Have you ever wondered what life would be like if you were someone else? Or what it would be like to live somewhere else? How would you see the world? Would you have the same opinions? The same beliefs? Though our world is such a diverse and vast place, some …

Informally, I first started debating when I began arguing with my parents over bedtime at the age  of seven. More formally, I began in junior high school, and it's been a part of my life ever since.  What started as a way to stretch the boundaries of my curfew became …

The past few years have seen a massive boom in artificial intelligence technology, and with it, the use of  ChatGPT as a tool for crafting debate speeches. And, indeed, the allure of employing AI tools like  ChatGPT for constructing arguments is undeniable. They offer a seemingly effortless pathway to  generating …

Despite what popular media will tell, you debates are about more than just facts and logic. Sure, having a strong argument with solid evidence is key, but to truly sway the audience, you need to tap into their emotions. That's where pathos comes in— the ability to evoke feelings and …

Summer can be a frustrating time for high school debaters. Tournaments are scarce and classes are out of session, leaving you with the nagging feeling that your skills might be slipping. But fear not! Here are some tips to stay sharp and maintain your debate practice rhythm over the summer …

So, you want to dominate your next debate competition? While researching facts and crafting strong  arguments is crucial, successful debaters also hone their delivery and thinking skills. The good news? You  can level up your game from the comfort of your own home with these 5 solo debate drills:  Shadow …

Competitive debate is an intellectual sport that perfectly embodies the principles of deliberate practice, making it an ideal field for rapid skill development. Anders Ericsson defines deliberate practice as a structured and focused method of skill enhancement characterised by being goal-oriented, having expert instruction, and immediate feedback. Debate also fits …

Anders Ericsson, a Swedish psychologist born in 1947, revolutionized our understanding of human expertise. His research showed that deliberate practice, rather than innate talent, is key to achieving high performance. In his influential 1993 paper, The Role of Deliberate Practice in the Acquisition of Expert Performance, Ericsson argued that what …

As the Year of the Dragon rolls in, the VDA team is happy to reflect upon a successful previous year – but also anticipate a prosperous new year. But as we gear up for this new zodiac year, what makes the year of the dragon so incredibly special? Represented by …

Intrinsic motivation is crucial for students’ effective learning and personal growth. Unlike extrinsic motivation, where students are driven by external rewards of a task such as grades or praise, intrinsic motivation arises from within students – fueled by an inherent interest or enjoyment in a particular subject itself, this internal …

This holiday season, Vancouver Debate Academy is taking a meaningful step towards community support with our Winter Food Drive. As part of our commitment to not only educate but also make a real world impact, we are channeling our energy and resources into a cause that touches the lives of …

As an educator I have dedicated my career to empowering young minds. I believe in nurturing debaters who are not just skilled in rhetoric but are also well-rounded, informed individuals capable of shaping their FUTURE. As the Director of Vancouver Debate Academy (VDA), I’ve identified a crucial gap in debate …