Debate: A Timeless Tool for Learning
For over 2,000 years, debate has been a cornerstone of western education, fostering critical thinking, engagement, and communication skills. At DU, we incorporate debates across disciplines, helping students navigate complex topics with confidence. This approach deepens understanding, encourages open dialogue, and equips students with skills essential for academic and professional success.
What Is Debate as Pedagogy
History of Debate as Pedagogy
Debating has been a pedagogy on which educators in the Western tradition have relied since Plato challenged his students at the Academy over 2000 years ago. Through a combination of motivation and structured exposure to course content, debating encourages students to develop the skills and dispositions that encourage critical reflection, engagement with course material and improvement in the capacity and willingness to practice the communication skills required for social, economic and civic success.Ìý
Debate as Pedagogy at DU
Nearly every discipline can employ this powerful approach. ÌýAt DU, we’ve designed debates for courses ranging from Introduction to Gender Studies to Anatomy and Physiology. ÌýOur results speak for themselves: students report a greater appreciation for course material and improvement in their ability navigate uncertainty. ÌýFaculty report that students discuss subjects enthusiastically and are more engaged in instruction following a debate exercise. Ìý
More Theories & Perspectives
Check out the following resources for more theory and perspective on using pedagogical debating in your own classes:
