Watch this video featuring VDA alumni and current coach Grace Jia, discussing 6 reasons why debate is a must-have for all elementary, middle school, and high school students!
Reasons to learn debate
1. Build Confidence & Improve Public Speaking
Grace is a Grade 12 high school student. She has been learning debate at VDA since Grade 8. Learning debate makes her believe in herself and becomes more confident in making public speeches. Hear her story.
2. Increase Critical Thinking
Debate is an active sport that requires quick and logical reasoning skills.
3. Improve Writing, Research, and Analysis Skills
Debate forces students to focus on strong logic, structure, and arguments — the same skills needed for writing essays.
4. Expand Horizons
Debate topics range from sociology, philosophy, political science to human rights, science, and international relations. Through different debate topics, elementary and high school students get to expand their horizons and increase their knowledge base.
5. Boost School Performace
According to the National Speech and Debate Association (NSDA), after learning debate, almost 50% of students experience a significant increase of their reading test scores.
6. Increase College Acceptance
Universities today pay close attention to high-calibre extracurricular activities, such as debate. Debate reflects a student’s communication, teamwork, leadership and resilience skills.
