The topics that will be used in Public-Forum debate at VBI 2017 have been finalized […]
Top Story
Story Stream
VBI 2017 LD Camp Topics Announced
The topics that will be used in Lincoln-Douglas debate at VBI 2017 have been finalized for all locations. VBI Philadelphia (July 1 – July 14): Resolved: The United States ought to provide a universal basic income. VBI Los Angeles Session 1 (July 16 – Aug 5): Resolved: The non-therapeutic use of human enhancement technologies is […]
Briefly
Natalie Schaller Wins NSDA Nationals
Congratulations to Liberty Senior High School’s Natalie Schaller for winning the 2017 National Speech and Debate Association’s National Tournament. In finals, Natalie defeated Savannah High School’s Nathan Davis on a 8-5 decision. Natalie Schaller Nathan Davis Shankar Krishnan Karchen Lhatoo Jackson Deconcini John Michael Magloire
Briefly
Lincoln Douglas Topics List for 2017-2018
Resolved: In the United States, workers ought to have a civil right to unionize. Resolved: The non-therapeutic use of human enhancement technologies is immoral. Resolved: The United States ought to provide a universal basic income. Resolved: Plea bargaining ought to be abolished in the United States criminal justice system. Resolved: In the United States, reporters […]
Briefly
LD Topic Committee Updates (6/21 12:50)
Here is the most recent version of the topic list for next year. 1) In the United States, non-human animals ought to have legally protected rights. 2) Individuals are obligated to value the common good over their own interests. 3) Capital punishment is immoral. 4) In the United States, physician-assisted suicide of terminally ill patients ought to be […]
Briefly
LD Committee Releases Initial Topics for 2017-2018, Seeks Input
Birmingham, AL — The LD wording committee has released the final 20 topics being considered for the 2017-2018 list. The final list will be narrowed to 10. The committee is seeking input from students and coaches on a.) which of these 20 topics should make the final list and b.) and wording issues that can/should be correct.
Briefly
Curricular Components 6: 3 Week Sessions
Over the last few years, there has been a rise in self-contained 3-week long debate camps. Now, there is nothing new about a debate camp lasting three weeks. What has changed is that several camps, including VBI, have shifted from a model where students attend a 2-week main session followed by a smaller third week, […]
Curriculum Corner
Technology Thoughts 1: Some Free Programs
This is our first installment of a new Curriculum Corner mini-series on the use of technology at debate camp. Several podcasts I listen to, such as Leading Lines and Teaching in Higher Ed, spend a lot of time discussing educational technology (EdTech). This has helped me compile a list of EdTech resources that I think […]
Curriculum Corner
Musings on Methodology 1: Curricular Selection Bias
Many of our Curriculum Corner posts have surveyed academic studies on effective teaching. These cover a small, though representative, sample of the articles we have been reading to prepare for camp. However, our choice to focus so much on academic research could be challenged. I have made the choice to prioritize data over my own […]
Curriculum Corner
Matt and Zubin on the importance of debate camp and LA Session 1
Zubin Aysola and Matt Salah from Nueva High School in California recently hosted a debatecast during which they discussed the benefits of attending debate camp, and especially why VBI’s flagship session in LA is going to be special. Zubin Aysola (Nueva ’17) won the 2017 Berkeley Invitational. He will be on staff at VBI LA1. Matthew Salah […]
Briefly