Which skill have you developed most?
Discussion questions | This is for everyone
Which discussion skill do you think you have improved the most during the Festival? How do you know?
Topical Talk focuses on four key skills:
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Problem solving
I think carefully about issues, weigh up different ideas and suggest solutions.
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Speaking
I explain my ideas clearly and confidently so others can understand.
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Listening
I listen carefully to different perspectives and respond thoughtfully.
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Creativity
I develop new ideas and build on other people’s thinking.
Find out more about these skills here.
For example:
I think I have improved my [problem solving/ speaking/ listening/ creativity] skills the most because [explain why you think this].
One example of this is [give an example of something you now do differently or more easily].
Comments (2)
I think I have improved my problem solving thanks to the simulations, games and situations to which I was attached to answer
I think I have improved my listening skills the most because throughout the Festival I have learned how important it is to truly understand different perspectives before sharing my own opinion. The global discussions showed me that students from different countries have different views on topics like international aid, voting rights and technology. By paying close attention to their ideas I was able to respond more thoughtfully and respectfully.
One example of this is during the discussion about lowering the voting age. Instead of quickly arguing my own view I read several posts from students in different countries. I asked follow up questions and referred to their points when writing my response. This helped me build a stronger argument and made the conversation more meaningful. I have also become better at not interrupting others during classroom discussions and making notes while they speak so I can respond clearly. I now try to build on other people’s ideas instead of repeating my own. I now feel more confident engaging in debates because I focus on understanding first and responding second.