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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, English or French.

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 2022-2023. 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 recognizable by the school as pathways for transversal skills and orientation. The circumstance is also recognized by a protocol of understanding that United Network – the only entity in Italy – signed in 2016 with the Ministry of Education and renewed in 2020 with a three-year duration. The protocol is available on the MIUR website at this link. In order for the hours to be recognized for the purposes of PCTO obligations (up to 70 hours for each project), it is necessary that the educational institution signs a free memorandum of understanding with our organization.

Teachers who are referents of the schools of the projects curated by United Network see their activities recognized for the purposes of the Continuing Education obligation. In implementation of the Good School Law, the Ministry of Education has launched the Plan for Continuing Education for 2016 – 2019. The law establishes, in particular, the mandatory nature of the teacher’s ongoing training: participation in training actions must always refer to the school community. The training experiences carried out are noted by teachers within their online portfolios. Since 2017, United Network recognizes the referent teachers the activity carried out as a moment of training and professional development, which is carried out within the simulations with laboratory modules dedicated to them. Participation in these modules is, for the referring teachers, totally free.

The modules are designed to enhance the following information actions, identified by the Ministry:
  1. Learning environments: didactic innovation, digital skills, digital content, enhancement in a digital key of the characterizing addresses;
  2. Paths of language enhancement with elements of innovative teaching methodology;
  3. Specialized courses related to the phenomenon of bullying and cyberbullying;
  4. Training of coordinators for reception programs, integration and cultural animation and international exchanges;
  5. Citizenship skills and global citizenship (coordination);
  6. Citizenship skills and global citizenship: gender equality, environmental education, nutrition education and healthy lifestyles, scientific citizenship, legality and active citizenship, etc.;
  7. Knowledge of the tools and the process of alternation and opportunities for transfer of know-how by managers and teachers already experienced in the design and management of projects of paths for transversal skills and orientation.

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.

First Module

MUN Training Course (8 h)

The first module is divided into two training afternoons. 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) Drafting a resolution;
5) Committees and topics;
6) Public speaking.

Second Module

Individual Study (24 h)

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

Third Module

Back office (20 h)

Assisted by tutors, students will develop shared working methods on Google Classroom.

Fourth Module

Italian Model United Nations (18 h)

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)

First Module

MUN Training Course (16 h)

The first module is divided into four meetings of frontal teaching, aimed at deepening the knowledge of the models already matured, and the study of the new topics subject of simulation

1) Revision of the rules of procedure;
2) Study of the country represented. How to write a position paper;
3) Reports on the strategic issues of the country represented. Collective correction position paper;
4) Theory and Evidence of Drafting Resolutions; Public Speaking;
5) Simulation test.

Second Module

Individual Study (27 h)

In the second module students will be asked to write a paper in English, “the position paper”, in which to briefly and succinctly trace the position of the country represented. Students will be guided in the elaboration by the teaching staff of United Network.

Third Module

Final Meeting

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

Fourth Module

HarvardMUN (27 h)

The most important phase of the project is the UN simulation, which takes place in Boston (Massachusetts).

First Module

MUN Training Course (8 h)

The first module consists of a training day. Alternatively, you can participate in the course in e-learning mode on our website. 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) Drafting a resolution;
5) Committees and topics;
6) Public speaking.

Second Module

MUN Substantive Training Course (3 h)

The second module will take place in the afternoon. The meeting will address the following topics:

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

Third Module

Individual study (20 h)

In the third module students will be asked to write a paper in English, the position paper, in which to briefly and succinctly trace the position of the country represented. Students will be guided in the elaboration by the teaching staff and the teachers of the school responsible for the project.

Fourth Module

Advanced Procedural Training Course (6 h)

The fourth module consists of a training day. Lessons will cover the following topics:

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

Fifth Module

Advanced Substantive Training Course e briefing prior to Departure (3 h)

The fifth module takes place in the afternoon. The lessons will cover the following topics:

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.

Sixth Module

Model United Nations (30 h)

First Module

MUN Training Course (16 h)

The first module is divided into four meetings of frontal teaching, aimed at deepening the knowledge of the models already matured, and the study of the new topics subject of simulation:

1) Revision of the rules of procedure;
2) Study of the country represented. How to write a position paper;
3) Reports on the strategic issues of the country represented. Collective correction position paper;
4) Theory and tests of drafting Resolutions; Public Speaking;
5) Simulation test.

Second Module

Individual study (27 h)

In the second module students will be asked to write a paper in English, the position paper, in which to briefly and succinctly trace the position of the country represented. Students will be guided in the elaboration by the teaching staff and the teachers of the school responsible for the project.

Third Module

Final meeting

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

Fourth Module

BerkeleyMUN (27 h)

The most important phase of the project is the UN model, which takes place at the University of Berkeley, San Francisco (California).

1° modulo

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

National Model United Nations (20 ore)

La fase più importante del progetto è la simulazione, che si svolge a New York (Stati Uniti).

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).

1st Module

Training Course (8 hours)

The first module consists of one day of training and will take place at one of our pole schools. Alternatively, you can participate in the course in e-learning mode on our website. The lessons 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.

2nd Module

Individual Study (24 hours)

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

3rd Module

Back Office (20 hours)

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

4th Module

SNAP - National Simulation Parliamentary Assembly (18 hours)

Unique Module

Training Course (6 ore)

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.