Keystone Magazine Learning the Keystone Way 2015-2016 EN | Page 27

tening skills, especially listening
to opposition arguments, and
creating rebuttals.”
These are not only skills essen-
tial for an effective and fuller
learning experience, but also an
important skill “for lifelong learn-
ing,” as Jacky Liang of grade 10
points out. Having participated
in the Global Debate competi-
tion, he says that debating is
not just the art of persuasion
and negotiation. “It is an ex-
change of knowledge. I learned
and gained a lot by listening to
what my opponents had to say.”
Jennifer Kim from grade 9 could
not agree more: “Debating is an
experience where you can en-
counter global views on huge
issues, especially through the
eyes of other people.” Yes, a will-
ingness to learn and improve,
and the open-mindedness to
evolve – now, isn’t that the
point of it all!
practice every week during time allotted for Keystone Activi-
ties Program (KAP), and continue to improve their debating
skills with every competition.
Improving his public speaking skill is also why Wesley Wu of
grade 10 trains in the Global Debate team. But for Wesley, it is
also about teamwork, and the excitement and adrenaline that
make “your brain work at an incredible speed,” he says. Think-
ing on your feet can be quite exhilarating, especially when
you have to listen, reflect, and then respond to arguments. “It
teaches discipline and respect,” says primary school teacher,
Simon Weight who also trained the junior teams for the
World Scholar’s Cup, adding, “It encourages discipline when
speaking, ensuring to stay on subject, and to organize clear
arguments with logical continuity. It also teaches students to
respect the opposition speakers by honing speaking and lis-
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