Multi Cultural Awareness Day

Multicultural Awareness Day
16th February 2005
Senate House Library

This intensive one day course aimed at all levels of staff will include information on the differing styles of communication used by different cultures and nationalities e.g., differences in communication styles, body language etc. We will include small group discussions to enable participants to share and discuss their experiences to increase their knowledge and confidence. We will also include tutor input and discussions on working with gender and culture dynamics. Finally the training will enable participants to develop and experiment with a range of skills and strategies for dealing with day to day issues.

Overview of communication styles and cross- cultural/gender communication

To gain insight into how communication can break down across cultures and genders and ways to promote clarity and effective cross-cultural/gender communication

To identity all the many different ways that we communicate and the merits and disadvantages of each method

To introduce the communication cycle and fact-emotion continuum. These models will help to illuminate why communication can break down, misunderstandings arise and frustrations erupt between people, even when there is an abundance of good will amongst all those involved.

Understanding common cross- cultural/gender communication challenges

To understand different cultures and gender in terms of communication styles, body language and attitudes to making requests, dealing with misunderstanding/conflict, decision-making, time etc

To understand stereotyping and to be alert to its pitfalls and consequences

To understand and work effectively with different genders and cultural dynamics

To introduce a range of different cultural ‘norms’ (Chinese, African Caribbean, South Asian) in terms of behaviours, body language, attitudes and mannerism

To understand why people sometimes react the way they do when they are in a minority and to use this awareness to improve service delivery and promote student well being and performance

Developing the ability and confidence to communicate in diverse cultures

To develop the confidence and ability to effectively handle situations, particularly when people don’t understand what someone is saying or when they can’t make themselves understood

To introduce ‘Constructive Communication’ – a four step process which enables people to send clear messages with respect and consideration

Guidelines for collaborating in a diverse culture

To develop strategies for dealing with day to day communication difficulties and challenges in working with a diverse population

To explore the question: ‘What can you do to promote enjoyable and effective cross -cultural/gender working?’

Trainer:

Karen Tidsall is an experienced trainer, facilitator and coach with JSB. Her training and facilitation work includes team building, assertiveness skills, customer care and facilitation of change initiatives and mergers.

Karen has direct line management experience and works in the public, private and voluntary sectors. She is a qualified counsellor and ran a private counselling practice for five years. Karen has a degree in English Literature and a Person-Centred Diploma in Counselling.

Karen has particular expertise in helping organisations with issues involving diversity and has worked in the education sector, including previous work for the University of Surrey, in Team Building and Managing Stress.

Cost is £150 for CPD25 subscribers, £200 M25 affiliate members and £250 for other institutions, including lunch and refreshments

Please note that there are only 15 places available for this event, which will be allocated on a first-come-first-served basis. Bookings will close on the 9th February 2005 and any cancellations after that date will incur a 50% cancellation fee. In the event of a “no show??? on the day 100% cancellation charges will apply.