From Lea Langley mnhsnd@gmail.com

The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge; the ears of the wise seek it out. Proverbs 18:15

Minnesota Homeschool Debate - Check it Out

Preparation for the 2007-08 homeschool speech and debate season has begun in homes, classes, and clubs across Minnesota. This article highlights Debate; our next update will focus on preparation for Speech events. Please visit the MNHS&D website for further information about either speech or debate in 2007-08. (All contact information is located at the end of this article.)

“Debate is the practice of comparing and contrasting ideas, which is a common part of our experience as human beings. You have probably debated someone about something almost every day of your life. Formal debate is an educational way to learn the skills you need to argue effectively in real life.” Christy Shipe, An Introduction to Argumentation and Debate

WHO MAY PARTICIPATE IN MINNESOTA HOMESCHOOL DEBATE?

Home educated students age 12 and up by January 1 of the current school year may participate in debate competitions.

WHAT DOES HOMESCHOOL DEBATE LOOK LIKE IN MINNESOTA?

Minnesota follows The National Christian Forensics and Communications Association (NCFCA) debate rules and resolutions. The two types of NCFCA debate include Lincoln Douglas (LD) and Team Debate. Minnesota does not plan to host LD debate practice tournaments this year. (Anyone interested in pursuing LD debate may participate in out-of-state competitions.)

The NCFCA Team Debate resolution for 2007-08 is:

For more information, contact MNHS&D or visit the NCFCA website.

HOW DOES A STUDENT BECOME INVOLVED IN HOMESCHOOL DEBATE? Before participating in debate, it is recommended that students first become familiar with debate theory. Debate theory is not easy to learn (or practice) on your own, but it is certainly possible. Debate clubs and classes have already begun. If you would like to debate this year, contact MNHS&D soon. Debate coaches and veteran speakers suggest the following activities to help you get started:

WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT TO SEE IN A TEAM DEBATE ROUND?

Team Debate rounds last up to 74 minutes. Participants in a Team Debate round include four debaters, one or more judges, and a timer. A two-person team debates the given resolution with another two-person team. In each round, the teams are prepared to debate for (affirmative) or against (negative) the resolution, and will debate equally for or against the resolution in preliminary rounds of a tournament. During timed constructive speeches, cross-examinations, and rebuttals debaters on both sides of the resolution attempt to convince the judge(s) that their position is the correct one.

Throughout the season each team will continue to gather news articles, quotes, and statistics to help them build on the cases they have argued in previous debate rounds. As debaters develop a better understanding of the resolution, they are able to more confidently argue for or against the resolution.

Interested adults and students are always welcome to view debate competitions. PLEASE NOTE: Because of the length of a debate round, young children can become disruptive, which is a distraction. Parents, please arrange for supervision of young – or potentially disruptive—children.

WHEN AND WHERE DO TEAM DEBATE COMPETITIONS OCCUR?

The 2007-08 debate schedule is yet to be finalized. Check the MNHS&D website for the most current information. Generally, 2-3 practice debate competitions take place in various Minnesota locations throughout the season, with a final State Debate NCFCA Qualifying Tournament in the Twin Cities in March. From there, debaters may advance to regional and national tournaments. In order to compete in NCFCA sanctioned events, students must be NCFCA members. Families are encouraged to affiliate early in the season at the NCFCA website. (Cost: $45)

WHY DEBATE?

Participation in debate is a huge commitment, but the benefits abound! Christy Shipe writes,

Minnesota debaters benefit in these ways and more, for confidently communicating and defending their faith in Jesus Christ.

Minnesota Homeschool Debate – Check it out! Whether you come to watch or compete, there is always more to learn.

Link to the resources listed below at: www.ncfca.org/resources/books_and_materials

Jeub's Complete Guide to Speech and Debate, Chris Jeub (beginning debate students)

Strategic Debate, Vance Trefethen (advanced debate students)

It Takes a Parent: A Teaching Guide for the First Time Parent / Coach, Stollar (Lesson plans for a twelve week debate course. This book is used with An Introduction to Argumentation and Debate).

Coaching Policy Debate: Transitioning from a Debate Class to a Debate Club, Stollar (Includes lesson plans for twelve club meetings and a chapter on preparing for Qualifiers and Nationals.)

www.hslda.org/bookstore

An Introduction to Argumentation and Debate, Christy Shipe (beginning debate students)

Argumentation and Debate, the Next Step, Christy Shipe (advanced debate students)

Minnesota Homeschool Speech & Debate (MNHS&D) www.mache.org/mnhs&d (Current information on speech and debate opportunities in Minnesota)

National Christian Forensics and Communications Association (NCFCA) www.ncfca.org (Current information on speech and debate rules and Open, Regional, and National NCFCA tournaments)

Let no man despise thy youth;
but be thou an example of the believers,
in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.
1Timothy  4:12

 This page is © 2007 by Michael P. Mullen Jr. for MNHS&D - 03/19/2008