Ask Jim about Debate
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Breaking Down Barriers: Ask Jim about Debate |
You can submit questions too, just email Jim at hansonjb@whitman.edu
First, and I know this is a shameless plug, but I highly recommend getting Breaking Down Barriers: How to Debate. It will take a beginner debater through the process of learning how to debate step by step. The book includes step by step instructions and it comes with a Prepbook that includes evidence students can use to make briefs, cases, disadvantages, counterplans, and more. And, if you are already familiar with BDB but haven't seen version 3--you should check it out because I have updated it dramatically.
Second, the best way to teach a beginner is as follows:
--give them a few tips on something (like how to prepare briefs, a disadvantage, etc.)
--have them do that "something" (actually put together the brief, disadvantage, etc.)
--give comments on how to do what they did better
Third, have many practice speaking sessions including:
--read the first affirmative case
--ask questions about the case
--have them find files in your tubs/boxes
--have them do practice refutation, rebuilding arguments, 1ar, etc. drills
Fourth, be encouraging and demanding but not impossible
Offer encouragement. Tell them what specific things they did well--a good argument, a strong voice, etc. Expect more--tell them specifically what to improve and how to improve on that. Avoid placing impossible demands like making them speak at break neck speeds or to write up a critique without any help.
Good luck because teaching beginners is critical to making strong future debaters.
Additional Tip: (suggested by a student who's name I have lost) join the high school policy listserve. To do this:
Send an e-mail message to listproc@debate.net that says:
SUBSCRIBE CX-L Jim Hanson
(replace your name for Jim Hanson)
thanks to Andy for asking this question
Jim