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Feb 27, 2025
DISCUSS in Alkmaar: Students Teaching Students
news
Nov 28, 2024
The DISCUSS project gave students in Alkmaar the opportunity to engage in debate and advocacy. Through a debate tournament, participants developed critical thinking and public speaking skills. The event also provided a space for discussions with local politicians, reinforcing the importance of youth involvement in democratic dialogue.
On November 26th, Petrus Canisius College in Alkmaar hosted a local participation event as part of the DISCUSS project, a project empowering youth from disadvantaged backgrounds to engage in debates and advocate for inclusive policies. This closing event brought together Year 4 pre-university (16-17 years old) students, who took on the role of mentors, guiding Year 3 (15-16 years old) students through the fundamentals of debate.
The morning session focused on peer-led learning, with Year 4 students providing debate lessons to Year 3 students. Supported by experienced trainers, they introduced younger peers to argumentation techniques, critical thinking, and public speaking skills. This approach not only reinforced the older students’ knowledge but also created a collaborative learning environment, connecting the students in a way where they found it easier to contribute their knowledge and experience to group discussions.
In the afternoon, students put their skills into practice in a structured debate tournament. Two rounds of debates were held. The competition encouraged students to think critically, articulate their ideas clearly, and respond to opposing viewpoints.
The event concluded with a plenary session featuring local politicians, providing students with the opportunity to ask questions and engage in discussions about real-world political issues.
We are extremely satisfied with the Alkmaar event, precisely because it showcased the strength of peer-to-peer learning in debate-based youth work. Students found it easier to relate to their peers and less intimidating to ask questions. Encouraged in this way, the meetings with decision makers in the afternoon ran even more smoothly than in previous events. By taking on both teaching and debating roles, students gained confidence in public speaking, learned to evaluate arguments critically, and engaged directly with decision-makers. As DISCUSS continues to provide platforms for youth involvement, we look forward to more initiatives that empower students to become active participants in democracy.
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