Calum G.C Adamson    Department   Kyoto University of Foreign Studies  Department of British and American Studies, Faculty of Foreign Studies    Position   Associate Professor
Language	English
Publication Date	2013
Type	Academic Paper
Peer Review	Peer reviewed
Title	Learning to make a difference at the Model United Nations.
Contribution Type	Single author
Journal	JALT2012 Conference Proceedings
Journal Type	Japan
Publisher	JALT
Volume, Issue, Page	pp.558-568
Total page number	10
Authorship	Lead author
Details	Students have few opportunities to use English in authentic settings and, for many, the view of English as an academic subject to be studied rather than as a language to be spoken is limiting and damaging. A Model United Nations (MUN) event is a simulation of a challenging authentic environment that can provide meaningful learning contexts that go beyond the logistic and metaphysical constraints of the classroom. This paper illustrates how preparing for and participating in an MUN provides strong motivation to communicate and allows students to improve language and critical thinking skills while achieving a challenging, realistic objective. More importantly, the experience opens a door to a world where it can be seen how proficiency in English really makes a difference. Practical advice explains how to incorporate an MUN into a curriculum.