What?

The FlexiLearn Workshop is a learning model based on the idea that an expert facilitator could visit your workplace, local UNISON branch or OU office to deliver a Continuing Professional Development (CPD) session on a particular theme. This would take the form of a half day or full day's taught session which would take participants through a variety of materials, activities and discussions in order to improve knowledge and understanding around a specified topic.

The interactive and participative group format of the Workshops will help learners to actively engage with university level study and will help to develop active listening, analysis and communication skills.  Learners will be asked to reflect on their own practice and encouraged to make an active contribution to discussions, making them more confident speakers and more reflective practitioners.

Who?

The FlexiLearn workshop has been designed and presented in a format that is for expert delivery (either by a specialist in their field of practice or an OU tutor).  Activities and reflective discussions are a key component of the workshop and the materials are organised into trainer's notes, handouts and associated presentations which are suitable for a group audience.  As such, the workshop is not appropriate for study by individuals.

Why?

The Workshop is designed to deliver short, interactive CPD sessions that are directly relevant to the working practices of UNISON members.  It is therefore suitable for anyone looking to improve their knowledge and skills for once off CPD purposes, either with a view to enhancing their understanding of their current role or as a means to helping them move their careers to the next level.

As all the materials and themes used in these sessions are taken from current OU courses, it is also an ideal way to get a taste of OU learning without officially enrolling as an OU student.

How?

The FlexiLearn Workshop will usually need to be organised by UNISON Education Officers, Lifelong Learning Co-ordinators or Area Organisers as they will normally need to negotiate with employers to agree hosting and study release arrangements and will always need to work alongside local OU staff to confirm delivery and equipment arrangements.  That is not to say that UNISON Learning Representatives couldn't explore the possibility of holding such an event in their workplace or locality.  Why not discuss this with your education officer at your local UNISON branch?