Elaine Loft, Staff Writer
On March 12 and 13, the eighth grade class had the opportunity to participate in a multi-day international diplomacy simulation guided by the World Affairs Council of New Hampshire. According to the Council website, a diplomacy simulation is a “collaborative learning experience in which students step into the role of real-life diplomats. Within each simulation, there are five to six teams representing foreign governments, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and international organizations, each with different perspectives and priorities. Under set time constraints, teams try to negotiate a peaceful solution to the crisis in the scenario. Students develop their group’s positions, and defend or modify their choices in real time.”
The Derryfield students took their roles very seriously, some dressing the role of diplomats in formal attire. They moved quickly from group to group, endeavoring to argue their points with animated persuasion.
After the event, the Council commented,
“It is always so much fun to bring these simulations into the classroom and work directly with the students. Providing them with the opportunity to lead their learning and experience the challenges of negotiation allows the students the space to explore and learn about their own innate skills.”
