For parents
What is academic debate?
If you've heard about school debate and aren't quite sure what it is, this guide is for you. We explain how it works and what your child does at an SSDN workshop before you sign them up.
The activity
Academic debate, explained.
Academic debate is an educational activity where students research a current topic, build solid arguments, and present them in front of others. It's not just talking — it's learning to listen, to reason, and to defend ideas with evidence.
One important thing to know: academic debate is not a fight or an argument. It all happens inside a structured, respectful format — there are rules, speaking turns, and a focus on the arguments, not the people. Above all, it's a learning tool.
Through debate, young people practice skills that get used in many places: critical thinking, public speaking, active listening, and looking up information. They help in a class presentation and in an important conversation.
With practice, debate helps young people look at a topic from different points of view and express their ideas clearly and respectfully.
The format
How does a debate work?
- 1
The topic is announced
The debate topic is shared in advance — for example, a question about the environment, technology, or rights. Everyone starts from the same place.
- 2
Students research and prepare
Each team looks up information, weighs different points of view, and builds their arguments. They practice organizing their ideas.
- 3
Teams present their arguments
During the debate, each team lays out their position clearly and in order, with timed turns for each speaker.
- 4
The other team responds
Students listen carefully and respond to the other side's arguments. They practice thinking quickly and staying calm.
- 5
Everyone learns to think on their feet
By the end, both the debaters and the audience walk away with new ideas and practice speaking up.
What makes us different
Why we run debate in Spanish.
Many young people express themselves more naturally in the language they think and feel in. Running debate in Spanish lets students focus on practicing how to speak, without translating in their heads first.
Practicing in Spanish doesn't replace English. Organizing ideas, listening closely, and speaking clearly are skills your child can use in both languages.
Debating in Spanish also gives young people a place where their language and heritage are part of what they bring to the table.
A participant defends her ideas at an SSDN workshop.
At the workshop
What your child practices at an SSDN workshop.
Speaking with confidence
Posture, projecting their voice, and a clear idea with a strong ending. In one day, each student gives 4 to 6 speeches in small groups.
A structure for speaking
Introduction, example, conclusion. A simple outline that works for a class presentation, an interview, or a leadership role.
Listening and responding
Practice rounds with feedback right away: what went well first, then specific tips for the next round.
Take the first step
Want your child to learn debate?
SSDN runs public speaking and leadership workshops in Spanish for students in 5th to 8th grade in Denver, and uses debate for the practice. The next workshop is free. Register or learn more about the workshops.