Jonas BrunsThe Day We Returned to School: Training Teachers to kick-start MUN Clubs and Classes
A Hands-On Experience Turning Teachers into Global Changemakers at Humboldt Gymnasium in Bavaria
Once upon a sunny Bavarian day, Alex and I, Jonas, found ourselves at the Humboldt Gymnasium Vaterstetten in Bavaria, Germany. Our mission? To conduct a teacher training session for the all-in-one Model United Nations (MUN) platform, mymun. As MUN veterans who began our journeys in high school, we were excited to share our knowledge and inspire the next generation of global citizens.
Upon arrival, we were greeted by a diverse group of 26 teachers, each with varying familiarity with MUN. Some were seasoned MUN advisors, while others had only heard about the event through the grapevine. With political education becoming an increasingly important part of school curricula, especially in the new Bavarian High School Curriculum, it was the perfect time to introduce these educators to the world of MUN.
The teacher training was divided into four engaging modules:
- MUN 101: We started with the basics, explaining what MUN is, its benefits for students, and an overview of the rules of procedure and general background information.
- Integrating MUN into the Curriculum: We delved into the technicalities of incorporating MUN into school programs, discussing various models such as Arbeitskreis, Wahlkurs, W-Seminar, and P-Seminar. The pros and cons of each model were debated among the teachers.
- MUN Class Preparation: After a refreshing lunch break, the teachers were grouped and tasked with creating an MUN class using digital Miro boards. The session covered different aspects of MUN: Preparation, Research, Documents, Debate, and Voting.
- MUN Resources and Opportunities: Finally, we provided an overview of additional materials, resources, upcoming conferences, and next steps for the teachers to explore and utilize in their MUN journey.
Our vision at mymunis for every student to participate in at least one MUN conference during their academic life. We believe in the transformative power of MUN, having witnessed firsthand how much we've personally gained from the experience. We're thrilled to conduct more teacher training sessions in the future, and if you're interested in having us visit your school or simply chat about MUN, don't hesitate to reach out at jonas.bruns@mymun.com.
As we left the Humboldt Gymnasium Vaterstetten that day, we couldn't help but feel a sense of accomplishment and excitement for the future. The seeds of curiosity and passion for MUN were planted in the hearts and minds of these dedicated teachers and their students. It's a story we're proud to share, and one we hope will inspire others to embark on their own MUN journey.
A big thank you to Kristina Wiese for her fantastic trust and support in explaining the Bavarian educational system to Alex and me, organize the rooms, invite teachers and students and be the teacher every student should have.