High School WSDC Format Textbook from Korea

From Ian Yovdoshuk ian@parlicoach.org:

Here is a description of the book:

The High School Debate Primer

This book is an essential self-help guide to the world of high school debate with important pedagogical sections which also make it ideal for use as a class textbook and teaching aid. Recognizing the tremendous growth in the Asian high school debating community, and also that high school students needed different things in terms of content, rules references, and pedagogical elements from that offered in the existing books at the college level, the authors and editors of The High School Debate Primer are proud to announce the launch of a volume specifically dedicated to the needs of high school students and teachers, to the World Schools Debate Championship Format, and to providing support for classroom activities. The new century has witnessed an unprecedented growth in competitive debate. World championship tournaments at both the university and high school levels have seen a dramatic increase in participation from non-native English speaking countries, and this growth appears likely to continue. It is safe to say that debate has become a worldwide phenomenon.

This volume does not purport to be the final word on debate or to answer every question a student may have. However, it does present a good starting point for a student or teacher trying to get a handle on modern debate practice. It is important to note that the authors of this textbook collectively have over 50 years of experience in debate at the middle school, high school and university level. Chapter 1 of this book explores the value of debate from pedagogical, linguistic, and civil educational perspectives. Chapter 2 focuses on the building blocks of controversial discourse: speech and argument construction. Chapter 3 explores the three criteria that adjudicators must use in examining the quality of a speech in a debate: style, content, and strategy, while Chapter 4 outlines the roles of the speakers in a competitive high school debate. Chapters 5 and 6 address the dynamic elements of debate relating to Government and Opposition strategy and points of information. Whatever the level of commitment or interest, we welcome students and teachers to membership in the global high school debate community.

Here is the Foreward by Brendan Howe:

Foreword

Ewha Womans University Press launched the prestigious Jang-He Yoo Series on International Studies with the best-selling Introduction to English Language Debate in Asia in recognition of the importance of efficient communication in English, not only for students and professionals in a variety of fields, but also for the modern individual living in this era of rapid globalization. This volume has been reprinted several times and has proven popular not only with college level debaters, but also with high school students across Asia. However, recognizing the tremendous growth in the Asian high school debating community, and also that high school students needed different things in terms of content, rules references, and pedagogical elements, the authors and editors of The High School Debate Primer are proud to announce the launch of a volume specifically dedicated to high school debating, to the World Schools Debate Championship Format, and to providing support for classroom activities.

Efficient communication in English between diverse cultures, regions, and ethnicities has become most pivotal in narrowing cognitive gaps among individuals, corporations, and nations in today’s world. In addition, debate demands the development of analytical skills and critical thinking. Debating offers a tremendous spur for learning and, more importantly, using the English language. A debater must not only articulate ideas in a public forum, but must defend those ideas. Any student who can debate in English will have no trouble expressing herself in a clear and coherent manner. The activity’s competitive nature provides a unique motivation to understand and express complex linguistic concepts and ideas.

The contributors to this volume have a tremendous and varied wealth of experience as debaters, teachers, coaches, judges, and conveners at the middle school, high school, undergraduate, graduate, and masters’ levels. Between them they have run and won many tournaments and coached many victorious teams, but most importantly they have demonstrated an unbridled and enduring love of the competitive sport that is debate, and respect for its pedagogical value. They wish to share their experiences and knowledge with as many aspiring debaters as possible, but above all they want you to have fun.

Debaters form an interconnected global community to which you can turn for support, advice, help, and friendship. Your membership of this community can endure and flourish long after you have graduated from high school – indeed for many this may be the start of a life-long passion. But whatever your level of commitment or interest, we welcome you in taking the first steps along the path.

Brendan Howe,

Associate Professor of International Relations

Graduate School of International Studies

Ewha Womans University