Our Pedagogical Approach
We leverage natural and social learning processes with principles of universal design for learning to deliver transformative learning experiences.
Our programs are interactive, engaging and experiential. We challenge our participants to apply the material they have learned in their sessions. Rather than just hearing and forgetting huge amounts of information, they put into practice the theories, tips, and techniques presented in the sessions.
Global Debates' approach fosters natural and social learning that ensures learning without the effort of learning. This helps many participants who have learner's fatigue to disconnect the activity from the stress of learning. Most participants would not even know that they are learning until they are asked to do self-evaluation. We believe the absence of the undertone of learning and the compulsion to deliver can help more participants to engage themselves positively in all our activities. For example, all our workshops include real-time show debates or solo presentations. Participants will prepare, organize, and present in front of their peers and/or parents. Our experience has shown that such exercises best develop, stretch, and solidify a participant's understanding and grow their abilities in the core skills development that we are facilitating.
The emphasis on communication skills, logical thinking, social skills, positive attitude, sustainable development goals, learning and retention skills, and leadership skills can result in the overall positive development in the child, shaping global citizens and leaders who can address the 21st-century challenges and issues. The programs are designed to foster 21st-century skill development aiming at a 360 degree socio-emotional, intellectual and functional development of the participants.
Our debate training programs are designed to equip participants with the fundamentals of public speaking, leadership and argumentation skills that will enable them to unlock and unleash their confidence, self-esteem, critical thinking skills, creativity, and leadership. Our programs are usually format-agnostic and participants are prepared for both real-world and competitive debate experiences. Participants are provided with a safe and secure environment to improve their communication skills and develop democratic values.
Each of our programs has four levels of engagement — Foundational, Intermediate, Advanced and Professional. The activities and sessions are customized according to the duration of the engagement, size, and needs of the cohort.
Our workshops and programs can be tailored to focus on specific needs of the participants, such as a particular skill set, subject area, or competition format.
Why Have the Global Debates' Experience?
We design our programs with interntionality and purpose, integrating latest insights from neuroscience to provide transformative debate education experiences...
1.
Meeting Learners Where They Are
We provide a safe space where learners as young as six-years old can explore diverse perspectives and express their ideas. Using familiar tools, we guide them through a process that builds their ability to think critically, make informed decisions, and communicate clearly—all essential skills for academic and personal growth.
2.
Deepening Social-Emotional Learning
Our approach challenges participants to develop empathy and respect by engaging with multiple viewpoints. Through carefully crafted narratives, learners build ethical decision-making skills as they confront complex situations, strengthening their ability to understand others while nurturing a reflective and compassionate mindset.
3.
Enhancing Academic Performance
The Global Debates Experience sparks curiosity and cultivates a growth mindset. Participants develop the analytical skills needed for academic success by practicing evidence-based reasoning and constructing well-supported arguments—a key focus of examinations like the SAT.
4.
Developing Better Thinkers
Participants experience demonstrable improvement in their critical, creative, analytical, and lateral thinking. Through our unique debate format and reflective practices, they learn to evaluate challenges from multiple perspectives, equipping them for real-world decision-making.
5.
Shaping Thoughtful Decision-Makers
Global Debates equips participants to craft balanced arguments, gain a 360-degree understanding of issues, and process information logically and sensitively. It also builds leadership by boosting confidence, teamwork, and clarity through social-emotional development and collaborative activities such as strategy huddles and opinion-making.
6.
Building Kinder, More Compassionate Brains
We challenge learners to move beyond simplistic black-and-white narratives by exploring the nuanced layers of complex topics. This method promotes the development of a compassionate mindset, as participants learn to appreciate diverse perspectives. In doing so, they cultivate empathy and a deeper understanding that transcends mere exchange of arguments.
7.
Fostering Active Global Citizenship
Our program engages participants in global issues, including the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, to build cultural awareness and ethical responsibility. Through structured debates and collaborative projects, learners deepen their understanding of diverse perspectives, equipping them to contribute meaningfully to local and international communities.
Interested in bringing the Global Debates to your institution?
Write to us!