The Debate is a teaching method that proposes a structured comparison between different positions, pro and con, on curricular or extracurricular issues. In the school context, it is a methodology capable of placing the student at the center of their learning path, motivating them to discuss and participate through research and in-depth study, developing basic, transversal skills, and soft skills.

In particular, the Debate is an activity that is becoming increasingly popular because it promotes a variety of learning opportunities in:

• critical thinking, a fundamental requirement for facing the challenges of complexity;
• language skills, argumentation and oral communication;
• citizenship, in support of civic education.

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THE STRUCTURE OF THE VOLUME

The practical volume Debate workshop at primary school provides the knowledge, tools, indications and materials necessary to bring primary school teachers and pupils closer to Debate.

Step by step explanation of the method

Illustrates diverse activities

Offers teacher materials

The Debate also offers numerous advantages on the social, emotional and personal levels, as it embodies the 4 dimensions of inclusive teaching:

• the use of cooperative strategies, because in Debate you work as a team;
• a welcoming class atmosphere, where everyone can be valued for their specific characteristics;
• attention to prosocial skills and emotional variables related to learning processes;
• explicit support for metacognition.

Leaf through the instructions leaflet that has been translated into English to facilitate your evaluation:

THE AUTHOR

Giulia Monaldi  Primary school teacher at the “Solari” Comprehensive Institute of Loreto, since 2015 she has been working on experimenting with and disseminating the Debate methodology in the first cycle of education, particularly in primary school. She runs training courses in Italy and is the contact person for INDIRE – Educational Avant-gardes – Debate idea. She collaborates as a trainer of reasoned and regulated debate, particularly in primary schools, with the “Argument and Rebuttal Gym – Association for a Culture and the Promotion of Debate”, created and directed by Prof. Adelino Cattani of the University of Padua, and with the National Debate Society Italy.