Resolved: Debate Can Revolutionize Education and Help Save Our Democracy

Resolved proposes a simple education reform to restore civil discourse and transform American society by focusing on developing students' skills of successful debaters. It offers practical ideas for a positive future and is relevant to parents, educators, state legislators, business leaders, and anyone interested in how debate-centered education can change the country for the better.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 219 pages
Publication date: 30 October 2020
Publisher: Brookings Institution

Adopting a simple education reform to restore civil discourse and transform American society is a compelling proposition in the face of extreme political polarization. It may seem impossible to heal a nation so divided and led by dysfunctional politicians, but there is a relatively simple and powerful way to begin the healing process: focus on developing students' skills as successful debaters. These skills, which are sorely lacking in contemporary society, involve listening and persuading through civil discourse backed by fact-based evidence and reason. Resolved: How to Restore Sanity to America's Politics and Economy offers practical ideas about a positive future for parents, educators, state legislators, business leaders, and anyone interested in how debate-centered education can fundamentally change the country for the better.

The book argues that by teaching students the skills of successful debaters, schools can help address the nation's political divide and ensure that today's young people will enjoy learning and have the necessary skills to lead productive and economically rewarding lives. The book provides practical ideas about a positive future for parents, educators, state legislators, business leaders, and anyone interested in how debate-centered education can fundamentally change the country for the better.

One of the key arguments of Resolved is that the current political climate is characterized by extreme polarization and dysfunctional politicians. This has led to a lack of civil discourse and a decline in the quality of education. The book argues that by teaching students the skills of successful debaters, schools can help address these issues and create a more civil and productive society.

The book defines successful debaters as individuals who are able to listen and persuade others through civil discourse backed by fact-based evidence and reason. It argues that these skills are essential for success in both personal and professional life and that they are currently lacking in contemporary society.

The book provides a range of practical ideas for how schools can teach students the skills of successful debaters. These include teaching students to listen actively, to speak clearly and persuasively, and to use evidence to support their arguments. The book also suggests that schools should create a culture of debate and discussion that encourages students to engage with each other and with the world around them.

One of the challenges that the book identifies is the fact that many schools are focused on standardized testing and academic achievement rather than on developing students' skills as successful debaters. The book argues that this approach is misguided and that it does not prepare students for the real world.

The book provides a range of examples of schools that have successfully implemented debate-centered education programs. These programs have resulted in improved student engagement, improved academic performance, and improved social and emotional development. The book also suggests that these programs can be implemented in a variety of settings, including public schools, private schools, and homeschooling programs.

In addition to its practical ideas, Resolved also provides a range of theoretical arguments for why debate-centered education is important. The book argues that debate-centered education can help students develop critical thinking skills, improve their communication skills, and develop a sense of empathy and understanding for others. The book also argues that debate-centered education can help students develop a sense of civic responsibility and a commitment to social justice.

One of the challenges that the book identifies is the fact that debate-centered education can be difficult to implement. The book argues that this is because it requires a significant amount of time and resources to develop and implement effective debate programs. The book suggests that schools should be provided with the necessary resources to implement these programs and that they should be encouraged to do so.

In conclusion, Resolved: How to Restore Sanity to America's Politics and Economy offers a compelling proposition for how schools can help address the nation's political divide and ensure that today's young people will enjoy learning and have the necessary skills to lead productive and economically rewarding lives. The book provides practical ideas about a positive future for parents, educators, state legislators, business leaders, and anyone interested in how debate-centered education can fundamentally change the country for the better. By teaching students the skills of successful debaters, schools can help create a more civil and productive society and ensure that the next generation of leaders is prepared for the challenges of a constantly changing economy and society.

Weight: 333g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780815737872