GLOBAL CLASSROOMS An Introduction

What is ?  A mock United Nations program designed specifically for English language learners.  It consists of working in pairs to represent different countries all around the world.  There will be a topic/global issue and each pair will have to work together to defend their country’s position on this topic.  Two years ago: Generic Drugs, and Sustainable Tourism  Last year’s topics: Feminism & Women’s Rights, and the International Monetary Fund

Timeline September Introduction to Global Classrooms Introduction to United Nations and Millennium Development Goals Basic Writing, Speaking and Debating Plagiarism October Country & Topic Research Continued Debate, Speaking and Writing November Writing and Editing Position Papers Opening Speeches Continue Debating

Timeline December Resolution Writing Professionalism Conference Preparation January Cont’d Conference Prep, Finalize Position Papers & Opening Speeches GC CONFERENCE #1 February/March Selected Schools Begin Prep for GC Conference #2 GC CONFERENCE #2

What will you learn?  The United Nations and countries around the world!  Current global issues!  Research techniques!  Writing!  Public speaking!  Teamwork!  Problem-solving and conflict resolution!  Debate and negotiation!  Compromise and cooperation!  Professionalism!

We have our own website! What can you find here?  Resources  Schedule  Powerpoints  HOMEWORK

Who directs the conference? The Dais!  Chair – Oversees all aspects of the conference  Director – Guides delegates through the resolution process  Rapporteur – Calls roll, keeps time, tallies votes  Staff – Keeps notes, works the computer  Helper – Passes notes for delegates

Important Terms  Delegate: A student acting as a representative of a UN member country.  Delegation: A group of delegates.  Decorum: Order and respect for others. The Chair will call for decorum when he or she feels that the committee is not being respectful.  Procedure: The way a committee is run, as opposed to the topic being discussed.  Speakers' List: A list that determines the order in which delegates will speak. A country may only be on the Speakers’ List once initially. BUT delegates may add their country to the end of the list again after they give their opening speech.  Speaking Time: Typically 1 min 30 secs  Yielding : If you do not use all of your speaking time, you may give that time to the Chair (ends your time), to another delegate (allows delegates with similar views to speak), or to Points of Information (allows other delegates to ask you questions)

Important Terms  Position paper: A summary of a country's position on a topic, written by a delegate before a Model UN conference.  Motion: A request made by a delegate that the committee as a whole do something. Country that makes a motion speaks first.  Caucus: A break in formal debate in which countries can more easily and informally discuss a topic. There are two types: moderated caucus and unmoderated caucus.  Moderated Caucus: A type of caucus in which delegates remain seated and the Chair calls on them one at a time to speak for a short period of time.  Unmoderated Caucus: A type of caucus in which delegates leave their seats to mingle and speak freely. Frequently used to sort countries into blocs and to write working papers and draft resolutions  Resolution: A document that seeks to fix the problems addressed by a Model UN committee. Resolutions are written during the conference, not before.

Basic Model UN Rules of Procedure RulePurposeRequired to Pass Motion to set the speakers time Sets or changes the amount of time each delegate has to speak. Simple Majority Vote Motion to open the speakers listAllows delegates to sign up to speak.Simple Majority Vote Motion to close the speakers list May close the speakers list for the remainder of the session or topic. At most Model UN conferences the list can be opened and closed multiple times. Simple Majority Vote Motion to suspend debate Proposed to transition to a caucus. Delegation must specify the purpose of the suspension and the amount of time. Simple Majority Vote Close debate Proposed to move the committee to a vote, usually when there are enough draft resolutions on the floor. 2/3 Majority Vote

Points RulePurposeRequired to Pass Point of order Used when a delegate believes the chair has made a procedural. Used only to address formal committee procedure, not the debate topic. Decision of Chairperson Point of inquiry (also known as a point of parliamentary procedure) Can be made no other delegate is speaking to ask the chairperson a question regarding the rules of procedure. No Vote Point of personal privilege Used to inform the chairperson of a physical discomfort a delegate is experiencing, such as not being able to hear another delegate’s speech. No Vote Point of information Used to pose a question to a speaker during formal debate. The speaker chooses whether or not to yield his or her time to points of information. Decision of the Speaker

Sources    classrooms.html