Primary 6 – Learning Project – Battle of Brilliant Mind: Mini Debate Show Time
n a dynamic cross-subject learning experience, Primary 6 students explored the art of argumentation through a collaborative project between English and Bahasa Indonesia classes. The project centered on understanding and constructing argumentative texts, culminating in engaging mini-debates that formed part of their Leapro Launch.
Exploring Real-World Topics
The learning journey began with students reading and discussing articles on six relevant and thought-provoking topics:
- Junk Food: Should it be banned at school?
- Breakfast: Is it important or not?
- School Uniforms: Necessary or not?
- Homework: Does it help or hinder student learning?
- Handphones at School (Upper Levels): A tool for learning or a distraction?
- Using ChatGPT to Find Answers: Valid source or not?
These topics sparked curiosity and inspired critical discussions among the students.
Inquiry and Data Collection
To deepen their understanding, students designed and conducted surveys among their classmates. They gathered opinions, organized the data into groups, and presented their findings using bar charts and tables—integrating skills from their Mathematics lessons. This data, along with expert insights and real-life examples, served as strong evidence to support their arguments.
Building Arguments and Practicing Debate
Working in small groups, students were assigned opposing sides for each topic. They crafted main points, counterarguments, and conclusions using the evidence they had collected. Mini-debates were held to encourage respectful and structured dialogue. During these sessions, students practiced presenting their arguments clearly, responding thoughtfully to opposing views, and refining their reasoning through critical reflection.
This process not only enhanced their speaking and listening skills but also built empathy by encouraging them to understand and respect different perspectives. In fact, many students expressed that the most challenging—and exciting—part was defending positions they didn’t personally agree with, which pushed them to think more creatively and analytically.
Real Learning, Real Growth
The mini-debate project helped make complex concepts like reasoning, structure, and persuasion more tangible and engaging. Students learned to analyze information, form logical arguments, and question assumptions—essential skills for lifelong learning and problem-solving.
Collaborative group work further encouraged them to articulate ideas clearly, support their opinions with data, and turn abstract thinking into real-world conversations. Through this experience, students became not just confident speakers, but also thoughtful listeners and respectful debaters.
The project underscored an important message: debate isn’t just about winning an argument—it’s about understanding others, thinking critically, and growing through dialogue. ***
