Studies have shown the educational value of debating. Multi-year research by Columbia University’s Professor Deanna Kuhn, for example, showed that middle-school students trained in verbal debate were more rational than untrained peers and better able to understand the nuances of different perspectives on controversial issues.
“My students learned that any debate involves extensive research, serious team work and sacrifice as well as a good grasp of vocabulary. They also realised that they can cope with pressure,” said Dimitar Dimitrov, the English teacher who mentored the Bulgarian team.
“I’ve had students come to me and say how they’ve been waiting for something like this to happen for a long time. I’m positive that there is rising interest in debating in the wider student body and that there will be an enthusiastic response to future competitions.”
World ORT Treasurer Peter Klauber was instrumental in bringing Debate Mate, an international charity which helps schools develop debating skills for use in clubs and lessons, and World ORT together.
“I’d long seen the benefits that Debate Mate had brought to children and thought that it would be a natural adjunct for what we offer our children to prepare them for life’s challenges: critical thinking, building self-esteem and the ability to argue respectfully and to listen are all necessary for success.” Peter Klauber, World ORT Treasurer.
“I would like to see this pilot programme rolled out across the ORT network to create a global competition with the final held each year at the Board of Representatives meeting or at the General Assembly. Ultimately it would be lovely to see an ORT team compete at the World Schools Debating Championships,” Mr. Klauber said.
Among the audience at the final was Mariam Francis, an English teacher at World ORT-affiliated Horfeish High School who, within only two years, steered the school’s debating team to victory at the Kdam Atidim debating competition held at ORT Braude College of Engineering.
“I enjoyed watching the Debate Mate final. I feel confident that our team would be able to compete strongly in future competitions,” Ms Francis said.