Using Lego Serious Play teaching methodology to enhance communication skills and problem-solving processes for Japanese learners at Model United Nations Conferences

• Project/Area Number: 16K02866
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: Foreign language education
• Research Institution: Hannan University
• Principal Investigator: Mark Sheehan 阪南大学, 国際コミュニケーション学部, 教授 (00411265)
• Co-Investigator(Kenkyū-buntansha): 春木 茂宏 近畿大学, 国際学部, 准教授 (00340761) ; ソープ トッド 近畿大学, 国際学部, 准教授 (00460676) ; Smith Craig 京都外国語大学, 外国語学部, 教授 (60390100)
• Project Period (FY): 2016-04-01 – 2019-03-31
• Project Status: Completed (Fiscal Year 2018)
• Budget Amount: ¥3,770,000 (Direct Cost: ¥2,900,000、Indirect Cost: ¥870,000); Fiscal Year 2018: ¥1,820,000 (Direct Cost: ¥1,400,000、Indirect Cost: ¥420,000); Fiscal Year 2017: ¥780,000 (Direct Cost: ¥600,000、Indirect Cost: ¥180,000); Fiscal Year 2016: ¥1,170,000 (Direct Cost: ¥900,000、Indirect Cost: ¥270,000)
• Keywords: Model United Nations / Lego Serious Play / Collaborative Learning / Creativity / Problem Solving / LSP / Lego / Serious Play / problem solving / Communication Skills

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Investigator Sheehan and Thorpe acquired LSP facilitator qualifications. Through practical implementation, the LSP facilitators gained a deeper understanding of the LSP method, specifically in relation to group problem solving. The results of this research include the development of a number of unique methods to engage learners in problem-solving workshops using the Lego Serious Play Methodology. The results can be implemented at Model United Nations Conferences and in numerous fields of education that require collaboration and creativity.

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

This research includes using a facilitated learning methodology: Lego Serious Play to enhance the process of learning at Model United Nations Conferences. The areas that it will impact include Global Studies, International Communication, Foreign Language Learning and Collaborative Learning.

Research Products

• [Journal Article] isually-Enhanced Model United Nations- Incorporating the LEGO SERIOUS PLAY method into a Model United Nations conference to support learning outcomes (2019)
  • Author(s): Sheehan, M., Thorpe, T., & Haruki, S.
  • Journal Title: Self Published Volume: N/A Pages: 1-24
• [Journal Article] Innovative Teaching Methods to Integrate and Internationalise Learning Environments at Japanese Universities (2018)
  • Author(s): Thorpe, T.
  • Journal Title: Proceedings of AC 2018 Volume: 発行年 Pages: 151-157
  • Peer Reviewed
• [Journal Article] Using LEGO Serious Play to Foster Communication in Intercultural English Problem-Solving Discussions (2017)
  • Author(s): Robert Dunn, Calum Adamson, Todd Thorpe
  • Journal Title: Journal of International Studies Volume: 2 Pages: 41-54
  • Peer Reviewed
• [Presentation] Using LEGO SERIOUS PLAY to teach Sustainable Development Goals: Introducing Application Techniques and a Good Practices Handbook (2019)
  • Author(s): Sheehan, M., Thorpe, T.
  • Organizer: The Association of Master Trainers in the LEGO SERIOUS PLAY Method Asia Community Meeting
• [Presentation] Innovative teaching methods to integrate and internationalize learning environments at Japanese universities (2018)
  • Author(s): Sheehan, M., Thorpe, T.
  • Organizer: The European Higher Education Society
  • Int'l Joint Research
• [Presentation] Using the LEGO SERIOUS PLAY method to promote global citizenship via workshops at Model United Nations Conferences (2018)
  • Author(s): Sheehan, M.
  • Organizer: The Association of Master Trainers in the LEGO SERIOUS PLAY Method Global Community Meeting
• [Presentation] Using Lego Serious Play to foster communication in multicultural English problem solving discussions. (2017)
  • Author(s): Mark Sheehan, Todd Thorpe
  • Organizer: JAILA 第日本国際教養学会
  • Place of Presentation: 同志社大学今出川キャンパス
  • Year and Date: 2017-02-18
• [Presentation] Plenary Speaker (2017)
  • Author(s): Todd Thorpe
  • Organizer: Sojo University Teaching and Learning Forum: Active Learning in a Globalized World
  • Place of Presentation: Sojo University, Kumamoto
  • Year and Date: 2017-02-06
• [Presentation] "Innovative teaching methods to integrate and internationalise learning environments at Japanese universities" (2017)
  • Author(s): Mark D. Sheehan, Todd Thorpe
  • Organizer: EAIR Forum Porto September 2017, hosted by the European Higher Education Society
  • Int'l Joint Research