KATV Channel 7 - The Spirit of Arkansas: The Value of Auguring

In our world of instant satisfaction, some people don't have the patience for a real debate or discussion.  But, educators now say that "argumentative reasoning" is a basic skill that students need to learn before leaving school.  The ability to debate is getting lost in our current society, but educators say it is a critical life skill that all kids need.  Debate teaches kids important skills they can later use in life.... skills like critical thinking, research and strong organizational and presentation skills.  A study in the journal Communication Education found that teenagers who participated in organized debate for at least one year improved their critical thinking skills by 44- percent.  Another study shows that kids who are allowed to debate verbally are more likely to think for themselves.  In written assignments, experts say kids tend to deliver the answers the teacher wants.  Debate teams are coming back in style.  Teachers say they boost confidence and teach kids how to use constructive words and ideas instead of force to resolve conflict.