The Rise of Platforms like Find Common Ground (FCG) are Changing the Possibilities
PRESCOTT, AZ / ACCESSWIRE / August 13, 2024 / In our rapidly evolving, data-driven society, where the ability to think critically and communicate effectively are prized assets, one extracurricular pursuit has emerged as transformational for students and it is the art of debate. Debate is a competitive extracurricular activity where students research, construct, and deliver persuasive arguments on complex issues, honing essential skills like critical analysis, public speaking, and teamwork.
According to a study published in Educational Evaluation and Policy Analysis, students who participated in debate as an extracurricular tended to outperform their non-debating peers in middle school, high school, and beyond. The reason? Debate fosters the development of essential skills that are invaluable both in the classroom and in the real world.
Effective note-taking, critical analysis, and public speaking are just a few of the key abilities that students can hone through debate. These skills not only boost academic performance, but also prepare students to thrive in an increasingly complex world.
The study found that debating students demonstrated higher levels of academic achievement, with improvements in areas like test scores, grade point averages, and college admission rates. Experts attribute this to the unique challenges and opportunities presented by the debate format.
Find Common Ground (FCG), a platform founded by Harvard graduate, tech entrepreneur, and dentist Vinish Aravindakshan, is helping revolutionize the world of student debate. Aravindakshan, a passionate debate enthusiast with a keen interest in sports and politics, believes in the transformative power of technology to foster critical thinking and broaden worldviews through constructive dialogue.
On the FCG platform, a high school student from Kentucky might find themselves debating against a Stanford student, a world-class debater, or even a policymaker. This one-of-a-kind opportunity allows students to transcend the traditional boundaries of scholastic debate and explore the full potential of their intellectual aptitude.
As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, the ability to think critically and communicate effectively has become a highly sought-after asset. Aravindakshan's creation of the FCG platform aims to equip students with the skills and mindset necessary to thrive in this rapidly evolving landscape, positioning them as the next generation of leaders and change-makers.
Debate forces students to deeply engage with a wide range of topics, from current events to historical controversies. They have to thoroughly research both sides of an argument, anticipate counterarguments, and articulate their position in a clear and persuasive manner. This kind of mental agility is invaluable.
Moreover, the collaborative nature of debate encourages students to step outside their comfort zones and engage with perspectives that may differ from their own. This exposure to diverse viewpoints, combined with the need to defend their own ideas, fosters critical thinking and open-mindedness which are traits that are essential for success in any field. Debate teaches students how to think, not what to think. In a world that is increasingly polarized, this ability to engage in constructive dialogue and consider multiple sides of an issue is more important than ever.
As schools and districts continue to grapple with the challenges of the post-pandemic landscape, experts believe that debate could be a powerful tool for boosting student achievement and preparing the next generation of leaders. And platforms like FCG can help students transcend the confines of their local area and debate others from all around.
Debate isn't just about winning arguments. It's about developing the skills and mindset that will empower students to tackle the complex problems of the future. That's why every student should have the opportunity to experience the life-changing power of debate.
ABOUT FIND COMMON GROUND
Find Common Ground (FCG) is a platform that is revolutionizing the world of student debate. On this platform, a high school student from Kentucky might find themselves debating against a Stanford student, a world-class debater, or even a policymaker. The FCG platform provides a one-of-a-kind opportunity for students to go past the traditional boundaries of scholastic debate and explore the full potential of their intellectual abilities.
Harvard grad, tech entrepreneur, and dentist, Vinish Aravindakshan is a debate enthusiast passionate about sports and politics. As the founder of FCG, a social debate app, he believes in the power of technology to foster critical thinking and broaden worldviews through promoting constructive dialogue.
To learn more visit Find Common Ground.
CONTACT
Vinish Aravindakshan
vinish@fcgsocial.com
(617) 520-4302
SOURCE: Find Common Ground
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