グローバル教育〔 地球的規模で考える 〕
PDA即興型英語ディベート
2025年度第1回即興型英語ディベート
Today, May 28th, we held the first English debate meeting of this academic year. As usual, we will be using the PDA style of debate, which encourages short and lively debates with very little preparation time. It is an excellent way for students to improve their English, communication abilities, teamwork, knowledge on various topics, and thinking skills. This year, 40 high school students will be taking part, including 9 returning second grade students.
In today's meeting, students warmed up by introducing themselves to each other and explaining why they joined. Then, some of the basic skills for debating were explained to them. These included using the status quo (SQ)to set up your ideas, organizing your ideas using the AREA pattern (Assertion, Reason, Example, Assertion), expanding that AREA pattern, and explaining your after plan (AP) to show the effects of your side's ideas. Students then practiced these things and other points by discussing and planning a speech for the opening speaker in a PDA debate - the prime minister (PM).
Afte the practice activities, students took part in a full debate on the following topic: STEM* education is more important than language education for high school students. * Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (高校生にとってSTEM*教育は語学教育よりも重要である。*科学、技術、工学、数学 ). Although it was many students' first debate, all students did very well expressing their ideas clearly in English. Especially, many students were able to speak for the required time, which is very encouraging.
This time, the debate was not judged because the goal was to get used to the flow of the debate. Next time, students will take part in their first judged debate when qualified judges will join us online. We are looking forward to it!