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

2018 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• 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
• Keywords: Model United Nations / Lego Serious Play / Collaborative Learning / Creativity / Problem Solving

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.

Free Research Field

Lego Serious Play, Language Education

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.