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, exciting, and a little overwhelming at times.

Excited? Overwhelmed?

The topics were culturally relevant: traditional medicine vs. modern medicine, big families vs. small families and phone communication vs. face-to-face communication. The teams defended their ideas with vigor.

Unfortunately, there was no moderator, so if you wanted to be heard, you had to shout over the others and persist until the other person was quiet. We were left wondering what the other side might have said had they been allowed to talk! But it was great language practice. There's nothing like being in a debate to force you to express yourself coherently in a foreign language, and those students did an excellent job.

So, maybe the next debates will be tamer, but will the students gain as much from it? All I know is, it might be easier to grade one person speaking at a time...