Learning to fight
... or debate. Or something. Our local English curriculum has three levels, with the third level requiring a much higher level of communication than the first two. So a locally-run program recently decided to add a "Level 2+" class between levels 2 and 3 so students are better prepared to get the most they can out of Level 3. For several years now, we've included a group skit as part of the final exam for Level 3 English classes. So how can you add an extra portion to the Level 2+ exam? The answer they decided on: ENGLISH DEBATES! Well, I'm familiar with formal debating-- you have teams, you research your topic, prepare your arguments, and when the time comes, you defend your ideas with logic, fervor, and respect for the other side. (okay okay, I'm not talking about political debates, I'm talking debate club or academic debates) So on Sunday we were invited to observe and help grade the first ever English debates on this island. It was intense, ...