Course Description
Debating alone can develop a wide range of skills, from argumentation and rebuttal to critical thinking and empathy. However, it is not always easy to determine how to use the debate method effectively in a classroom (or even with adults). This interactive course aims to help by sharing teachers’ experiences, reviewing the literature, and presenting best practices—plus plenty of debating!
During the first section of the course, participants will learn or further develop effective debate, judging, and feedback methods. They will then explore various informal argumentation techniques and debating games applicable to almost any subject. Finally, different debate formats will be introduced and tested. Additionally, topics such as organizing debate tournaments and clubs, using debate-related phone applications, and reviewing findings from academic research on debate methods will be covered.
This training is ideal for complete beginners and intermediate debate trainers.
Objectives
By the end of the course, students will be able to
- confidently use basic argumentation models (Toulman, SEXI), demonstrate some refutation skills and recognise logical fallacies. (for beginner level debaters)
- Learn how to weighing, framing and using other advanced tools (for intermediate level debaters)
- Give a constructive feedback for students after a debate, judge fairly and objectively
- decide which formal or informal discussion method is the most appropriate (in classroom environment) for the topic, age and time frame
- Use some applications connected to debating (debate keeper, motion generator)
By the end of the course, participants can deepen their knowledge in the following areas:
- Rules of different debate formats (World Schools, Karl Popper, BP)
- Informal debate techniques (this or that, argumentation/refutation drill, argumentation table tennis etc.)
- Do’s and don’ts of running a debate tournament or a debate training
- Conclusions of scientific research on the benefits of debating
Target Group
This course is designed for educators of all levels as well as individuals interested in this topic.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course, students will
- confidently apply basic argumentation models (Toulmin, SEXI),
- demonstrate refutation skills, and
- identify logical fallacies (for beginner debaters).
Intermediate debaters will learn to use advanced tools such as weighing and framing. Participants will provide constructive feedback, judge debates fairly, and select appropriate formal or informal discussion methods for various classroom settings based on topic, age, and time constraints.
The course also covers debate-related applications like Debate Keeper and Motion Generator. Additionally, participants will expand their knowledge of debate formats (World Schools, Karl Popper, BP), informal techniques (e.g., argumentation drills, table tennis), best practices for organizing debate events and training, and insights from scientific research on the benefits of debating.
The exact content and focus may vary depending on the preferences and prior knowledge of the participants.
Learning Programme and Tasks
Methodology and assessment
- Frontal presentation by the trainer on different topics
- Sharing best practices of participants in team work
- playing (debate-related) games
- Participation in a formal debate
- Practicing feedback and evaluation (individually or in pairs) on a video recording
- Individual decision making and problem solving in different fictive situations related to debating in a classroom environment.
The course uses a variety of methods to enhance learning. These include frontal presentations by the trainer on various topics and collaborative teamwork where participants share best practices. Debate-related games will be played to reinforce skills, and participants will engage in a formal debate to apply their knowledge. Feedback and evaluation will be practiced individually or in pairs using video recordings for self-assessment and peer review. Additionally, participants will develop decision-making and problem-solving skills through simulated classroom scenarios related to debating, encouraging practical application and critical thinking.
Dates and Prices
| Language level: | English B1 and above* |
| Locations: | Budapest (Hungary) |
| Time: | 9 AM to 2:30 PM daily (extracurricular activities outside of learning activities) |
| Dates: | Budapest: 14-18 July 2025 (5 days, 25 lessons) |
| Price: | €430 (5 days) - including an extracurricular activity and a welcome lunch or dinner |
*The language of the course is English, linguistic aid may be provided for speakers of Hungarian with lower language abilities.
Conditions
The course complies with all rules as set in the Quality Standards of the Erasmus+ program. Extracurricular activities are in addition to the lessons, and study groups are international. Note: should the latter condition not be met, participants will be informed 40 days in advance.
Payment facilities: participants with funding from the actual year’s project budget may ask to request a deposit of EUR 100 to guarantee their places on the course and pay the rest of the fees later.
It is possible to take part in 2 consecutive courses, please book both separately. A price reduction of 15% will be applied.
