グローバル教育〔 地球的規模で考える 〕
PDA即興型英語ディベート
2021年度 最終回即興型英語ディベート
On February 16th (Wed.), the eighth and final PDA session was held. This session was different to all the others because all students would take part in the first round only. Then, the best debaters from the whole year would take part in an exhibition match in front of the other participants.
First, the PDA staff introduced the day's focus point, which was to give speeches that the audience could follow easily. In other words, the speakers were reminded to speak slowly, clear, repeat key phrases and use signposts. This acted as a summary of many of the points that have been practiced through the year.
Next, all the students took part in the first debate. The motion was "University education should become free." Students debated very well and many spoke at great length using all of the time to deliver their speeches.
After this, the eight best debaters were annouced and divided into two teams. Their debate motion was "In aging societies, the young should be given more votes." Everyone watched and enjoyed this final battle. After they had finished debating, the winning team was selected through a combination of votes. The lead PDA staff member had one vote, two teachers' ideas were combined into one more vote, and all of the watching students' choice was selected by a show of hands. The result of this was that the opposition team won by two votes to one. Congratulations to the opposition team members: Oh San, Ok San, K San and M San!
Finally, the best debaters from the exhibtion debate were announced - great job M San and H San - and the lead PDA staff and teachers gave final comments. These comments were incredibly positive and focused on how well the students debating and English skills have developed over the year. They also expressed the hope that the current high school first years will continue debating in the second year. Before we said goodbye to the PDA staff, the National Contest team members gave a special message of thanks for her guidance over the last two years of their debating.
To finished this year's activities, all the students will complete a questionnaire about their PDA experiences and poster summarizing their reflections. The best of these posters will be displayed around the school during March, and on March 9th the three students who went to the National Contest will take part in a poster session held in 60 Hall.