January 07 - March 11, 2025
Upper School Debate Gr. 5-8
The Town School • 540 East 76th St. New York, NY 10021 Organized by The Town School
Registration closed.
About this event
The objective of this program is to prepare participants for the myriad situations that require formal and informal presentations. Participants will learn to craft and present arguments and inform, persuade, and motivate an audience in a variety of ways. The grading rubric was adapted with the permission of Neil Mercer, the Director of research and Head of Faculty at The University of Cambridge. For Parliamentary debate, we utilize the MSPDP structure of argumentation, refutation and debate created by Kate Shuster and John Meaney at Claremont McKenna College. You can find more information on Kate, John and the national MSPDP league here. Debate is a natural fit for middle school education and students. Studies, as well as common sense, recommend the benefits. Debate: builds literacy and multimedia research skills. fosters critical thinking and expanded perspectives. enhances public speaking skills. increases confidence. trains students to listen effectively. supports diverse learners. strengthens civil engagement and discourse.