Flashpods
Enhancing student experience through productive discussion
6th June, 2012 – 13.30 to 16.00
University of Birmingham
7th June, 2012 – 13.30 to 16.00
Goldsmiths, University of London
In partnership with Campusalam, the Religious Literacy Leadership Programme is putting on an interactive workshop specifically designed for university staff members who want to improve student experience around religion and belief.
In order to strengthen leadership in the important area of student experience, universities benefit from forums that elicit a diversity of student voices. The National Student Satisfaction Survey helps to paint a broad picture on some of these issues, but the challenge remains to understand the dynamic student experience of faith in each unique university context. Much interaction with students comes in situations of conflict or crisis, which greatly impact on student experience. These conflict situations can provide a valuable opportunity for reflecting upon student needs if the opportunity for cooperation and understanding is harnessed.
Our partner in this event, Campusalam, is a project that supports UK students of faith and belief and university staff with resources, skills and advice on contributing to positive change on campus. Mixing the spontaneity of a flashmob with the structure of a productive discussion, Campusalam has pioneered a student-led discussion group model called FlashPODs (Providers of Open Dialogue). They have trained 90 student leaders from 30 campuses in using this methodology to critically analyse difficult conflicts of faith and belief on campus.
The workshop introduces a creative and effective way to manage sticky situations around religion and belief.
Key issues addressed:
- Accommodation for religious observance
- Classroom conflict on religious issues
- Addressing complaints of religious discrimination
By the end of the workshop, participants will be able to:
- Organise a rapid response discussion group in response to a specific issue on religion and belief
- Mobilise a diverse group of students of faith and belief to attend the discussion
- Facilitate a productive discussion on sensitive issues using key communication skills
- Capture information and perspectives shared by students in a useful format.
The workshops will be ideal for:
- Lecturers
- Students’ Union staff and officers
- Student Services managers
- Chaplains
- Equality and Diversity staff
Cost: £39 per person
Please follow this link to register.
Registration closes on 15th May. Please book early to ensure your place.
For enquiries, please contact:
Jonathan Smith (Campusalam) at js@lokahi.org.uk
Matthew Francis (RLLP) at m.francis@gold.ac.uk
About Campusalam
The Campusalam Project was started in 2008 by the Lokahi Foundation, a non-profit, social impact charity that was founded in 2005 by Professor Gwen Griffith-Dickson in order to enrich society and enable it to embrace community and religious diversity with respect and understanding. The charity pioneers projects with measurable impact, and the result is lasting social change. Its rigorous research probes the foundations of faiths, beliefs and values, and the outcome is an informed and insightful public.
23 Kensington Square
London W8 5HN
United Kingdom
Telephone +44 (0)20 7795 4187
www.lokahi.org.uk
Charity Registration Number 1110250.
Company Registration Number 5353085.