In a world that is constantly changing, the ability to analyse problems, present coherent views and argue convincingly is increasingly becoming a core element of success. Therefore, many schools have included debate in their curriculum, not only as an extracurricular activity but also as an essential tool to help students develop in a comprehensive way.

Contestants participate in the Debate Challenge 2022 at Swinburne Vietnam.

Improving academic capacity

In developed countries, debate plays an important role in education, helping students practice critical thinking, communication skills and teamwork. The debate process not only broadens awareness of cultural, political and social issues but also enhances community responsibility. It is not simply an activity to practice sharp reasoning and debate, but also equips young people with a solid foundation to adapt and integrate into the global learning and working environment.

To debate effectively, participants need to research the topic in depth, ask questions to exploit multi-dimensional issues, and use real-life evidence to strengthen their arguments. Unfounded arguments are easily refuted, reducing their persuasiveness. In addition to building a strong argument, debaters also need to analyze the weaknesses in the opponent’s argument to make sharp counter-arguments. This is a battle of wits based on reason and logic, not imposition or emotional debate.

Although increasingly popular in extracurricular activities and academic competitions, debate has not been widely integrated into the formal education program in Viet Nam. MSc. Vu Ngoc Cuong, a lecturer at the Swinburne Viet Nam Centre for Global Citizenship Education, commented that debate is an important factor in improving academic capacity and career development.

Many students join debate clubs to practice their skills, learn from experienced people, and practice in a professional environment. Debate competitions such as the World Schools Debating Championship (WSDC), Asian Parliamentary (AP), British Parliamentary (BP) or Global Citizen Debate Challenge (GCDC) have also become playgrounds to help expand global thinking.

Some universities have incorporated debate into their official curriculum. For example, the Global Citizenship Education (GCED) program at Swinburne Vietnam uses debate as a training tool, helping students develop their argumentation and critical thinking skills right from their first year.

International debate playground for senior high school students

With training quality ranked in the TOP 1% globally, Swinburne Vietnam not only wants to improve academic capacity but also impart international skills to global citizens of the 21st century. In order to promote the debate movement, Swinburne Vietnam organises the Global Citizen Debate Challenge (GCDC). This is not only an intellectual playground but also a practical learning journey, helping students develop comprehensive skills.

Firstly, the competition is held entirely in English, creating an ideal environment for students to hone their foreign language, communication and argumentation skills in an international context.

Secondly, participating teams need to apply academic debate skills, focusing on using real-world evidence to prove their arguments. The exam questions are announced at least one week in advance, giving candidates time to research the topic in depth and discuss arguments, thereby developing analytical and creative thinking and improving the ability to work effectively in groups.

Thirdly, the debate topics revolve around social, economic, technological and cultural issues. These are all practical issues helping students practice the thinking of a global citizen to be ready to face the challenges and opportunities of the 21^st century.

The special feature of debate is an open attitude, ready to listen to opposing views. The competition is not only a place for debate but also a learning forum, where each contestant can gather new perspectives.

In addition to the opportunity to develop skills, the GCDC competition also offers valuable prizes, with the first prize up to VND20 million. In particular, contestants have the opportunity to win a Swinburne Vietnam scholarship, opening the door to study and develop in an international environment.

Academic debate is not only an intellectual playground but also an important provision for the future. Bringing debate into mainstream education will help students not only develop critical thinking but also be ready to integrate into the world. With playgrounds like GCDC, the young generation of Viet Nam has more opportunities to train themselves, expand their knowledge and affirm their position in the international arena.

Reporting by HANH LAM - Translating by A.THU