本日、２年生全クラスでパフォーマンステストを行いました。これまで準備と練習をしてきた英語でのディベートです。昨日の予行練習では準備不足の班も多く、本番が心配な部分もあったのですが、どのグループも本当にがんばってくれました。

　明日以降も同じトピックでディベートを行う班があるため詳しい内容は明かせませんが、それぞれの生徒が自分の役割をしっかりと果たすことはもちろん、立候補してくれたmoderatorsも名司会を見せてくれました。ありがとう！

　良くも悪くも「和」を重んじる私たち日本人にとって、ディベートは決して簡単なものではありません。国語科でも今学期ディベートをやっていますが、形式の違いもあり、更に英語だと言葉の壁があるため、一筋縄ではいかないと思います。ですが、答えが一つでない問題に対して意見を出し合い、集めたデータなどを用いて論理的に説明する力は、今回のディベートのみならず、将来にもきっと役立つはずです。

　今日ディベートを行った班のみなさん（＋moderators）、本当にお疲れさまでした。残りの班のみなさん、明日からも、楽しみにしています！

　Today we finally started our second performance test: debate.  Students had a practice debate yesterday, but we teachers were still a little worried since many groups weren’t fully ready at that point. Yet, they did so well today, which, in turn, impressed the others!  It’s a shame we cannot tell you the details, as there are still other groups to go - they had such great opinions and attacks!  Not only was each student responsible for their roles, but also they worked together very well in their groups, making good use of the preparation time during their debate.  Also the volunteer moderators did a wonderful job so that the debate could go smoothly.  Everyone did a great job.  We are so proud of you all!

    Debate is never easy for us Japanese, who value harmony among people. But even so, students have been practicing debate in their Japanese classes as well. However, the flow is not the same and the English debate, of course, is all in English!  Cooperating with your groupmates to form an opinion, thinking of a practical example, and collecting data to support the arguments, will all be useful in our student's future. To those who finished the performance test, well done.  Thank you all, including the moderators who volunteered and did wonderful work for their classmates.  Those who will have their turn tomorrow or later, good luck!