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Teaching Methodology

Among the teaching methodologies established in recent years, learning by doing represents the best training solution for simulated projects. It’s a great way to turn knowledge into skills. This means that the time needed to assimilate new knowledge will be reduced as the number of exercises increases. This is a circular process of learning, whereby the student is able to learn the skills that he or she needs to learn. This is a circular process of learning, centered on the active role of the student.

United Network,
schools
and teachers
a full sharing
of the formative
choices

United Network, schools and teachers: a full sharing of the formative choices

The simulations represent training courses of particular commitment and prestige; for this reason the selection and training of the student have a central role. Each student is subjected to a careful evaluation process aimed at verifying the possession of the minimum requirements for participation in the project. The minimum requirement is the aptitude and the level of motivation demonstrated by the candidate in relation to the topics covered, as well as the ability to address the delicate and complex issues covered by the simulation in a critical manner, through the development of original approaches and points of view. Limited to the simulations in language (English or French), the selection is also aimed at verifying the language skills of the candidate. Candidates are required to be able to understand and express themselves in language in a sufficient manner, postponing the acquisition of those specific linguistic skills related to the topics covered in the simulation to the following mandatory training phase. The selection phase sees the active participation of the schools and the teaching staff within the institutes, with a view to fully sharing the educational choices with the school, which is placed at the center of the entire project, with the function of directing the educational choices of the students. Each student who participates in the project takes part in the Training Course, which pursues several educational objectives. On the one hand, the basis for understanding the history and mechanisms of the assembly represented will be provided, and on the other hand, skills will be provided that will allow the student to operate in the simulated environment independently. Particular attention is turned to the use of computer and digital technologies, that in the phase antecedent to the simulation constitute the main environment of job. Particular attention is, finally, reserved for the university and post-university orientation, aimed at exposure and knowledge of all national and international study paths.

The projects are divided
in two phases:

  1. A preparatory phase, during which students study both the main topics of the assembly body represented, and how to operate within the simulation.
  2. An operational phase of direct action based on the method of learning by doing, in which students, putting what they have learned to good use, take on the role of “delegates”, “deputies” or “journalists” within the simulation.

Projects addressed
to class groups

To receive more details about the projects addressed to classes, school leaders and teachers can contact us at info@unitednetwork.it

We The European Union is a simulation of European Parliament sessions, during which participating students experience some of the main functions and activities of the European Parliament. After an introduction to the European institutions and their tasks, the simulation will focus on the construction and drafting of recommendations to member states. It will also proceed to the approval of a regulation and a directive prepared by the Commission and approved by the Council. It can be conducted, at the school’s choice, in Italian or English.

SchoolMUN is a simulation of international diplomatic processes during which participants will apply in practice all the work procedures and operating rules of international organizations, practicing, therefore, to operate as real delegates and experiencing, through a methodology and a specific preparation, the experience of working at a diplomatic body. It takes place in English.

Making News is a journalism workshop during which students will simulate the work of a newspaper by producing newspaper articles, launches, in-depth articles, news reports and taking part in a simulation of a press conference. The project takes place in Italian and its purpose is to introduce students to the world of journalism, alternating moments of frontal teaching, flipped classes and simulations.

Res Publica – art. 33 is a simulation of the sessions of the Italian Parliament during which students form themselves into parliamentary groups and carry out the typical functions of the deputies of the Republic, working on the drafting of bills, which are then discussed in the Committees and in the Chamber and preparing amendments and reports that will be approved using the same rules used in reality by parliamentarians and codified in the Rules of the Chamber of Deputies. It takes place in Italian.

European Camp

European Camp is an innovative teaching project based on the method of learning by doing that will take place in Ventotene (Latina) during the school year 2024-2025. The students, in a simulated session of the European Parliament, will pretend to be deputies, addressing within the model the issues that during the year will support this very important community institution. The project, attributable to the method of “challenge based learning”, can be carried out, at the choice of the school, in Italian or English.

All United Network projects are recognized by the school as pathways for cross-functional skills and career guidance. In order for the hours to be recognized for PCTO obligations (up to 70 hours per project), it is necessary for the educational institution to sign a complimentary agreement with our organization. Please note that the activities recognized for cross-functional skills and career guidance pathways are conducted by United Network as part of the pursuit of its mission and free of charge. The participation fees mentioned in the announcements pertain to participation in preparatory courses or supplementary tourism services.

The United Network simulations bring students closer to education, citizenship and informed study of the main representative institutions (Italian Parliament, European Parliament, United Nations). The implementation decrees of the Good School have in particular reformed the discipline of the State Exams, establishing that greater weight is given, in the final oral interview, to the skills of Citizenship and Constitution. All of United Network’s training courses have the precise aim of promoting among students a specific, high-level knowledge of representative bodies, how they function and the issues involved in the activities of democratic institutions.

United Network projects help internationalize the school’s profile by connecting students with peers from other cultures.

United Network’s projects are central to guiding high school students with respect to future college choices.

All United Network projects involve, among other things, the enhancement of the student’s computer skills, called upon to relate to tutors and coordinators through the Google Classroom platform.

Delegate Training Course

To enable students to successfully participate in the simulation, the Delegate Training Course is provided.

The Delegate Training Course takes place in the months leading up to the Model United Nations. The course consists of an 8-hour training day and will be held at a location that will be communicated in advance. It includes a combination of classroom instruction and direct interaction, covering the following topics:

1) History and structure of the United Nations;
2) What is a Model United Nations;
3) Rules of procedure;
4) Drafting a resolution;
5) Committees and topics;
6) Public speaking.

The phases of the Model United Nations

Individual Study

Preparation of draft resolutions and position papers as indicated by tutors.

Back office

Assisted by the tutors, students will develop shared working methods on cloud platforms.

Italian Model United Nations

The most important part of the project is the simulation, which takes place in Rome.

1° modulo

Corso di Formazione (8 ore)

Il primo modulo si articola in una giornata di formazione presso l’Institut Français di Napoli. Le lezioni affronteranno i seguenti argomenti:

1) La nascita dell’Unione europea;
2) L’organizzazione ed il funzionamento delle istituzioni europee;
3) Il Parlamento europeo;
4) La Simulazione del Parlamento europeo – ed il ruolo dei deputati europei.

2° modulo

Studio individuale (24 ore)

Preparazione delle bozze di risoluzione e dei position paper come indicato dai tutor.

3° modulo

Back office (20 ore)

Coadiuvati dai tutor, gli studenti svilupperanno metodi di lavoro condivisi su Google Classroom.

4° modulo

Nous Les Européens (18 ore)

Before departure to the city of Boston, the Delegate Training Course will take place, consisting of four lessons. The preparatory lessons are conducted online.

Lesson 1 (4 hours)

1) United Nations History;
2) United Nations System.

Lesson 2 (4 hours)

1) Rules of Procedures;
2) Public Speaking;
3) Model UN test.

Lesson 3 (4 hours)

1) Rules of Procedures;
2) Public Speaking;
3) Model UN test.

Lesson 4 (4 hours)

1) Advanced strategies;
2) Resolutions.

Final Meeting

During the meeting, information will be given to participants and parents about the departure.

Individual Study

Before participating in the Model United Nations, all students will be required to write a position paper in English, a brief and concise document outlining the represented country’s stance. The students will be guided in this process by the educational staff, aiming to support them both linguistically and content-wise. The position paper will also be evaluated by the board staff of HMUN.

Harvard Model United Nations

For this project, the school, at its discretion, may grant 70 hours of recognition for the Cross-Curricular Skills and Guidance Paths (Percorsi per le Competenze Trasversali e l’Orientamento), subject to a free subscription with United Network Europe.

THE TRAINING

Before departure to the city of New York, the Delegate Training Course will take place, consisting of four lessons. The preparatory lessons are conducted in a blended learning format.

MUN Training Course (8 h) - in-person, in the month of December

There will be alternating moments of frontal teaching and direct interaction, covering the following topics:

1) History and structure of the United Nations;
2) What is a Model United Nations;
3) Rules of procedure;
4) Drafting a resolution;
5) Committees and topics;
6) Public speaking.

MUN Substantive Training Course (3 h) - online, mid-February

1) Committees and topics;
2) How to study the country represented?
3) How to make a position paper?

Advanced Procedural Training Course (6 h) - In-person, late January/early February

Individual study

1) Rules of procedure (advanced);
2) Strategy in committee (advanced);
3) Simulation test;
4) Public speaking (advanced).

Advanced Substantive Training Course e briefing prior to Departure (3 h) - Online, mid-February

1) How to Write a Resolution (Advanced) (2 hours);
2) Pre-departure briefing (1 hour) – attendance at this meeting is open and strongly recommended to parents as well.

THE TRAINING

Individual Study

Before participating in the Model United Nations, all students will be required to write a position paper in English, which will succinctly outline the represented country’s stance. The students will be guided in the development of their papers by the teaching staff and project coordinators of the school, aiming to support them both in terms of language and content. The position paper will also be evaluated by the simulation’s board staff.

Model United Nations

The simulation of the United Nations General Assembly will take place in the city of New York.

Before departure to the city of San Francisco the Delegate Training Course will take place, consisting of four lessons. The preparatory lessons are conducted online.

Lesson 1 (4 hours)

1) United Nations History;
2) United Nations System.

Lesson 2 (4 hours)

1) Rules of Procedures;
2) Public Speaking;
3) Model UN test.

Lesson 3 (4 hours)

1) Rules of Procedures;
2) Public Speaking;
3) Model UN test.

Lesson 4 (4 hours)

1) Advanced strategies;
2) Resolutions.

Final meeting

During the meeting, information will be given to participants and parents about the departure.

Individual Study

Before participating in the Model United Nations, all students will be required to write a position paper in English, a brief and concise document outlining the represented country’s stance. The students will be guided in this process by the educational staff, aiming to support them both linguistically and content-wise. The position paper will also be evaluated by the board staff of BMUN.

BerkeleyMUN

For this project, the school, at its discretion, may grant 70 hours of recognition for the Cross-Curricular Skills and Guidance Paths (Percorsi per le Competenze Trasversali e l’Orientamento), subject to a free subscription with United Network Europe.

The Delegate Training Course will consist of four lessons.

MUN Training Course

  1. History and structure of the United Nations;
  2. What is a Model United Nations;
  3. Rules of Procedure;
  4. How to draft a resolution;
  5. Committees and Topics;
  6. Public Speaking;

MUN Substantive Training Course

  1. Committees and Topics (Advanced);
  2. How to research the represented country;
  3. How to write a position paper.

Individual Study

Students will be required to write a position paper in English, outlining the position of the represented country in a brief and concise manner. Students will be guided in this process by the teaching staff, in order to provide support both in terms of language and content.

Advanced Substantive Training Course and Pre-departure briefing

  1. How to write a resolution (Advanced);
  2. Pre-departure briefing.

National Model United Nations

1° modulo

MUN Training Course (18 ore – il modulo si articola in sei lezioni di 3 ore ciascuna)

1) Storia e struttura delle Nazioni Unite;
2) Cos’è un Model United Nations. Regole di procedura (parte I);
3) Regole di procedura (parte II). Prova di simulazione;
4) Studio del paese rappresentato (geografia, economia, politica interna ed estera). Come redigere un position paper; committees and topics;
5) Public speaking;
6) Come redigere una risoluzione.

2° modulo

Individual Study (20 ore)

Nel secondo modulo gli studenti sono chiamati a scrivere un elaborato in lingua inglese, il position paper, in cui tracciare in modo breve e sintetico la posizione del paese rappresentato. Gli studenti saranno guidati nell’elaborazione dallo staff didattico. Il position paper sarà poi oggetto di valutazione da parte dello staff board della simulazione.

3° modulo

Harvard World Model United Nations (20 ore)

La fase più importante del progetto è la simulazione, che si svolge a Tokyo (Giappone).

Training Course

The course is structured as an 8-hour training day and will cover the following topics:

1) History and Constitutional Law. The Parliament, the Government and its functions;  
2) Regulation of the Chamber of Deputies and Rules of Operation of the Simulation;
3) How to write a bill. Topics covered during the simulation (the students will already be distributed within the 4 committees);
4) Simulation test.

Individual Study

Preparation of draft resolutions and position papers as directed by tutors.

Back Office

Assisted by tutors, students will develop methods of shared work in Google Classroom.

SNAP - National Simulation Parliamentary Assembly

Training Course

The Training Course will have a total duration of 6 hours. The course will be held at your institution or at a local school.

The lessons will address the following topics:

1) The organs of the state and their functions: the Parliament, the President of the Republic, the Government, the Judiciary, the Constitutional Court;
2) Function of the Chamber of Deputies and composition of parliamentary groups;
3) Regulation of simulation;
4) The legislative process, bills, amendments.

Unique Module

DELEGATE Training Course (6 Hours)

The Delegate Training Course will have a total duration of 6 hours. The course will be held at your institution or at a local delegate school. The lessons will cover the following topics:

1) History and structure of the United Nations;
2) What is a Model United Nations;
3) Rules of Procedure;
4) How to draft a resolution;
5) Committees and topics;
6) Public speaking.