中文

The Power of Debate｜Gordon Peer: “Every Voice Matters”

Friday 25 Oct 2024

Debate is not just a skill; it’s a way of thinking. At KCS, we are excited to welcome Gordon Peer, our new AP History teacher and speech and debate coach. His vibrant energy is always evident around campus. In this conversation, we’ll explore his initial impressions of KCS, his unique educational philosophy, and how he ignites students’ passion for debate, empowering every child to express themselves with confidence.

 

First Impressions of KCS 

When we asked Gordon about his first impressions of KCS, he praised the school’s environment and culture, saying, “The campus is stunning, and the facilities are top-notch. I’m particularly impressed by the quality of the staff and students. The potential the students show in debate gives me great hope for the future. I’m excited to be part of KCS because it’s not just a community; it’s a family.”

 

The Power and Impact

Gordon has 15 years of experience in educational management, with a background in law and government. He dedicates his career to helping students find their voice in speech and debate. He emphasizes that education should go beyond test preparation to cultivate critical thinking and adaptability. As a highly practical extracurricular activity, debate enhances language skills and prepares students for future careers. “In a rapidly changing society, students must be flexible in facing unknown challenges, and debate is the best way to achieve that,” he notes, highlighting its role in developing future leaders ready for emerging career challenges.

 

Let Every Voice Be Heard

To meet the diverse needs of students, Gordon has developed a junior debate curriculum for ages 8 to 11 at KCS. This program uses differentiated instruction to ensure every child can participate, regardless of their English proficiency. Through sentence frames, paired learning, and translation tools, he helps students succeed in debate and works to close the achievement gap. He emphasizes the positive impact of debate on introverted students, providing a platform for all children to express themselves and find their voice, whether they are stage-lovers or more reserved.

 

Unforgettable Moment

Gordon shared an unforgettable debate experience from a summer camp, highlighting his joy in seeing students with minimal English skills grasp complex concepts in just a week. He remarked, “When students use their language skills to tackle challenges, it feels like coming home.”

He recalled a shy student who, after days of encouragement, gained the confidence to participate in discussions. Her successful expression of ideas was met with applause, marking not just a boost in language skills but also in self-confidence.

Gordon emphasized that debate is about meaningful communication and idea exchange. Witnessing students engage critically and understand different perspectives is deeply rewarding, as it lays a solid foundation for their future.

 

Last，

Gordon’s rich experience and unique insights have broadened students’ horizons and inspired their academic and personal growth. As he says, the true value of education lies in equipping students to face unknown challenges, with debate being a vital tool in this process. Together, let’s look forward to seeing more outstanding talents emerge from Chengdu KCS, contributing wisdom and strength to society’s development.