During the debate training the students could learn about the main ways of solving conflicts, different debate types and during a funny group exercise they could test themselves in these topics.
With the help of footages we analysed different argumentative techniques. A sample from Bones gave example about the importance of identifying specific debate situation, which is really difficult to communicate in order to get through our aims. Public speaking makes many of us to feel discomforted so we learned how to deal with these situations and what to do when we are in it.
The students continued the day with debates in those areas that they had chosen for themselves. What is better after secondary school? Work or further study? Stay at home or go abroad? We prepare for the debates together and then we discussed them together. Everyone could try debating for the chosen topics. This exercise gave the students valuable feedback about their individual performances about arguing for and against something. In my opinion, sharing these pieces of information with the students was useful, furthermore, feedback about strong skills and about those areas that require development were helpful for the students concerning their future lives.
Not just their argumentative techniques but they self-image and self-knowledge have improved through the debate topics.
Elek Nikolett
MCC trainer