Today's simulation at the University of Nicosia was a great venue to refine argument and debate skills and put what we've learned into practice. After almost three weeks of lectures it was nice to engage with what we've learned hands on.
I really enjoyed working with students from Cyprus and other European countries and learn their perspective on the issues. It allowed for perceptions and misperceptions we both have about our countries and how they conduct themselves diplomatically to be cleared up and see things from a different perspective.
While we had a limited time that made negotiating specifics difficult, we had fantastic debates over the issues of energy security and development in the Eastern Mediterranean. It was overall a great experience. I've always been fond of simulations and look for different ways to incorporate them into my future lesson plans when I teach. This fall I'll be teaching a sixth grade class on geography in Brookline. The course also examines international institutions and basic diplomacy. After this simulation, I hope to develop and implement a simulation at the sixth grade level for the fall. They are a great way to get students engaged not only with the content learned but with one another.
A big thank you to the University of Nicosia, Marinos, and the students who worked with us!
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