NSDA Learn
NSDA LEARN is a ever growing set of self-paced online professional development courses. Upon successful completion of each course, member coaches will be able to download a professional development certificate by clicking the certificate icon next to the completed course on the side panel of this page.
Available Courses
Intro to Philosophy in Debate
This guide serves as an introduction to the most common philosophies in debate. By the end of this guide, members will be able to apply philosophies to strengthen or weaken arguments, differentiate the three main branches of philosophy, and engage constructively with philosophies that are commonly used in competitive debates.
Intro to Kritiks
This course introduces the fundamentals of kritikal debate in Policy and Lincoln-Douglas. Upon completion of the course, members will be able to explain and identify types of kritikal arguments, as well as respond to them in round with little preparation by attacking their framework, utilizing turns, indicting the alternative, making permutations, and more. This course also offers an overview of how to run a K.
Intro to Framework
Throughout this course, students and coaches will learn what the framework in LD is, some common frameworks with which you should be familiar, and conclude with some tips for debating and responding to different frameworks.
Building Supportive Cultures to Prevent Bullying and Harassment
We encourage anyone interested in making competitive speech and debate activities safer to participate in this training.
Engaging and Mentoring Students with Disabilities
The goal of this NSDA Learn course is to help coaches identify and promote best practices for engaging and mentoring students with disabilities. This course will provide an overview of key terms, potential strategies, as well as the legal framework for following the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504.
Intro to Coaching: Dramatic and Humorous Interp
Learn the basics of coaching HI and DI including considerations for selecting literature, sample cuttings, activities for characterization, and more.
Performance Breakdown: Crafting a Duo Interp
Dive into the process of putting together a Duo performance from start to finish. This course, geared toward both students and coaches, offers a look behind the scenes at the cutting, blocking, practicing, and performing of a final round Duo.
Engaging and Mentoring LGBTQ+ Students
Understand best practices for engaging and mentoring LGBTQ+ students, including concrete strategies for both LGBTQ+ coaches and straight cis coaches to recruit, offer a safe space, and advocate for student needs.
Intro to Coaching: Informative Speaking and Original Oratory
This course introduces new coaches to Original Oratory and Informative Speaking. Public address events are some of the most popular NSDA events, particularly for new students, because they balance the freedom to choose your own topic with the consistency of delivering a rehearsed speech.
Intro to NSDA Coaching
Learn the ins and outs of coaching in our new Intro to NSDA Coaching course! This course covers many of the basics of NSDA membership and answer the following questions:
What are NSDA merit points?
What can I do to start the season well?
How do I learn more about NSDA points, events, and rules?
What is Nationals and how do students qualify?
What are other forms of recognition through the NSDA?
Engaging and Mentoring Black/African American Students
Learn to intentionally recruit Black/African American students (and assistant coaches and judges!), create solid parent-coach connections, build an anti-racist team, advocate for students, build equitable relationships, and recognize race while coaching.
Intro to Coaching: Program Oral Interp
This introductory course covers the fundamentals of coaching POI, including considerations for literature selection, refining and defining arguments, blocking, video examples, and tips for binder movement.
Intro to Coaching: Congress
Explore the fundamentals of coaching Congressional Debate including strategies for helping students write effective legislation, ideas for team practices, persuasive delivery techniques, and more.
District Leader Onboarding
This course is designed to help district leaders to assess, sustain, and improve their NSDA district. Seasoned and new leaders alike will benefit from this course as it strives to incorporate best practices and strategies that will help each NSDA district thrive regardless of its demographics.