About Model United Nations
Model United Nations is an educational simulation and leadership program in which students play the role of ambassador to an assigned country. Students learn about diplomacy, international relations, and the United Nations. Usually an extracurricular activity, some schools also offer Model UN as a class.
Click on UNA USA's "Model UN for Everyone" video below to learn more
Model UN and Education
Model UN is a great way to enrich interactive learning in any classroom while being in compliance with national educational content standards.
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Common Core Content Standards (CCSS)
Common Core is an American education initiative launched in 2009 to ensure that upon graduating from high school, students were ready for university and the work force. With the help of educators and extensive research on national and international high performing schools and districts, CCSS set standardized learning goals to incorporate these findings and improve the American education system .
Because CCSS only defines what students are expected to know and be able to do, not how teachers should teach, the use of Model UN addresses numerous 6-12th grade CCSS that include:
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.11-12.1.A
Come to discussions prepared, having read and researched material under study; explicitly draw on that preparation by referring to evidence from texts and other research on the topic or issue to stimulate a thoughtful, well-reasoned exchange of ideas.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.11-12.1.B
Work with peers to promote civil, democratic discussions and decision-making, set clear goals and deadlines, and establish individual roles as needed.
Not only are MUN simulations fun, but they also build and improve academic and critical thinking skills that students will use throughout their lives; some of these include:
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public speaking
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research
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negotiating
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conflict resolution
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leadership
Global Citizenship
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At the heart of Model UN is politics, a divisive topic that can either bring people together or tear them apart. By immersing students into the politics, geography, economics, culture and religion of a certain country, participants will better understand the reasoning behind the behavior of nation states .
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