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 …
In the realm of competitive debate, where eloquence meets intellect, the journey to success is often paved with relentless dedication, unwavering perseverance, and a hunger for growth. Within the vibrant tapestry of Bangladesh's national debate team, three remarkable coaches have etched their names in the chronicles of the country's debating …
If there’s anything you should know about Mike, it’s that he is truly an individual that cannot be summed up in one word, or three words, or even a sentence. His life journey has been an unconventional one, ranging from adventures in the field of screenplay, a love for art …
???? Meet Benjamin Hagwood: A Debate Luminary Earlier this year, the Vancouver Debate Academy had the privilege of welcoming our new director, Benjamin Hagwood! As the new term kicks off, we are more than excited to share a bit more about him. Benjamin Hagwood is not just any debate coach; …
Public Speaking Tips Tips for Tournament TravelBe prepared for international tournament travel with these five tips. by Stormee Massey on 9/16/2022 If you have spent your entire debate career online thus far, you may be asking yourself: How different is this going to be? What do I bring? What should …
There are basic things you can do, and probably already do, to stay organized during a debate, such as flowing and using a timer. However, there are a variety of other things that you can add to your toolbox to build a better debate. Each of the following tips can …
Unlike impromptu styles of debate like British Parliamentary, many styles are either entirely prepared or include rounds of prepped debates. These include World Schools Debate, Canadian National style, and Public Forum. For these styles it’s important to develop strong research skills, in order to build strong cases with creative, topical …
This may seem obvious, but consistently taking notes as you read, watch, or listen to sources, is key to effective and efficient research. Even just underlining or highlighting keywords and phrases significantly improves your ability to remember new information, and remember key concepts to come back to later on. Even …