:English
• Target audience ISCED:Primary education (ISCED 1)Lower secondary education (ISCED 2)Upper secondary education (ISCED 3)
• Target audience type:TeacherStudent TeacherHead Teacher / Principal
• Learning time:5-10 hours