Every year, freshmen in the Humanities I classes take part in an important collaborative project: the Model United Nations Simulation. Throughout the assignment, the students choose an important issue to focus on, research a country that they choose to represent, and learn about that country’s history and political stance on the issue. After completing their research, the students wrote position papers that explained their country’s perspective on the matter before participating in the simulation, where they debated, negotiated, and worked together to create solutions.
Model UN club members in discussion.
Wooster’s very own Model UN club ran the experience for the freshmen. Club presidents Sean and Zac, along with many other members of the club, spent time teaching the freshmen the role a delegate plays, helped them pass notes, and assisted them with resolution papers. The freshmen shared that the simulation was challenging and rewarding. They appreciated the outcome of the simulation.
Out of all students who responded to the survey, 89.3% said they enjoyed participating in the simulation, and 96.4% shared that they felt well prepared for the simulation. Some students said the simulation helped them better understand our world. Others said that speaking in front of their classmates pushed them outside their comfort zones. According to the survey, 96.4% of the students shared that they learned something new.
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“Something that I would have done differently is review my talking points beforehand so I know what to say and elaborate on,” one student said. “This is also what I would have done to prepare myself.”
The research process also played a role in the simulation. The simulation came with its challenges, but it also allowed students to think, collaborate with others, and see world issues from perspectives they may not have considered before.
Based on the survey results, it was clear that the Model UN simulation was an important project for the freshmen, but it was also rewarding. Every one of the students shared they would like to be able to partake in the simulation again, and thanked Ms. McLeod for all of her help and support throughout the day and the process.
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Corinne '28
Journalism Student
