Should developed countries accept more immigrants from underdeveloped countries? The Speaker called the house to order, and the Prime Minister stood to deliver his speech. The language used was right out of the English Parliament; however, the room was decorated with colorful posters and the audience (including me) was made up of 16-18 year olds sitting either on kindergarten-sized chairs or cross-legged on the rugs. It was the final round of Parliamentary debate at the IISPC, an international high school debating tournament, and the room was packed full.
During that round of Parliamentary debate, I saw a type of intellectual engagement that I rarely see at school. Most kids that age would rather stick their hand in a hot stove than listen to a debate on immigration, but the students in this room were enthralled. Everyone at internationals had a passion for speech and debate; therefore, they approached it as something fun and engaging.
Intellectual engagement is at its best when it's fueled by passion. However, not every class can be something that I love as much as debate. Although effortless enthusiasm makes intellectual engagement easier-I remember all of the arguments from that debate without even trying-it's just as important to engage with material that you're not as interested in by asking questions or participating in discussions. Intellectual engagement can't be passive; it's a two way street. You can't just expect the material to engage you; you have to make an effort to engage in the material. And, when you do so, it's easy to become fascinated with everything.
Let me know what you think! Any suggestions are helpful.
During that round of Parliamentary debate, I saw a type of intellectual engagement that I rarely see at school. Most kids that age would rather stick their hand in a hot stove than listen to a debate on immigration, but the students in this room were enthralled. Everyone at internationals had a passion for speech and debate; therefore, they approached it as something fun and engaging.
Intellectual engagement is at its best when it's fueled by passion. However, not every class can be something that I love as much as debate. Although effortless enthusiasm makes intellectual engagement easier-I remember all of the arguments from that debate without even trying-it's just as important to engage with material that you're not as interested in by asking questions or participating in discussions. Intellectual engagement can't be passive; it's a two way street. You can't just expect the material to engage you; you have to make an effort to engage in the material. And, when you do so, it's easy to become fascinated with everything.
Let me know what you think! Any suggestions are helpful.
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