What will students learn?

Simulations use a variety of pedagogical tools to create an effective, meaningful, and memorable learning experience for students. Students come away from simulations with an appreciation for the complexity of policy questions and an understanding of how decisions are made by policymakers. They will be armed with research and communications skills, and will bridge differences and reach a collaborative conclusion.

What does a simulation look like?

A simulation comprises two readings (a council guide and the case notes) of roughly 2,500 words each. They also offer detailed guidance for preparing for and running the simulation in the classroom and reflecting on the experience. Simulations offer students the chance to role-play either the U.S. National Security Council or the UN Security Council. Regardless of which decision-making body a simulation covers, it will follow the same general format:

Section 1: NSC or UNSC Guide

Section 1 is designed to explain the body that students will be simulating, including its history, how it works, who its major players are, and more. There is also a video interview with experts who have served on the body, and links to resources for learning more.

Section 2: Case Notes

Section 2 contains the actual case study. The introduction to Section 2 has a clear decision point: the question that students will debate during the role-play. This is followed by detailed background material and a discussion of the role that the United States (in an NSC case) or the UN (in a UNSC case) plays.

Section 3: Role-Play

Section 3 walks students through how to prepare for and conduct the role-play. First, students have access to an individual role sheet that includes suggested research questions and resources for a student’s assigned role. This is followed by guidelines for a position memo (for NSC cases) or for draft clauses (for the UNSC). Finally, there is a dashboard for students to use during the role-play that walks them through the discussion procedure.

Section 4: Wrap-Up

Reflection is critical to any learning process, and Section 4 walks students through it. All cases include a framework for reflecting on the role-play while still sitting around the table in person, as well as guidelines for a written reflection. In historical cases, there is also a section describing how policymakers responded to the case’s decision point in real life.

How can I learn more?

Each simulation has more detailed guidance on how to facilitate it specifically. Explore any simulation to get a sense of how it will unfold in the classroom.

What if I have questions?

Feel free to reach out! We are accessible by email at [email protected].