Students in Billings Central High School’s Dual Credit Comparative Government class recently played the roles of world leaders during a Model United Nations simulation led by Mr. Fairbanks. The activity challenged students to research global issues, represent different countries, and debate resolutions in a setting modeled after the United Nations General Assembly and Security Council.
According to Fairbanks, the project served as the perfect conclusion to the year-long government course. “The Model United Nations is a chance for my Dual Credit Comparative Government classes to participate as a country dealing with modern global issues and to take on the personalities of their national leadership,” Fairbanks said. “It is a perfect capstone to our year in DC [Dual Credit] Gov.”
Senior Kellan Reas proposing a solution to the Iran conflict, playing his role as Russia in the Dual Credit Government United Nations simulation. (Ella Fairbanks )
Throughout the semester, students studied both American government and governments around the world. During the simulation, each student stood for a specific nation and researched that county’s political views, goals, and international priorities. Students then created resolutions addressing major global concerns before debating whether those proposals should pass or fail.“The students spent time preparing a case study of the country that they chose for the simulation. Then they prepared resolutions, dealing with global issues that their country would want to achieve,” Fairbanks explained.
Fairbanks said he first became involved with Model UN while helping sponsor a competition at Montana State University Billings in 2018. Since then, he has wanted to bring the experience back into the classroom. He believes the hands-on activity keeps students engaged in a way that traditional testing cannot. “I knew this would be a way to engage seniors as the year drew to its conclusion and would be way more intellectually stimulating that a standard final exam,” he noted on the academic reliability of hands on activities.
One of the most valuable parts of the simulation was the opportunity for students to see global issues from perspectives different from their own. Fairbanks emphasized that the experience encouraged students to think beyond an American-centered viewpoint. “I think every student needs to understand how other countries operate, but more importantly, how they feel about global issues,” Fairbanks said. “When living in America, it can become a cultural and political echo chamber in which we only see our own nation’s goals or our own leader’s perspectives.”
Through the activity, students debated international topics, formed alliances, and negotiated compromises while staying true to the goals of the countries that they stood for. Fairbanks himself played the role of the United States during the simulation, interacting with students representing countries such as Iran, Russia, and China.
(From L to R)
Senior, Alex Johnson as president of the United Nations, debating with Dual Credit Government teacher, Mr. Fairbanks, playing the role of America. (Ella Fairbanks )
“This has really increased the level of engagement and shown the kids the importance of diplomacy, negotiation, and the frustrations of dealing with rogue states who refused to compromise,” Fairbanks said. By the end of the simulation, students gained a deeper understanding of diplomacy, international relations, and the challenges world leaders face when trying to solve global conflict. The Model UN activity not only strengthened students’ knowledge of government and politics but also gave them practical experience in critical thinking.
