Debate improves educational performance Students report that debate provides them with “a heightened capacity to hang in and struggle -- often in the face of disappointment and defeat.” Participation in debate positively corrrelates with significant gains in cumulative grade point averages and higher critical thinking scores. High percentages of high school go on to succeed in college.
Debate reduces violence. Important new research is demonstrating that a significant correlation exists between the increased verbal skills associated with debate participation and decreased physical violence, both toward peers and in domestic relations.
Debate enhances social development. Students report they feel more confident, more self-assured, and more aware of their strengths and assets through participation in debate. Studies in the field suggest that debate “gives students better social skills and causes them to place more value in their social relationships.”
Debate decreases youth alienation and connects students to the world. Students enthusiastically credit debate with their awareness of and interest in issues involving their communities, the nation, and the world. Studies of debate outcomes describe the experience as “an introduction to the social sciences” and conclude “it is also a way to connect students to public life if they have been overcome with feelings of alienation.”
Debate creates young leaders. The combination of communication, analytical and academic skills provided by participation in debate results in young people who are prepared to step in to roles of leadership and responsibility. These new leaders will be better prepared to deal with the many challenges of our increasingly complex world.
