Debate-Inspired Classrooms

In the Debate-Inspired Classrooms program, BDL’s Instructional Coaches work with teachers, school leaders, and entire school communities to cultivate exciting and buzzing classrooms in which students experience both rigor and joy in learning.

Discourse

Students learn better when they talk more, and with each other. The Debate-Inspired Classrooms approach trains teachers to cultivates authentic student discussion, driven by curiosity and problem-solving.

Vibrancy

Debate-Inspired Classrooms fosters a unique environment of energy and joy. Our program nurtures a love of learning, transforming classrooms into vibrant, buzzing communities in which students – and teachers – collaborate to shape their own learning.

Engagement

When students’ voices, ideas, and intellect are the center of instruction, they are more engaged in the classroom. Students are the authors and architects of their own learning in Debate-Inspired Classrooms.

An Anti-Racist Approach

In response to the landscape in education and the global context in which young people learn, we are committed to supporting young people in building the power and agency to challenge injustice.

We believe that a debate-inspired classroom is an anti-racist classroom. In anti-racist classrooms, students and teachers see themselves and their lived experiences as valued; experience classrooms in which they are free to be their full selves; act as both leaders and learners in the classroom community; and develop skills and agency to disrupt racism.