Face Off: Should students be required to learn how to debate?

A debate is a discussion where individuals or groups exchange ideas, theories and different viewpoints to explore concepts and develop a deeper understanding.

A formal debate usually includes at least two perspectives that oppose each other. Many schools have debate teams as this popular extracurricular activity promotes critical thinking, organisational and communication skills.

As formal debate requires a person to consider multiple viewpoints to form a cohesive argument, students have to consider and reconsider ideas constantly. They must approach the topic logically and convince themselves first and others next.

Students may even find themselves changing their perspective after a debate because they have had to really think an idea through.

This is needed because the rise of artificial intelligence, chatbots, and social media has dissuaded people from thinking for themselves. Debate changes this by forcing students to question their beliefs instead of unquestioningly accepting what is fed to them.

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If students are required to learn how to debate, this will create a society of thinkers. People will evaluate the information given to them, decreasing the spread of misinformation on social media. Employers also look for individuals with creative problem-solving skills.

Another effect of debate is improved organisational and communication skills. Debate is an intense activity, with most tournaments lasting over eight hours. While some sessions are scripted, many are impromptu, leaving debaters with limited time to prepare their speeches after receiving the topic.

This is a rushed, demanding and anxiety-inducing process. Students must work quickly with teammates to ensure arguments are connected, and everyone is on the same page. But with enough practice, debaters are sure to become familiar with the process and confident in coming up with cohesive arguments on the spot.

Debate trains students to work efficiently and communicate clearly under pressure. It is an invaluable school experience where you foster close bonds with teammates that develop into friendships. It also helps students develop critical thinking, organisational and communication skills.

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Schools should not require students to learn how to debate because it can harm their mental health and oversimplify current events.

Firstly, while debate can foster friendships and discussions about global issues, the nature of the conversation – arguing – is essentially stressful and can easily overwhelm students, particularly those who are introverted or less confident in public speaking.

For people who feel pressure to perform well, the competitive nature of debates can intensify these anxieties. For instance, the fear of forgetting arguments or stumbling through difficult words during delivery can induce significant amounts of stress.

Schools are already stressful environments where students face academic pressure from their teachers, peers and parents. Adding the stress of debates onto their plates can lead to academic burnout in the long run and an unhealthy work-life balance.

And for many introverted students or those with social anxiety, debate could be a very daunting event.

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Additionally, debate fosters a two-sided view of every issue, including current global matters. During a debate, the issue at hand is either classified as beneficial or detrimental. This binary (two-part) framework oversimplifies the world’s complex problems.

Most current events are not simply beneficial or detrimental. Oftentimes, they must involve a variety of viewpoints. By dividing every issue into “for and against”, we fail to prepare students for the real world, where they must make nuanced decisions.

Therefore, through debate, students miss out on the opportunity to analyse events thoroughly.

To equip students with comprehensive skills and knowledge, we must redirect our attention; promoting open discussions instead of rigid debate. Not only do open discussions allow students to share and listen to opinions, but they also give more shy students the opportunity to speak up and hone their public speaking skills without feeling pressure to “win” or “lose” an argument.

In conclusion, while it is a great way for students to express themselves, I firmly believe it is unnecessary to require each one to learn how to debate and engage in it as it can foster a two-sided viewpoint on global issues and place unnecessary pressure on students.