“A small group of thoughtful people could change the world. Indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”

– Margaret Mead

Problem

When teaching Model UN to 8th-grade students, educators often face the challenge of engaging students who are new to public speaking and may have English as a second language. These students may struggle with confidence and persuasion skills, making it essential to provide effective teaching resources to help them navigate the complex world of diplomacy and debate while catering to a diversity of learning styles.

Solution

In my teaching portfolio, I have developed a comprehensive set of resources to address this problem. The short story about Greta Thunberg serves as an inspirational example of youth activism and effective public speaking, appealing to visual and narrative learners. The video on JFK's persuasive speech offers a real-life demonstration of powerful rhetoric in action, benefiting auditory and visual learners. Additionally, the slide deck on rhetorical devices equips students with the tools needed to construct compelling arguments and speeches, catering to those who thrive on textual and visual information. These resources provide a multi-faceted approach to help 8th-grade Model UN students build confidence, improve their speaking abilities, and succeed in diplomatic endeavors while engaging a diversity of types of learners.

Resource Bank:

Greta's Power to Persuade: A Short Story
Ask What You Can Do: A Video Analyzing JFK's Persuasive Language
Persuasive Language and Rhetorical Devices: A Presentation

Impact

Increased student engagement
Improved participation in Model UN activities
Engaged a variety of learners.

Resource Bank to Boost Model UN Engagement