Michigan Debate Institute

The Michigan National Debate Institute (MNDI) is a 3-week policy debate workshop with a curriculum designed for high school debaters of every experience level from top varsity to novice. Find out more!

Michigan National Debate Institute (MNDI)

The MNDI curriculum is designed by long-time high school coaches from around the country who have served on our faculty for many years. Because the MNDI admits students of every experience level, the faculty has designed appropriate curriculum to address specific needs of students in their individual classes. 

Educational Environment. The MNDI has never had a concluding tournament. This format fundamentally alters the orientation of both the students and faculty in a way that encourages preparation for the entire debate season, not just for winning a workshop tournament. This format allows more emphasis to be placed on individual instruction with students on debating technique and topic-specific analysis. The sharing and cooperation encouraged by this format generates a more productive and enjoyable environment for all involved. 

To implement this curriculum the central units of instruction are small class groupings. The participants of the MNDI are generally assigned to classes of 24 or fewer students. Each class operates under the full-time instruction of two-three faculty members. These class groups serve as the primary instructional unit throughout the institute. They are supplemented by lectures and small seminar groups taught by additional faculty members.