VIRTUAL AFTER SCHOOL DEBATE PROGRAM | PUBLIC FORUM DEBATE

Open to New & Experienced Debaters
(3 Separate Groups: 4-5th | 6-8th | 9-12th Grade)

Flash Sale: For New Students Only (expires 10/11)
Use Code: NEWSTUDENT101 for $25 Discount!

Fall Session II (10/12-11/23)
Saturdays (10-12pm; 4-6pm)

Winter Session I (1/4-2/22)
Winter Session II (2/1-3/22)

Available Courses:

PF Level 100
(Beginners Level: New Students)

PF Level 200
(Intermediate Level: 1 to 2+ Years)

Dates:

Fall Semester
Starting on 9/21
Ending on 12/7

Times: Eastern Time

Tuesdays (6:30-8pm)
Wednesdays (5:30-7pm)
Thursdays (6:30-8pm)

Weekend Program
Sat (10-12pm; 1-3pm; 4-6pm)

Public Forum involves opposing teams of two, debating a topic concerning a current event. Proceeding a coin toss, the winners choose which side to debate (PRO or CON) or which speaker position they prefer (1st or 2nd), and the other team receives the remaining option. Students present cases, engage in rebuttal and refutation, and also participate in a “crossfire” (similar to a cross examination) with the opportunity to question the opposing team. Often times community members are recruited to judge this event.

PARENT TESTIMONIALS

"My 15 year old daughter participated in the virtual debate academy and absolutely loved the program. The coaches were great and she made an amazing progress in critical thinking and public speaking skills."

"Great experience for my talkative 5th grader. He received a wonderful coaching on how to formulate and support a claim. We are looking forward to participating in another class soon.

"The instructor is so knowledgeable and good with kids. He makes it fun all the time. I am signing up both of my children for the advanced PF classes."

"My 14 yr old attended The American Debate Academy last year in Long Island, NY and had a wonderful experience! Thanks American Debate League for bring out the best in my kid! She now wants to join a debate team."

Typical Virtual Debate Academy Schedule: (Week or Weekend Program - 2 Hours)

Students will be actively engaged in all of the activities from the beginning of the session to the end.

10:00-10:30 am
Activity #1 (The Power of Public Speaking & Debate)

10:30-11:00 am
Activity #2 (Breaking down the Debate roles and responsibilities)

11:00-11:30 am
Activity #3 (Group prepping for the debate)

11:30-12:00 pm
Activity #4 (Practice debates)

Sample Video of Public Forum Debate

This video is from NSDA Nationals 2018 - PF Debate Final Round

The resolution is "Resolved: On balance, the benefits of United States participation in the North American Free Trade Agreement outweigh the consequences."