Professional Learning Week Simulation
Professor Anthony Rosie
Division of Applied Social Sciences
If you want creative workers, give them enough time to play (John Cleese)
Professional Learning Week (PLW) involved a five day simulation exercise with students on social science courses who participated in a consultancy exercise. It was introduced in March 2007. The exercise used relational autonomy approaches based on the subjects studied by the students. Relational autonomy refers to a move beyond individualistic approaches to autonomy towards a recognition of the value of using dependent relations positively. It supports a social form of autonomy and is particularly associated with feminist scholarship. PLW is readily exportable with appropriate modifications for other student groups across most subject disciplines. The simulation can be adapted to three day and single day versions so suggestions are given for such adaptations. Key learning experiences for students included: enjoyment of working on academic discipline issues in new and different ways, gains in personal development, new group relations. Students learned that sometimes conflicting pressures within a group can be used positively. They also learned to respond to contrasting demands quickly using feedback in positive ways.
For a full case study, please click here.