FAQ

DCI or debate-centered instruction, uses principles and skills that are developed through competitive debate — the ability to speak persuasively on any issue from multiple sides, the use of evidence to back up arguments, and reasoning — in all classrooms and all subjects, as a pedagogical tool that engages students to teach themselves and their peers, guided by a teacher. DCI relies heavily on the claim-evidence-reasoning-response paradigm, based on competitive debate, that has a long intellectual history in education.

Not only can DCI be used and is being used virtually, but many students find it less intimidating, at first, to speak to a computer than in-person to others.

This program trains teachers in DCI techniques, through a summer institute devoted to general skills, and then by assigning teachers experienced in DCI as mentors or coaches to the DCI scholar throughout the following school year. Teachers who complete both the summer institute and the coaching will be certified DCI Scholars.

Any middle or high school teacher in the U.S. 

 If the program is over-subscribed, preference will be given to Title I teachers, and then to teachers from the same school district.

July 13-15, 2021, 10 am – 4 PM each day (eastern time). Instruction will be a combination of lectures and exercises.

All instruction and coaching will be delivered remotely via Zoom.

The DCI techniques will be taught by high school teachers experienced in DCI instruction.

Yes. Continuing Education credit may be sought through the English-Speaking Union of New York (ESU)

Yes, also through the ESU

Yes. Participation in all three days of training is an important component to properly implement this teaching modality in the classroom.

Yes. DCI Scholars are provided a mentor/coach for the entire 2021-2022 school year at no cost. School districts can pay for additional DCI mentors/coaches if interest exceed the Summer Institute sponsored capacity.