Australian students’ decline in academic achievement has eroded public confidence, according to this paper, which positions debating skills as a possible solution. The paper provides examples from centuries of writing and research, arguing that debating can cement knowledge across subject areas, enhance language proficiency and encourage thoughtful, articulate and confident civic engagement.

Recommendations

1. Design a framework for Australian school education that provides a succinct intellectual, philosophical and academic foundation for the curriculum.
2. Prioritise debating in literacy strategies and frameworks as a means of improving English language and academic research skills and enhancing critical thinking.
3. Obtain a commitment from university initial teacher education providers to ensure that all graduates can demonstrate competence and confidence in debating as a pedagogical tool for use across the curriculum.
4. Encourage jurisdictions to collaborate with credentialled debating organisations to provide ongoing professional development for principals and teachers.