Discovering Finland's Education System: Debate at Espoonlahti High School

Finnish Championships in Debating Competition 2018

The first debate hat I had to judge.

"The Finnish Championships for Lower Secondary School Students 2018 took place at Espoonlahti School on Thursday April 19th, 2018".

The event was in two languages, Finnish and English. All 7th-9th grade students in Finland were able to compete with teams of five students. At the actual competition only four of the five students were competing and one was an alternative. I was asked to be a judge for the competition.

The debates were first held in the blocks, the best teams continued to the semi-finals, and finally for the final. The role of other teachers was to work as coaches of their own team and also they were also able to judge the debates.

The following information is taken from the schools website:

http://vaittelykilpailu.wixsite.com/vaittelykilpailu/debate

Judging

"For each debate, three points are awarded and the points can be divided into 2-1 or 3-0. The judges will pay special attention to the debates evaluated on the following considerations:

Clarity, consistency and versatility of argumentation (1 point)
1. Clear definition of concepts
2. The main idea of the team will be demonstrated clearly and consistently by the entire team throughout the debate.
3. The team must present various examples that support and prove the team’s main idea.
4. A team’s rebuttals to the opposing team must support the rebutting team’s main idea clearly and show understanding of the debate subject.
5. Presentation of points of view and theories must show the debaters’ understanding of the issue clearly and support the audience’s understanding.
6. There should be very few logical errors or fallacies.
7. Arguments must be credible
Teamwork (1 point)
1. Even distribution of speaking among team members
2. All team members show an equal understanding of the main idea and they argue the same position with consistency
3. No interrupting, good timing
4. The role and actions of each team member supports other team members.
5. respectful and friendly behavior toward team members
6. Supporting team members when needed.
Speaking skill and awareness of the audience (1 point)
1. Strong presence in general
2. Politeness
3. Delivery and clarity
4. Present their own arguments convincingly
5. Smooth flow of arguments and delivery and attention to the arguments of others
6. Appropriate use of humor to make points effectively, not to poke fun at others
7. Effective use of eye contact and notes"

The following topics were give to students ahead of time so they can prepare.

Social Media affects the personality of young people too much.
The power of social media, such as Facebook, should be restricted by legislation.
There are not enough opportunities for young people to influence politics in Finland.
An individual can influence how their personal data is used.
Smartphones have a positive impact on people.
Playing videogames will affect young people positively in their future.
An individual can significantly influence the state of the environment through their choices.
The influence of Finnish women is lower than that of Finnish men.
Responsible consumerism is a good way to influence human rights.
The best way to influence (others / the world) is by your own example.