Model United Nations and Experiential Learning: An Assessment of Changes in Knowledge and Attitudes

Abstract

Despite the popularity of Model United Nations, no effort has been made to directly assess student learning since 1984. Accordingly, we developed and administered a pre- and post-conference survey to participants in the 2007 American Model United Nations (AMUN). We assessed whether participating in the simulation affected students’ general knowledge of the UN; their attitudes towards the UN and the most important member states; and their understanding of diplomatic strategies. We find that first-time participants increased their general knowledge, developed a more realist orientation towards international relations, and placed more emphasis on the importance of individual agency in world affairs.

Keywords

• international relations
• Model United Nations
• realism
• simulations
• student assessment