University lecturer Anila Ruth Scott-Monkhouse joins Laura to share how she’s using academic debate to help STEM PhD students become more confident communicators. In this episode, Anila shares how debate boosts her students’ teamwork, critical thinking, and language skills. You’ll also hear how she integrates controversial topics, intercultural collaboration, and real-world research into her EAP classes.

Watch with closed captions.

TALKING POINTS

1. Why Debate? The benefits of debate for science students — from thinking on your feet to tackling tough questions at conferences.
2. Debating the Unexpected: How students explore both sides of controversial issues, often arguing a side they don’t personally agree with.
3. Not Just Language Practice: Why students are judged on the quality of their arguments and not their grammar.
4. Teamwork & Mediation: What happens when physicists, chemists, and engineers work together across cultures.
5. Winning Isn’t Everything: How structured competition builds confidence, curiosity, and deeper engagement in class.

ABOUT

Anila Ruth Scott-Monkhouse teaches general and academic English to undergraduate and PhD STEM students at the University of Parma, Italy. With qualifications including a degree in foreign languages, the Cambridge DELTA, and the CertPT, she brings a strong background in language education, assessment, and teacher training.

Anila’s work explores teaching and assessing ESP/EAP, task-based learning, and the role of emotions in the classroom. She’s a regular conference presenter and has published widely on learner needs, teacher development, and academic communication. Above all, she’s passionate about helping learners and educators thrive through reflective practice and meaningful challenge.

RESOURCES & REFERENCES

🔗 LinkedIn

🔗 Academia.edu

🔗 ResearchGate

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CREDITS

Producer: Laura Wilkes

Editor: Haven Tsang

Special thanks to our guest, Anila Ruth Scott-Monkhouse

Production by Communicating for Impact

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