International Journal of Education & Language Studies

Challenging the Mind: Debate as a Catalyst for Speaking Performance

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Article

Author

Mohammad Elyas Rahmani

Mahtab street Imam Muslem street 0093-792919363

https://doi.org/10.22034/ijels.2025.497245.1031
Abstract
While debate is a widely utilized pedagogical tool in EFL speaking instruction, its efficacy must be assessed through learners’ perspectives to determine its perceived value in language acquisition. This study investigated EFL students’ perceptions of the utility of debate techniques in enhancing speaking proficiency. Employing a mixed-methods research design, the study collected quantitative data from 50 participants and qualitative insights from 4 purposively sampled students. The findings revealed a strongly favorable disposition among participants toward debate-based instruction, confirming that debate significantly enhances EFL learners’ speaking competence. Analysis demonstrated that debate not only increased students’ speaking time and articulation of viewpoints but also cultivated higher-order cognitive engagement and learners’ motivation. Moreover, the technique was found to facilitate the development of critical thinking, argumentative reasoning, and oral fluency. These outcomes underscored debate as a pedagogically impactful strategy in EFL contexts, aligning with contemporary communicative language teaching paradigms.

Keywords

Debate technique
speaking skills
critical thinking
communication skills
argumentative skills
International Journal of Education & Language Studies

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 17 May 2025

Home

Guide for Authors

Submit Manuscript

Reviewers

Contact Us