Let’s Argue: Using Debate to Teach Critical Thinking and Communication Skills to Future Leaders

Abstract

Some employers contend that the college graduates they hire should have stronger communication and critical thinking skills upon arrival from their various college/university programs in which they majored. As higher education continues its efforts to meet the demands for employers, the authors contend that the benefits of participation in debate exercises can be incorporated into various courses as a teaching tool to increase facility with these soft skills. A practical application of debate in a specific organizational leadership course is presented, along with highlights of the student participants’ reflections upon the experience, and the initial signs of positive impact on these skills. Suggestions of future application of debate into curricula are also shared.

Citation

Chikeleze, M., Johnson, I. and Gibson, T. (2018), "Let’s Argue: Using Debate to Teach Critical Thinking and Communication Skills to Future Leaders", Journal of Leadership Education, Vol. 17 No. 2, pp. 123-137. https://doi.org/10.12806/V17/I2/A4