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For debaters, the time between semesters isn’t just a break—it’s an opportunity to refine argumentation skills and dive deeper into structured reasoning. Using models like Toulmin , Super Toulmin , or TaBLI , students can maintain their edge and elevate their performance for the next debate season. Build Your Knowledge Base Read Widely Broaden your perspective by exploring newspapers, academic journals, and books that cover diverse fields such as politics, economics, philosophy, and technology. Daily reading habits build awareness of current events and deepen your understanding of foundational theories. For example, reading economic analyses can help you understand global trade disputes, while philosophy texts sharpen your ability to reason through ethical dilemmas. By staying informed, you’ll develop a nuanced perspective that can be applied to debates across various topics, giving you an edge when faced with complex motions. Analyze Current Events The news isn’t just informative—it’s a goldmine for debate practice. Take stories from trusted media outlets and dissect them into claims, evidence, and potential counterarguments. Identify the stakeholders involved, predict their positions, and consider the issue's short- and long-term impacts. For instance, a story about renewable energy initiatives can be used to practice framing arguments around environmental sustainability versus economic costs. This exercise trains you to think critically and respond quickly when new information arises in a debate setting. Conduct Deep-Dive Research Use this downtime to explore topics that might not often come up in casual conversation but are increasingly relevant in debate rounds. Choose a niche issue—artificial intelligence ethics, water resource management, or cultural heritage preservation—and immerse yourself in it. Start by reading introductory articles, then progress to more specialized materials like research papers or expert interviews. By building expertise in less common areas, you’ll be prepared to argue motions others may find daunting, giving you a unique competitive advantage. Engage in Self-Evaluation Self-evaluation is a powerful tool for growth as a debater, allowing you to identify strengths and areas for improvement. Start by recording yourself delivering arguments using structured models like Toulmin, Super Toulmin, or TaBLI. Watching these recordings helps you assess your clarity, logic, and delivery, giving you insight into how effectively your points resonate with an audience. Additionally, create a detailed checklist to ensure your arguments include all essential components—such as warrants, links, and impacts—and evaluate whether these elements are compelling and logically sound. This reflective practice enables you to refine your argumentation skills, ensuring your presentations are well-structured and impactful when debate season resumes. Final Note The break between semesters is an excellent time to grow as a debater, sharpening your skills and expanding your knowledge. With consistent practice and a proactive mindset, you’ll be ready to tackle any challenge when classes resume. And don’t forget—our Winter Camp  and Spring Semester  are just around the corner! These programs are designed to help you refine your abilities and connect with other passionate debaters. We look forward to seeing you in class and continuing this exciting journey together!

Imagine this: the Prime Minister (PM) finishes their opening speech, defining the debate in a way that feels just a little too convenient for their side. As the Leader of the Opposition (LO), you sit there thinking, Wait a second, that doesn’t seem fair!  Here’s the good news—calling out and challenging the PM’s interpretation is not just your right but one of your most powerful tools in British Parliamentary (BP) debate! Let’s break down how to do it with confidence, clarity, and style. Why the LO’s Challenge Is a Game-Changer The PM sets the tone for the debate with their interpretation of the motion, but that doesn’t mean it’s the final word. Sometimes, their interpretation is too narrow, too broad, or just plain unfair. That’s where you come in. As the LO, you have the power to call out any sneaky definitions, reframe the debate, and show the judges why your approach is the better one. How to Challenge Like a Pro Challenging the PM’s interpretation isn’t just about pointing out flaws—it’s about offering a better path forward. Follow these steps to make your challenge effective: Step 1: Call Out the Problem Explain why the PM’s interpretation is flawed. Use clear reasoning and reference debate principles, like fairness and balance. The PM focuses on a tiny part of the topic, leaving you little room to argue. Example:  Motion: “This House would prioritize economic growth over environmental protection.” PM interprets it as solely discussing the timber industry. LO:  “The PM’s definition, which limits this debate to the timber industry, is unreasonably narrow and doesn’t reflect the broader implications of the motion. This restricts our ability to engage meaningfully.” Step 2: Propose a Better Interpretation Give the judges and audience an alternative that makes the debate fairer and more engaging. Example:  “A more reasonable interpretation would explore the trade-offs between economic growth and environmental protection across multiple industries, allowing both sides to engage fully.” Step 3: Reframe the Debate Once you’ve proposed your interpretation, set the stage for your arguments within this new framework. Challenging the PM’s interpretation isn’t just about winning the moment—it’s about setting the tone for the debate. By reframing the discussion, you can shift the spotlight onto your arguments while forcing the government team to play on your turf. Remember, judges love a debate that’s engaging, balanced, and thought-provoking. By challenging unfair or lazy interpretations, you’re not just helping your team—you’re elevating the quality of the entire round. How to Disagree with the PM’s Model Sometimes, the PM will introduce a model—a specific plan or rule—to support their case. As the Leader of the Opposition, this is your chance to show why their model doesn’t work and bring the spotlight back to your side. Here’s how you can tackle their model like a pro: “The model is too strict…”  If the PM’s plan feels like a one-size-fits-all solution, explain why it doesn’t leave enough room for real-world flexibility. For example: “The PM’s plan to ban all social media for kids under 16 is way too strict. What about apps that help kids learn or stay in touch with family?” “The model won’t work…”  Point out why the PM’s plan isn’t practical or realistic. For instance: “The PM’s idea of giving everyone free money sounds cool, but how will they pay for it without making taxes super high?” “The model doesn’t fix the real problem…” Show why their plan doesn’t actually solve what the motion is about. For example: “The PM says we need to focus only on economic growth, but their plan ignores how environmental damage can hurt the economy later on.” Step Up and Own the Debate As the Leader of the Opposition, you have the unique opportunity to shape the debate and hold the PM accountable for their framing. Spot the flaws, propose a better interpretation, and steer the discussion toward a fair and dynamic exchange of ideas. With practice, this skill will become second nature—and who knows? Your well-placed challenge might just be the turning point that wins your team

Grace is a passionate teacher with over a decade of experience in public speaking and debate, ready to help students find their voice and shine. A graduate of the University of Utah, she competed with the John R. Park Debate Society while studying communication, anthropology, and Spanish. Upon graduation from the University of Utah, Grace ended her collegiate debate career with more final round appearances during the regular competition season than any other competitor in the team’s 154-year history. Originally from Moab, Utah, she’s now pursuing a Master’s in Biocultural Anthropology and Public Health at East Carolina University, focusing her research on health trends in the Southern U.S. What sparked your interest in debate, and what was your first experience like? When I was an 8th grader, one of my friends suggested I come to a debate team to see if it was something I’d be interested in. I was! The meeting was fun, and the team members were very welcoming. My first experience at a debate tournament was exciting. The topic was whether the benefits of genetically modified organisms outweighed the harms. I participated in Public Forum (PF) debate and Original Oratory. My PF partner was one of my best friends at the time. He and I lost by a landslide our first round but the team we went against was very nice and they helped us work on our case to improve it. Everyone was so friendly and happy to be at the tournament. It was a really good time!   Can you share a memorable win or loss from your debating days? What did it teach you? One memorable experienced happened during a British Parliamentary debate my second year in college. My partner and I had just won a particularly difficult round, and one team resorted to unfair tactics to try and knock us out of the round. Thankfully, the judges noticed, and we were actually the only team from that round to make it to semifinals. We were so excited because we were on track to make it to finals. The semifinal round went great; my partner and I felt confident and we had fellow competitors and friends who told us, from their perspective, we had won the round and should be guaranteed for finals. In debate, people are usually good about giving honest feedback. We felt confident coming out of the round and were shocked when we did not make it to the final round. It was unfortunate and we were disappointed, but we had an amazing season. That tournament was a tournament I had to attend right after a close friend of mine passed away suddenly, so to even make it to semifinals was something I was proud of. By not making it to finals, I was able to take some time to decompress and relax, surrounded by my friends doing what we all loved to do, and that was really a healing experience after something so horrible. Rather than being alone to grieve, I was with my friends, fully supported. We had a great time watching the final round and I was finally able to relax after a long, emotionally-taxing weekend. Sometimes, the show must go on and we have to participate in debates when we feel like the world around us is crashing down on us. But if we’re doing debate surrounded by people we cherish, who support us and care about us, and who we likewise support and care about, it makes those dark times easy to navigate. Debate is very much an outlet, an academic and intellectual space where you have the opportunity to debate with others who feel the same. Debating with friends makes it even more fun. That was a particularly difficult tournament for me.  This semifinal round was a bit of a reality check and reminded me, taught me, that a loss is not always a bad thing; you grow and learn and it gives you motivation to win the next round! (We ended up winning the next several tournaments!) Keep pushing forward! How did you prepare for big competitions, and what advice would you give to current debaters for handling competition stress? First and foremost, I try not to panic. The worst thing someone can do to themselves right before a big debate tournament is make themselves feel incapable of succeeding. When I was in high school, I struggled to keep myself in a good headspace when I got intimidated. Eventually, I realized I had to stay in a positive mindset because I was just as capable, just as good, as any other debater in the room. This was particularly true when I was competing at the Tournament of Champions, a large national competition. Students in attendance practiced and trained rigorously for years at that competition and I was some kid from a small town in Utah- holding my own against these schools with unlimited resources that were funneled into speech and debate coaches. That alone is a feat. In college, I had a partner for at least some of the events and I was good friends with him, so being able to talk to him and talk ourselves through any doubts or hesitancies we had was very helpful. In events where I couldn’t do that, like extemporaneous speaking or communication analysis, the only thing you can do is practice ahead of time- and I mean practice a lot. If you’re doing an event that requires memorization, you have to practice. That’s the best way to be confident at tournaments. How has your perspective on debate changed since you became a teacher? I now recognize many of the issues my debate coaches used to point out and the strategies they suggested for approaching arguments. My speeches were generally organized, but sometimes I struggled with having clear warrants and using too many impacts at the end of a speech. Teaching debate has allowed me to take a step back and observe the event from the outside looking in instead of the other way around. Working with students of all levels of debate helped me understand, retrospectively, what my coaches worked with me to improve, but I love working with new debaters, or experienced debaters learning a new event. There’s just so much enthusiasm and you can tell when students are really excited about learning a new piece of debate or even a new skill. Being able to watch students work through challenging concepts is so rewarding because I know what those struggles were like and I know what it feels like when you can finally put all of the pieces together and excel! What’s one thing you wish you knew as a debater that you now know as a teacher? I wish I had understood the value of organization in debates. I’ve competed in many debates and I’ve judged many debates. The more organized a speaker is, the more likely I am to vote for them in a debate because they make it easy to follow the round and they tell a clear story about what the debate was about. I was usually decent at staying organized, but I don’t think that nearly as much of a priority for high-school debater Grace as it should have been. In college, my organization got much better because judges were very picky about organization but in high school, knowing that organization could make or break a round would’ve helped me do better when I was first starting out. I really struggled with finding an organization I liked and reference quickly. Even into college, my flows changed round by round sometimes depending on how overwhelmed or confident I was with a topic! I did TRY to keep it consistent!

When shy students step into a debate club, they often come with hesitations. What if I say something wrong? What if everyone laughs? It’s a common worry, and yet time and again, I’ve seen these same students walk out weeks or months later filled with confidence, ready to take on any challenge. Debate isn’t just about speaking—it’s about finding your voice and discovering that your ideas matter. Practice Builds Confidence The first time a shy student speaks in a debate, it might be as simple as introducing themselves or reading from a note. But even that small step is progress. Debate is a safe, structured environment where kids practice speaking regularly, and with every practice, their confidence grows. According to a study published in the Journal of Youth Development , repeated exposure to public speaking activities helps students overcome speech anxiety by building familiarity and reducing fear. Debate isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress. Debate Creates a Safe Space for Self-Expression In a world where kids often feel judged for their opinions, debate offers something rare: a place where every idea matters. Those who are shy and might hesitate to speak up in class are surprised to discover that their arguments are valued. A 2018 study by the National Communication Association  found that structured debate programs improve students’ self-perception of their communication abilities. The more they engage, the more they believe in their ability to express themselves effectively. Learning to Handle Criticism Builds Resilience One of the most valuable lessons debate teaches is how to handle feedback. In a debate round, judges provide constructive criticism to help participants improve. While this might seem intimidating, it’s transformative for shy children and teens. They learn that making mistakes isn’t the end of the world—it’s part of growth. Dr. Carol Dweck’s research on the growth mindset emphasizes that kids who view challenges as opportunities to learn become more resilient and confident. Debate promotes this mindset by showing kids that every stumble is a step forward. It’s Not Just About Speaking—It’s About Thinking Confidence doesn’t come solely from speaking well—it comes from knowing you have something meaningful to say. Debate teaches students to research, analyze, and construct logical arguments, which builds their belief in their own intelligence. A study by Urban Debate Leagues  showed that students who participate in debate demonstrate increased critical thinking skills and academic performance, particularly in literacy. When kids see themselves improving, they feel more confident tackling new challenges. Small Wins Lead to Big Transformations Every debate round, every question answered, every rebuttal delivered—these are small victories that add up. Shy students see themselves evolving, and with each success, their self-esteem grows. By the time they compete in their first tournament, they’ve already achieved something incredible: they’ve faced their fears and found their voice. Debate isn’t just about learning to argue—it’s about discovering that your ideas are worth sharing and your voice is worth hearing. The confidence kids gain in debate doesn’t stop at the tournament door; it follows them into classrooms, friendships, and eventually, careers. So, if you have a shy child or teen who’s hesitant to speak up, consider debate. It’s not just an extracurricular—it’s a life-changing journey of self-discovery and empowerment.

Meet Teacher Jordan, a dynamic debate educator with an impressive background in competitive debating. As the captain of the Georgetown Debate Union, he led his team to victory in the Qatar Universities Debate League and has been a vital part of public discussions at Hamad Bin Khalifa University. He even represented Georgetown at the European Universities Debate Championship, earning the title of #1 speaker in Qatar. What sparked your interest in debate, and what was your first experience like? My first experience in debate was exhilarating and nerve wrecking. I had 2 pages full of notes I waned to talk about in my 7 minute speech, but the structured bullet points on my notes turned into a scramble of incoherent phrases out of my mouth. I was immediately hooked on how much strategy, preparation, and quick thinking was involved. My interest in debate sparked when I lost my first debate arguing for a position that I firmly believed in. I was shocked at the different perspective my opponent offered and felt my world as I knew it shattered and got a little bigger. The realization that there are always two sides to any motion is what hooked me into debate. Can you share a memorable win or loss from your debating days? What did it teach you? I was asked to represent my school in a nationwide televised debate about Middle Eastern Politics, especially surrounding the role of Saudi Arabia and the GCC. I was going up against seasoned debaters that represented one of the countries in the middle east. Since I was not from the region, I felt like I lacked the cultural understanding behind the decision making of leaders of state and did not feel like I had enough historical context of the motion. On debate day, I was able to set aside my doubts and made the argument backed by facts. I pleaded that yes I am new to the region, but bringing in diverse viewpoints allows for fresh insights and can help bridge gaps in understanding complex issues like Middle Eastern politics. Although I wasn’t as familiar with the regional nuances, I focused on universal principles like diplomacy, cooperation, and the value of cross-cultural dialogue. To my surprise, this approach resonated with the audience and judges. I won the debate, and it was a powerful reminder that sometimes an "outsider" perspective can offer valuable clarity. This experience taught me that confidence in your unique viewpoint, backed by solid research and an open mind, can be as impactful as deep familiarity. It reminded me that debate isn't just about winning with the "perfect" argument—it's about contributing meaningfully to the conversation. How did you prepare for big competitions, and what advice would you give to current debaters for handling competition stress? Practice, Practice, Practice! A lot of the stress and anxiousness comes from feeling underprepared and not feeling good enough. Practice eases that because it means I am one step closer to where I want to be. For current debaters that are dealing with competition stress, I’d encourage them to remember two things: 1) Being nervous means that you care. 2) There is no perfection, so make sure you get a good night’s sleep the day before and show up the day of with a smile! How has your perspective on debate changed since you became a teacher? My perspective on debate has changed so much since I became a teacher. As a debater, I saw debate as a skill to eloquently present my arguments and explain why my side is more convincing. As a teacher, debate became looking at the bigger picture, and truly understanding and then addressing why we are talking about the issue at hand. The journey is equally if not more important than the outcome of the debate. I learn a lot from my students as well, so I always encourage my students to challenge my ideas and assumptions. What’s one thing you wish you knew as a debater that you now know as a teacher? The result of one debate doesn’t define your career or debate skills. Every loss is just as valuable as a win, and debate is an inherently subjective area. Keep your head up and continue doing what you are doing with purpose and the results will follow! The people you meet, the new perspectives you gain, and the lessons you will pick up along the way will all come in handy outside of the classroom.

Getting Started – Why Your PM Speech is the Key to Success As the Prime Minister (PM) speaker, you’re the first one up for your team! This means it’s your job to set the stage, introduce your team’s plan, and make sure everyone understands what the debate’s all about. To do this, there are a few key steps you’ll need to cover: define important terms, explain what’s happening now, identify the problem, and present your team’s solution, also called the “model.” Step 1: Define the Motion – So Everyone’s on the Same Page Definitions are like the ground rules for the debate. You’ll want to make sure everyone knows what each key term means so no one’s confused about the topic. Sentence Starters: “In this debate, we define ‘[term]’ as…” “For the purposes of this debate, ‘[term]’ means…” Example: If the topic is “This House Would Ban Fast Fashion,” you could say, “For this debate, we define ‘fast fashion’ as low-cost, trendy clothes made quickly and often thrown away.” Step 2: Explain the Status Quo – What’s Happening Right Now? Once you’ve defined everything, explain the current situation. This helps everyone understand why this issue is important and needs to be debated. Sentence Starters: ·       “Right now, the situation is that…” ·       “Currently, it’s common to see…” Example: “Right now, the situation is that fast fashion is causing tons of waste and pollution, and a lot of these clothes end up in landfills.” Step 3: Identify the Problem – Why Does This Matter? Here’s where you highlight why the status quo isn’t great. Explain the issues with the current situation and why it’s a big deal. Sentence Starters: ·       “The problem with this is that…” ·       “This creates a major issue because…” Example: “The problem with this is that fast fashion is harmful to the environment and unfair to workers, who are often underpaid.” Step 4: Present Your Model – Your Team’s Big Solution! Your model is the solution your team proposes to fix the problem. Think of it as the game plan to make things better. Sentence Starters: ·       “Our model suggests that…” ·       “We believe the best solution is to…” Example: “Our model suggests banning fast fashion and encouraging people to buy sustainable brands, which reduces waste and supports fair treatment for workers.” Step 5: Show Solvency – How Does Your Solution Solve the Problem? Solvency is all about showing that your model will make things better. Explain why your solution actually works! Sentence Starters: ·       “This model will fix the problem by…” ·       “Our solution works because…” Example: “This model will fix the problem by reducing demand for disposable clothes, which means less waste and fewer environmental issues.” Step 6: Explain the Burden – What Do We Need to Prove to Win? The burden is what your team has to prove to win. Tell the audience what your team will show by the end of the debate to convince them your solution is the best one. Sentence Starters: ·       “Today, our goal is to prove that…” ·       “We have to show that…” Example: “Today, our goal is to prove that banning fast fashion leads to a cleaner environment and fairer treatment for workers.” Time to Unleash Your Best Arguments! Once you’ve set up the topic and model, it’s time to bring out your best arguments and end with a powerful conclusion! Each argument you make should link back to your model so that the audience understands exactly why your solution is the best one. Wrap it all up with a memorable conclusion that leaves everyone confident in your team’s victory! What Makes a Winning PM Performance? Being a great PM speaker isn’t just about what you say—it’s also about how you say it! Imagine yourself as a mix of a storyteller and a superhero. Great PMs use eye contact, strong gestures, and a clear voice to keep everyone engaged. Add a bit of humor and energy to show you’re confident and passionate about your points. Winning points come from smooth flow, clear explanations, and an energetic delivery. So, stand tall, get excited, and make your PM speech one to remember!

Is AI Writing Cheating? Let’s Talk About Plagiarism! Using AI to write essays or speeches can cause problems if you’re not careful. One big concern is plagiarism—taking someone else's work and calling it your own. If AI-generated content is used without giving credit, it’s hard to say who really created the work. This confusion can make it easy to cheat, especially in school projects.   Why Building Skills Is So Important At ThinkTalk, we believe it’s super important for students to practice writing and critical and creative thinking. Relying too much on AI for essays and speeches means missing out on learning how to express your own ideas and develop your own voice. These skills are essential for future challenges, whether it’s in high school, college, or your future career!   AI Might Not Be the Best for Fact-Checking AI tools aren’t perfect for creating fact sheets. In debates or research projects, you need accurate sources—like article links and publication dates. AI often struggles to provide this information, making your research less reliable. It’s smarter to do your own digging to find trustworthy facts.   Use AI for Ideas, But Do the Hard Work Yourself! AI can be great for brainstorming or getting inspiration, but it shouldn’t do all the work for you. The more effort you put into your writing and research now, the stronger and more confident you’ll become. Developing your skills today will pay off big time in the future!

The ESDP Fall 2024 Public Speaking Crash Course offers a detailed approach to developing public speaking skills, crucial for excelling in the upcoming tournament. This course provides students with the tools and techniques needed to craft and deliver powerful speeches, ensuring they stand out in a competitive environment. Why Structure Matters The approach to a successful speech begins with selecting a captivating topic. Choosing a subject that interests both the student and the judge is fundamental for engaging listeners and establishing a connection. Once students pick up their topic, the next step is to create an outline. This structured approach helps organize their thoughts and ensures a logical flow of ideas. A strong thesis statement is equally important—it’s a concise sentence that sums up the main point or claim of their speech, guiding the entire presentation. Finally, delivering their polished speech with confidence is crucial for making a memorable impression. Avoiding Common Mistakes and Engaging Your Audience Common pitfalls in speech preparation include lack of structure and failure to capture audience interest. To avoid these, students will learn how to use effective attention-getters, such as starting with a thought-provoking question or a compelling story. These techniques not only hook the audience but also set the stage for a captivating presentation. Engaging the audience from the start helps maintain their interest and enhances the overall effectiveness of their speech. Flexibility and Quick Thinking Impromptu speaking requires quick thinking and adaptability, skills that are priceless during the tournament. Practicing spontaneous speaking on various topics helps students prepare for unexpected questions and scenarios. Techniques such as mind mapping and bullet lists are excellent for organizing thoughts rapidly, ensuring that students can respond clearly and confidently even in high-pressure situations. Techniques for a Winning Presentation To make their speech stand out, students will learn how to employ techniques like uncommon facts and how to create vivid imagery to captivate their audience. Uncommon facts provide surprising insights that grab attention, while vivid imagery helps the audience visualize and connect with the message. Students will learn how to pose thought-provoking questions to encourage deeper reflection and use analogies and metaphors to clarify complex ideas. Connecting their speech to current events and proposing new solutions can further enhance its relevance and impact. Our ESDP Fall 2024 Public Speaking Crash Course is designed to equip students with essential skills for both prepared and impromptu speaking. By focusing on structure, audience engagement, and advanced techniques, students will be well-prepared to excel in the tournament and beyond, demonstrating their ability to communicate effectively and persuasively.

Teacher Chase joins us as an experienced and passionate teacher. He teaches Public Speaking, A3000, and other courses and has a special passion for teaching writing. What inspired you to become a teacher? I became a teacher because of my lifelong curiosity about the world and my love for learning. Since childhood, I have always asked ‘why’ and ‘how’, even when answers were elusive. As a teacher, I aim to promote a similar curiosity with my students. Asking questions is vital to the knowledge-building process. Moreover, I appreciate the optimism and inexorable feeling of progress that only an academic environment can bring. They say if you love what you do, you will never work a day in your life – for me, my passion is cultivating the minds of tomorrow. I believe that teachers have the capacity to promote positive future change by helping each and every student be successful. What are the standout moments in your career? One career highlight was representing the United States (U.S.) abroad as an English Language Fellow in Hungary and Poland. The English Language Fellowship, a program sponsored by Georgetown University and the U.S. Department of State, provided me with so many unique opportunities, such as working with highly motivated and ambitious students, giving lectures at conferences across central Europe, and meeting U.S. ambassadors, U.S. diplomats, and even U.S. President Joe Biden.  Another great honor was being admitted to the Doctoral Studies Program in Education at the University of Virginia (UVA). This is one of the best education programs in the U.S., and it’s been an incredibly enriching experience working with my peers and esteemed professors at UVA. My research in curriculum and instruction has immeasurably strengthened my abilities as a teacher. How do your interests outside of the classroom influence your approach to teaching? In my free time, I am constantly reading and being active. In my opinion, these are symbiotic activities that are essential for the development and maintenance of a scholarly mind. I encourage my students to also pursue a healthy balanced lifestyle for their academic, social, and emotional well-being. Furthermore, I am passionate about global travel – I have lived in many different countries and have explored the intricacies of the diverse languages and cultures there. Hence, I aim to bring a global perspective to my classroom that is characterized by tolerance and open-mindedness. What is the most surprising lesson you’ve learned from your students? Early in my career, I learned that students, no matter their age, also have much to teach. Therefore, in my opinion, one of the most essential characteristics of a teacher is the ability to actively listen to one’s students and encourage them to share their ideas. By promoting classroom dialogue, teachers can build a positive, supportive learning community where students feel comfortable taking risks – I firmly believe that a mistake can be just as valuable as a success if one learns from it. As a teacher, I have witnessed firsthand how the exchange of ideas enriches a classroom, both by building the knowledge and emotional intelligence of students. What do you hope students will remember most about you and your classes? Generally, my classes at Logic Bird focus on writing. I consider writing to be a tool for thinking, so therefore, I fundamentally hope for my students to leave my classroom as better thinkers. I believe in problem-based learning where students work with authentic issues and collaborate to propose realistic solutions. As a result, I hope that my students gain useful practice in considering the issues of today, including how to potentially solve them through lateral thinking and a can-do mindset. Last, I hope that my students graduate from my class with a heightened love of learning. It is undeniable that every topic is interconnected, and this web of knowledge is essential for truly understanding the world around us. Therefore, I hope my students understand that no topic is actually ‘boring’, no matter how dry it may seem at first. That’s because each topic can help us better understand the things that we are deeply passionate about. With that being said, I hope my students can find interest in any and all subjects.

In a globalized world, learning a second language is more than just a valuable skill—it’s a path to more diverse perspectives, improved cognitive abilities, and greater career opportunities. The New York Times Reading Course illustrates the lasting benefits through engaging content and real-world examples, demonstrating how language learning can transform young lives. How the Course Boosts Reading and Writing Skills The New York Times Reading Course has greatly improved students' reading and writing abilities. Through engaging articles and thought-provoking assignments, students have expanded their vocabulary, deepened their understanding of complex texts, and developed stronger analytical skills. The course's focus on current events and diverse topics challenges students to think critically and creatively, improving their ability to synthesize information and express ideas clearly. For instance, analyzing opinion pieces helps students understand various perspectives while refining their writing skills through structured responses. This approach not only increases their learning performance but also prepares them for writing and comprehension tasks, equipping them with the tools to excel in both their studies and everyday communication. Sharpening the Mind This course integrates articles and activities that challenge students to think critically and solve problems, strengthening cognitive benefits. Learning a second language through reading and discussion has been shown to boost cognitive functions like problem-solving and multitasking. Research from the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) indicates that these children often excel in executive functions such as working memory and attention control. For instance, a study by Penn State University found that they tend to have a higher level of cognitive flexibility, allowing them to switch between tasks more efficiently.  Cultural Awareness  This type of language learning opens doors to new cultures and perspectives. The New York Times Reading Course covers diverse topics, such as global environmental issues, through various cultural perspectives, exposing students to different viewpoints and histories. For example, a recent module explored the impact of climate change in the USA and Switzerland, helping students understand how different cultures approach environmental challenges. This exposure encourages empathy and cultural sensitivity, skills that are increasingly important in our interconnected world. Preparing for the Future Understanding multiple languages is a significant asset in today’s job market. The New York Times Reading Course highlights this through real-world examples. According to a report by the New American Economy, multilingual workers are highly desired, with employers valuing their ability to connect with diverse clientele. For example, companies like Google and IBM have actively searched for multicultural employees to manage international operations and enhance communication with global clients. By learning a second language through this course, students lay the groundwork for future career opportunities.

Teacher Brandon joins us as an accomplished debate coach. He and has a long record of coaching debaters. Let's get to know him more! Can you introduce yourself?  My name is Brandon. I have been teaching since 2016. My first teaching job was at Hofstra University, I was the assistant forensics coach there, while I was in graduate school. When I left Hofstra, I went to Cornell and acted as the speech director - teaching argumentation and debate. I also got a master’s in global development from Cornell. I have also been teaching online for both middle schoolers and high school students since the pandemic.  What are the highlights of your career? Being the only coach at Cornell University, the speech team went from not placing ranks in tournaments to being in the top 11 of the country. Apart from coaching I also helped the university with hosting DEI workshops for other faculty/staff, union groups and corporate organizations.  What do you think is the most important value of debate? Debate gives us one of the most powerful tools available to anyone which is the ability to see another person’s perspective. Debate allows you to take on the viewpoint of another side, and that is a skill and a tool that we are lacking in society. Debate allows us to engage in dialogue, and while we can disagree on different issues, debate allows us to see that disagreements are okay. How do you use debate in real life?  I have always seen speech and debate as a sport tied to advocacy in the real world. This is why I have always done both. I am the director of a non-profit organization called Tru Relief. Tru Relief aims to provide development training for other NGOs and international non-profit organizations. Making speech and debate actionable out in the world is what I do outside of teaching.  What do you like most about teaching at Logic Bird? I like teaching at Logic Bird because there is a lot of structure. There are a lot of resources and supportive tools available to the staff. Everyone is also very responsive. For example, if you have questions about something, the staff provides you these Loom videos and multiple folders of resources. I have worked with other companies where you are just left alone on your own. Logic Bird is different because the company actively reaches out to support you.  The students are also very attentive, they have a lot of good ideas and contribute very well to the class. Their abilities at their age are simply impressive. What do you do outside of debate?  The two biggest parts of my life are travel and performing. I have been to 27 different countries. I have lived in Ecuador for six months, but now I am currently living in Florida.

If you are looking for an exceptional program to enhance your child's English proficiency while also developing their critical and creative thinking skills, look no further than ESDP: English Speech and Debate Pentathlon! This competition is designed to challenge and inspire young minds, fostering comprehensive growth in communication and cognitive abilities. Enhancing English Proficiency Participating in the ESDP competition is a powerful way of improving your child's command of the English language. With a focus on content relevance, organization, and depth, students learn to create logically sound and content-rich speeches. The emphasis on language clarity, vocabulary, and grammar pushes students to refine their linguistic skills, ensuring they communicate effectively and confidently. The competition also encourages the use of figures of speech, adding expressiveness and flair to their language. Building Critical Thinking Skills In today's world, critical thinking is essential. The ESDP competition hones this skill by requiring students to analyze topics deeply, form coherent arguments, and defend their viewpoints. During debate preparation, they evaluate evidence and practice reasoning through argumentation drills. This rigorous training ensures that your child can form well-supported opinions and present them persuasively. Fostering Creative Thinking Creative thinking is a vital component of success. The ESDP competition fosters this through public speaking segments, particularly impromptu speaking, which challenge students to think quickly and creatively. Writing activities, such as crafting descriptive narratives and complex characters, further enhance their creativity. By exploring narrative arcs and conflicts, students learn to create engaging and compelling stories—skills that translate into powerful arguments and speeches. How do students prepare for the ESDP competition? At Logic Bird, each student receives constructive feedback, which is more valuable than mere compliments. Specific ways to improve are identified, ensuring that students get through all the material each day. Both oral and written feedback is provided for each activity, guaranteeing thorough understanding and continuous improvement. Also, Logic Bird’s ESDP summer camp offers a variety of learning sessions to prepare students comprehensively. In the interview session, students learn strategies for answering questions, seeking clarification, and understanding interview etiquette. Public speaking classes focus on impromptu speaking, verbal and nonverbal presentation skills, and practical speech practices. Debate preparation includes evaluating evidence, honing reasoning skills, and full practice days where students perform as if in competition. Hosting lessons cover public speaking strategies, writing welcome speeches, and reviewing effective speech examples. Finally, writing classes delve into descriptive writing, narrative arcs, conflicts, and tension, culminating in practice through short story writing. By participating in ESDP summer camp, students will be equipped with the tools they need to excel in communication and beyond. The structured feedback, diverse learning sessions, and emphasis on critical thinking ensure that every participant emerges as a more proficient and confident communicator. Don't miss this opportunity to give your child the tools they need to excel in communication and beyond!