What happens at a conference?
Before the conference:
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Students research their country, and its policies relating to committee topic(s)
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Participants prepare a "Country Profile" (see form) and "Position Paper" - a brief discussion of the country's policy towards the specific topics assigned to the committee delegates will be serving on.
During the conference:
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Delegates debate and negotiate about the committee topic(s).
- Students write "resolutions" - recommendations based on the issues debated.
- Resolutions are voted on; those that pass become UN Mandate.
- Students experience the decision making process used by diplomats and world leaders.
Student Preparation
Students benefit most from participation in a Model UN Conference when they have solid knowledge of the issues that will be discussed. Students should have a strong understandinig of the position held by the country they represent. They should have some knowledge of the workings of diplomacy and the United Nations model.
An effective approach to conference preparation is through practice simulations. The Council provides traning workshops for novice participants.
Focus of Preparaton:
- Research Techniques; Topics Research
- Public Speaking and Debate Strategies
- Parliamentary Procedure Skills
- Resolution Writing Skills
Participation in MUN:
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Develops awareness of global issues and current events
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Promotes appreciation and tolerance of other cultures
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Expands knowledge of geography
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Improves critical thinking skills
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Sharpens leadership and public speaking skills
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Sparks independent motivation
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Initiates constructive interchange on world issues
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Demonstrates the importance of teamwork to reach a common goal
Cooperative learning: Students work together to accomplish shared goals.
Multicultural Education: Students gain the knowledge, skills, and attitudes needed to function effectively in a culturally and ethnically diverse nation and world.
Focused Skills: Students gain a global perspective on world problems and an awareness of political issues. Additionally, students gain self-conficdence and improved leadership, speaking, writing and teamwork skills.
Model UN and Standards Tests
MUN aids in the understanding of complex topics and helps students internalize knowledge, helping them to improve their scores. The Citizenship portion of the Ohio Standards Test focuses on the topics and skills listed above.
Geography
Trade
Government Systems
Economics
Comparative Societies
Politics
History
Critical Analysis of complex topics
The Citizenship portion of the Ohio Standards Test focuses on the topics and skills listed above.