SY2012 CDL Student Survey Results

The SY2012 Chicago Debate League student survey multiple-choice and narrative results are processed, and reflect a great deal of student engagement with, and positive response to, competitive academic debate among the 195 students who submitted a completed survey.

Data Points from the Multiple Choice Results

• 94% of respondents said that participating in the CDL has increased their critical thinking skills
• 87% of respondents said that participating in the CDL has improved their literacy skills
• 69% of respondents said that participating in the CDL has made it more likely that they will go to college
• 84% of respondents said that participating in the CDL has increased the chances that they will be accepted at the college of their choice
• 82% of respondents said that CDL tournaments are engaging, competitive, and exciting
• 89% of respondents said that there are regular after-school debate practices and meetings at their school
• 91% of respondents said that their coaches work hard at teaching and coaching debate
• 89% of respondents said that their coaches have made them better debaters

A Few Highlights from the Narrative Responses

• My experiences at CDL tournaments were awesome. My goal is to become an attorney when I grow up and I feel that these tournaments have allowed me to get a better perspective in the field of law.
• When I first joined the CDL at my school, learning the information and the rules were quite overwhelming, but the actual tournaments were a blast. I look forward to debating the topic next school year.
• My experience has been great. It was such an educational experience and I would recommend it to everyone in my school. It has improved my reading, writing, communication and critical thinking skills.
• CDL tournaments have influenced my learning in and out of debate rounds. Most of my experience within the CDL tournament greatly increased my education as well as influenced my questioning of policies.
• The CDL has been my life for 4 years! I absolutely love the environment, the debaters, the judges. It’s like home.
• Our debate team is like a family – we meet 3 times a week, and our coaches try to incorporate real world skills into our practices. The coaches and my teammates encourage me and make sure I’m having fun, while still making debate meaningful and practical.
• My debate [team] is like a second family to me. The coaches and my teammates have encouraged me to be the best that I can. Coming from cheerleading where drama was the status quo, the debate team is extraordinary!
• I love my coaches and my teammates. Before I joined debate, I didn’t really have a peer group. Now, I have forged friendships with everyone on the team as well as my coaches. The coaches teach us with a lot of enthusiasm and they always give valuable advice.