Throughout the 2022/2023 academic year, Elche has prioritized the development of critical thinking and communication skills. A dedicated discussion space has been established for young people aged 12 to 16, marking the first discussion room of its kind for this age group. This tournament, organized by Leadership with the Common Sense Foundation, operates in collaboration with the Education Department of the Elche City Council. The program unfolds in two interconnected phases: an educational phase and a competitive phase. Its overarching goals include fostering consistency, emotional intelligence, research abilities, eloquence, strategic thinking, a sense of humor, and resilience in crisis situations.
The program seeks to engage the youngest participants with current debates and to spark their curiosity about language, communication, nonverbal cues, and personal image. It also emphasizes listening and respectfully countering opponents’ arguments with solid reasoning. Foundational research studies underpin the curriculum, guided by the Debate Class and the Director of the Reasonable Leadership Foundation, Michael Molina.
Schoolyard lying and political manipulation
The class discussion unfolds in two stages. The training phase began in October 2022 and is delivered through a mixed-methods approach, combining in-person and online sessions. It serves as the initial phase to ensure that young participants align with the program’s expectations, followed by a second competition phase scheduled for February 2023.
During the training phase, participants build a broad set of competencies. They learn to align what they feel, think, and say with their actions, strengthening communication skills, emotional intelligence, research capabilities, rhetorical techniques, critical thinking, strategic awareness, and the ability to maintain composure in crisis moments.
In the competition phase, teams determined by the organizing body will be announced at least three weeks in advance and will focus on leadership and common sense. Containing a balanced debate around a central question, teams defend both pro and con positions, honing argumentation and collaborative problem-solving.
Journalist Miguel Molina, Spanish representative at an international leadership forum
Registration information is open and accessible through the organizing entity. Participation is open to secondary education students aged 12 to 16, with a cap of 20 teams in the inaugural edition. Each team will consist of two to five students. The winning team from the local league is expected to advance to a broader Champions League, representing other provinces.
Several centers are already registered, including Fomento Aitana, IES Sixto Marco, La Devesa School, San José Artesano, Salesianos, Santa María, Jesuitinas, and Victoria Urban centers. Leadership with Common Sense remains an independent, non-profit organization dedicated to fostering leadership and civic dialogue among youth.