After the discussion on different cultural attitudes about sharing class notes, we went on to the big question of competition among students: good or bad?

The debate was prepared in two groups, each side preparing their arguments. Some of the quotes from my students:

• “Competition gets the lazy ones to work harder”
• “cooperation among students can teach more than a formal class”
• “competition spurs you on”
• “competition is discouraging”

The students felt the victory went to the side arguing for competition. I am not so sure that I agree with them, although that side definitely came up with some good arguments.

I had another idea for a debate on education, but we didn’t do it with this group: corporal punishment and whether it has a place in education.

With this group of students, the debate might have been too divisive among the different countries. But we did touch on it with bullying. Physical punishment for children – what does it really teach them?