"Early Careers" Training

Towards the end of 2008, UCU carried out a survey of younger members. This was the first time that the union had conducted a survey of this kind and the response was fantastic. Over nine hundred members responded – one of the biggest responses to any survey we've carried out (you can read the full results of the survey here).

It was clear that many members at the start of their careers wanted to access training and support, and to be given the opportunity to meet and network with other members.  Our response was to develop the following three new courses which we believe will give participants the skills and confidence to make the most of their career.

There's no need to shout!

This 1 day practical interactive workshop is aimed at members who are involved in teaching. It looks at how to boost vocal capability and clarity in your learning environment. Advice is also given on how to use the voice in a positive, calm and assertive manner to help manage student behaviour.

The course will cover the following:

• Clear spoken English (active articulation)
• Using a language of choice not power
• Setting the tone with your tone! (adjustment of the learning atmosphere through tone of voice)
• Building resonance (volume)
• Muscular speech for audibility (energy and vitality in delivery)
• Understanding the impact of voice in influencing and redirecting challenging behaviours: economy of language, using the voice to set boundaries, expression, volume control, keeping the voice calm under pressure
• Best practices to safeguard vocal health and hygiene
• Evaluations and round up – what am I doing to differently as a result of today?

Assertiveness  

The course is aimed at members who want to develop their understanding of what constitutes effective communication and behaviour. The course seeks to help individuals create a tool kit of assertiveness techniques and skills that can be drawn on in challenging situations.

By the end of the course participants will be able to:

• Identify the reasons why individuals have difficulty communicating in a one-to-one situation or in groups

• Consider why it is important to be a good communicator

• Understand what is meant by assertiveness

• Develop an awareness of your preferred methods of communication

• Practise some techniques to help you improve your confidence in dealing with difficult communications

• Develop a personal action plan identifying areas for personal improvement in the future

Managing student behaviour from the start!  

This 1 day course is aimed at UCU members starting off in their careers in tertiary education. The course is specifically for those who are involved in teaching and face challenging student behaviour.

This course will cover the following:

• Identify the issues members face when teaching children and young adults in the classroom
• The causes of anti social behaviour in the classroom
• Using different strategies for managing behaviour
• How to raise issues relating to student behaviour at your workplace
• How to access support and further guidance available to you as younger member of staff

All courses are FREE to members but places are limited. Priority will be given to those who have recently entered the profession or who are relatively new to teaching.