AKITA – November 2012 –English Debate in Japanese High School– Cory Koby. Debate is a ‘Mind Sport’! Reflecting on his experience training and coaching teams from Sendai Shirayuri Gakuen Jr./Sr. High school twice in the All-Japan High School English Debate Tournament, the presenter explained the challenges and rewards of engaging Japanese high school students in English debate. Confidence building, communication skills development, leadership training, critical thinking, and time management were all highlighted as benefits of debate generally, and he also explored additional benefits specific to language learners who debate in L2. After the lively Q&A session a brief report on the JALT National convention in Hamamatsu was also given.

Reported by Stephen Shucart