FAQ
Year long delegation Q&A
What is the difference between the Model UN program offered at my child's school and the League of Creative Minds leadership program?The League of Creative Minds teachers hold advanced degrees in law, practice in their current professions, and hence, do not follow the common rules and customs of traditional teaching, but bring a breath of fresh air and inspiration to every single class. The League's Educational Director, Simon, was a delegate for eight years and taught and led a college-level delegation, for several years. Having lived in Vermont and Venezuela, Simon is able to combine his passion for law, history, and teaching from an innovative and fresh perspective.
The League dedicates all of its resources to instructing students in the art of public speaking, law, debate, logic, research, history, negotiation, analytical writing and cross disciplinary knowledge. Public speaking is a major component of the League and is the reason why every student is allocated time in the LCM course to acheive and practice their public speaking skills. League delegates attend high level conferences that allow them to meet students from around the world, otherwise the cultural, social and diplomatic process that LCM defines, is lost. Last of all, as League delegates become experienced and make the transition from an LCM MS delegate, to an LCM HS delegate, opportunities with the UN, the local community and national organizations become available.
It is the goal and objective of the League to bring professionals into the classroom, and bridge the gap between knowledge attained in the classroom and the practical application of what is learned. This goal is reflected in the weekly dynamic and interactive classes and field events that the League delegates regularly experience.
The League is focused on exploring current foreign policy, that has broad implications the rest of humanity, and the world we live in. Therefore, the League pursues learning as a function to a greater means and not only in blind pursuit of knowledge. League delegates commence their journey when they have mastered a method for finding and critically analyzing information. The delegates will proceed to expand their knowledge until a strong foundation is formed.
Summer Camp Q & A
How do I register my child for one of the LCM Model UN summer camp academic sessions?The online registration form should be filled out and returned electronically to the directors. Receipt of payment is required to secure enrollment.
How do you verify the academic level of my child if you do not know him or her?
If we do not know your son or daughter we may contact one or two of your child's teachers to verify their academic abilities. The summer registration packet requires the school name your child attends and the academic standing of your son or daughter.
My child has never been exposed to world affairs or debate, can they still do a Summer Model UN speech & debate camp session?
Yes, there is no specific prior Model UN knowledge required. Moreover, the LCM camps cover material distinct and beyond what Model UN encompasses. What is required, is a curiosity or intrigue to engage in a diplomatic, social and academic setting with students of similiar age and interest.
Summer travel plans and commitments make it difficult to enroll. Can my child still attend if he or she will miss several classes from a session(s)?
Yes. Many students that are enrolled will miss several classes from a session or from several sessions. We are flexible during the summer Academic sessions, as long as we know the exact dates that will be missed by your son or daughter. This will allow us to plan accordingly, send missed content, and minimize any disruption to the class.
How much 'homework' is assigned from these summer academic sessions?
This depends on the organization and interest level of your child. For delegates that have a passion for learning about clean drinking water in India or the study of desertification they may choose to research and learn about these topics well beyond what we assign in class.
Most of our delegates disagree with the term 'homework' as they see it as a continuation of what we cover in class. Many of the assignments are atypical from the assignments they receive in school. This may a reason why current delegates do not view the work as homework.
The summer sessions will be light in assignments because the students are in a camp session and not the year long League program. Therefore, one hour of 'homework' can be expected between each session.
What does a typical 'homework' assignment consist of and how much time is given to complete it?
A typical assignment will be such as to compose a one-minute speech on a piece of international news transpiring at the current time. Another example of an assignment may be to give a short presentation on the staple foods in Sub-Saharan Africa or on the Industrial Revolution or on TRIPS as it relates to a current class discussion.
Most of the work is progressive and pertinent to what is being studied at the time. LCM classes are precisely planned and thefore LCM does not have time to assign busy work. Each assignment has a prgamatic and academic purpose and is usually welcomed by the students as a mode for them to have a practical avenue to elaborate on what is covered in class.
What if my student does not understand the assignment?
The directors are available to answer any questions via email, text or phone in-between class sessions. During the academic school-year we insist that our delegates ask questions about the assignments so we can be sure they understand the assignment.
