The Power Of Debate: Supercharging Education | Mike Haskins | Tedxutulsa

In the world of education, we often encounter extraordinary individuals who challenge conventional wisdom and inspire us with their unique perspectives. Meet Jazmin, an eighth-grader with a penchant for moral relativism. She believes that determining right from wrong is subjective, a philosophy that may sound convenient for an eighth-grader, but it's more profound than you might think.

Imagine a typical conversation with Jazmin: Teacher: "Hi, Jazmin, you're late for class." Jazmin: "Yeah, but how do you know I'm not late because I was saving someone from drowning?" Teacher: "Were you saving someone from drowning, Jazmin?" Jazmin: "No, but if I had been, would you really want me to stop saving them just to be on time for class? Doesn't that prove that the concept of class timing is arbitrary?"

Jazmin's ability to engage in such back-and-forths is remarkable, but what's more impressive is her deep understanding of moral relativism, which she voluntarily explored through reading full-length books. This intellectual curiosity shines even more brightly when you realize that Jazmin comes from a background of poverty.

I coach debate at Will Rogers junior and senior high schools, where Jazmin is one of my debaters. Will Rogers is categorized as a high-poverty school, with over 90% of its students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch. Despite the challenges associated with poverty, the students at Will Rogers exhibit kindness, generosity, dedication, and a strong work ethic.

Poverty's Impact on Education

We know that poverty can have detrimental effects on cognitive development, social and emotional competence, and academic achievement, especially in childhood. But it's crucial to emphasize that the students affected by poverty are not to blame. Education is often touted as the pathway out of poverty, but what if poverty makes accessing quality education more difficult? How do we make education an effective tool for breaking the cycle of poverty? Jazmin might hold the answer.

The Power of Debate

Jazmin's achievements are not isolated incidents. I believe that debate can supercharge education and turn incredible accomplishments like Jazmin's into common occurrences. The research of epidemiologist Brianna Mezack from the University of Michigan highlights the transformative effects of debate, especially for at-risk students. Her studies show that debaters are more likely to graduate high school on time, enroll in college, and ultimately graduate from college compared to their non-debate peers.

How does debate achieve such remarkable outcomes? It does so through three key elements:

1. Teaching Critical Thinking

Debate forces students to argue both sides of a topic, even those they disagree with. This format, known as switch-side debate, encourages students to analyze and criticize their own beliefs, fostering critical thinking skills. Critical thinking is at the heart of dissecting arguments, which is essential for success in debate.

2. Teaching Research

Debate topics are intentionally broad, allowing for countless arguments within a given area. Students must conduct extensive research to develop their arguments effectively. This constant need for in-depth research not only enhances their knowledge but also equips them with valuable research skills.

3. Gamifying Critical Thinking and Research

Debate gamifies critical thinking and research. In the competition, the team with the strongest critical thinking and research skills tends to win. This gamification motivates students to think critically, research deeply, and distinguish between reliable and unreliable sources of information.

The combination of these elements makes debate a powerful educational tool that transcends the boundaries of conventional classroom teaching. It challenges students to think critically, dive into research, and develop the skills they need to succeed in life.

The Way Forward

Debate should be a fixture in every school, particularly in high-poverty schools. The very institutions least likely to have the resources to support such programs are the ones that need them the most. Debate has the potential to mitigate the detrimental effects of poverty on cognitive development, social and emotional competence, and academic achievement. While it may not be the sole solution, debate presents a persuasive answer.

It's time to advocate for debate programs in all schools, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to participate. In the Tulsa area, and across the nation, there are still schools without debate programs. We can change that. Debate should be as fundamental to education as reading and arithmetic because students like Jazmin deserve it.

As we embrace debate as a catalyst for change, we unlock the potential of countless students to overcome adversity and achieve greatness. By offering the power of debate, we empower our youth to question, research, and think critically—attributes that will serve them well throughout their lives. Debate is not just about arguing; it's about building a brighter future for all.

[Applause]