It is very important in today’s shrinking world for students to learn about global problems and international relationships. The World Affairs Council of Philadelphia offers comprehensive educational programs for students and teachers alike that are ideal to incorporate into the classroom. Perhaps their most interactive way to teach students about world affairs, their Youth Education Program provides ways in which students can develop leadership and critical thinking skills.

Youth Education Program

I chose the Youth Education Program of WAC Philly because it offers active learning and engagement. The program offers various activities to the kids participating, including Model United Nations, commonly referred to as Model UN, Global Scholars Certificate, and the Junior Model UN. These programs would provide the student with a great platform for understanding global issues through role-playing and simulations. Model UN would prepare students to act as diplomats of a country, thus enhancing their understanding of international diplomacy, negotiations, and conflict resolution.

 What I Found Useful

Not only knowledge is important, but hands-on teaching of global citizenship through this tool is important. Model UN simulations and speaker events are supposed to immerse students in the complexity of international relations; at the same time, public speaking, problem-solving, and critical thinking are in practice. What is more, the diversity of events-one can always find something new, from contemporary issues of world economic crises to humanitarian problems. The program allows teachers to adapt the content to fit their curriculum needs, making it versatile enough for adaptation in a host of different subjects.

Classroom Application

It is here that the Model UN program would be utilized within my classroom to introduce students to global governance. This would serve as a great opportunity for students to participate in public speaking, presenting their country’s stance on an issue at hand in collaboration to solve global concerns.

For example, we could use a Model UN event for things like climate change or international trade, directly relating those simulations with lessons about history, government, and geography. In addition, inviting students to participate in the WAC Philly Speaker Series would expose them to real-world professionals and diplomats and, therefore, make international issues come alive in ways mere textbooks can’t. Conclusion In this respect, the WAC Philly Youth Education Program represents an excellent opportunity to effectively prepare students for a connected world. Through simulation games, speaker series, and leadership training, students gain hands-on experience while learning about global issues. Each educator participating should do research on these resources for new ways to bring them into their classrooms as a method of instituting global citizenship and critical thinking in their students.