A Lifelong Passion for Teaching Leads to Debate Centered Instruction

Chemistry and Forensic Science teacher Dr. Mohammed Ali, PhD, serves as a SVUDL Debate Centered Instruction (DCI) Fellow at Andrew P. Hill High School in San Jose. DCI is an innovative approach to teaching that integrates the energy and dynamic nature of debate into the classroom. This methodology equips educators across all subject areas with tools to boost student engagement and develop essential skills in research, argumentation, communication, and collaboration by enhancing the existing curriculum through Speech and Debate techniques.

Dr. Ali teaches approximately 180 students across six sections, helping them master the art of critical thinking.

“It’s vital to teach my students the importance of civic responsibility,” Dr. Ali explains. “Part of that is helping them develop the ability to analyze and think critically. As they research and engage in rational discourse, they begin to use common sense, listen attentively, and support their ideas with strong, credible evidence.”

Having been a debater himself, Dr. Ali understands firsthand how valuable debate skills can be. A district initiative led him to SVUDL, where he was excited to bring the skills he had developed as a student into his own classroom.

“In a Debate Centered classroom, students become more engaged and collaborate more effectively,” he says. “They ‘listen to learn’ – meaning they’re actively listening to one another to learn about a topic. When other students present arguments, they need to absorb what’s being said, critically analyze the content, and build on it. The process is collaborative, requiring extensive research and the exploration of new sources.”

Dr. Ali highlighted how this approach helps students who are shy and may be reluctant to speak up in class. Debate-centric teaching fosters connections between students and offers opportunities for newcomers to find their voice and establish themselves in the school community.

“Students begin to use common sense and think on their feet,” he reflects. “When one student poses a question, this challenges another student to draw upon everything they’ve learned. Politicians make split-second decisions all the time, and so do teachers. Every day brings new challenges, and as a teacher, I’m often tasked with solving problems I’ve never encountered before that moment.”

DCI provides excellent training for rapid yet thoughtful decision-making, and its benefits extend far beyond the classroom. “The skills learned in debate are incredibly valuable, no matter where students ultimately land,” he says. “Whether they teach in a classroom or serve in public office, these skills will be indispensable.”

Dr. Ali has always had a passion for teaching. As a young student, he often helped classmates with mathematics and other subjects. “Teaching my friends helped me learn even more myself,” he says. 

Originally from Bangladesh, Dr. Ali was raised in a culture where teachers are revered. “Teachers were highly respected in my country,” he recalls. “It’s seen as a crucial role, and I am proud to be part of that tradition. I greatly enjoy the art of research, and I want everyone to learn how to take advantage of the wealth of knowledge available to explore current topics. One example would be that before buying an item, people might benefit from doing some research about prices, brands, and maintenance issues before purchasing a cellphone, computer or car.”

Dr. Ali’s dedication to both his students and the power of debate has undoubtedly created a lasting impact, teaching critical thinking and problem solving skills that extend far beyond the classroom.