7 Free Online Courses in November

November is probably the best month for self-development. Long, rainy evenings which you can spend at home with a cup of tea, your favourite snacks… and a notebook where you take notes. If you need some inspirations, I found 7 free online courses that will definitely help you enjoy those CPD sessions.

This time I focused not on EFL students or teaching itself, but more on general development.

Unlocking The Creative Brain: Develop and Teach Skills For Creative Thinking by Central Queensland University

Start date: now
Duration: 2 weeks
For whom: managers, consultants, educators, and project leaders that want to cultivate creativity as a core skill in themselves and their teams
You will learn:

• how to define and explain the concept of creativity
• how to classify the neuroscientific principles that underpin the creative process
• how to apply insights from neuroscience to be more creative and foster creativity in others

Develop Conceptual Thinking for Problem-Solving by the FutureLearn

Start date: now
Duration: 4 weeks
For whom: people interested in applying conceptual thinking to their organisation
You will learn:

• how to define the problem you’re facing in clear and succinct terms
• how to apply the conceptual thinking framework
• how to apply critical thinking strategies to generate possible solutions

Workplace Wellbeing: How to Build Confidence and Manage Stress by the Luleå University of Technology

Start date: now
Duration: 2 weeks
For whom:  anyone who faces challenges of stress or low self-esteem at work
You will learn:

• how to discover your self-worth and your importance at the workplace
• how to reflect upon ways to improve your personal wellbeing at the workplace
• how to develop a toolbox of helpful strategies and tactics to use in order to reduce stress and to improve your wellbeing at the workplace

Cultural Diplomacy by the European University Institute

Start date: now
Duration: 3 weeks
For whom:  people working in foreign policy, public policy, arts, culture and heritage
You will learn:

• how to assess specific examples where cultural diplomacy has worked and examples where it has not
• how to explain relevant terms and notions such as those of soft power, cultural cooperation and public diplomacy
• how to discuss current geopolitical and economic contexts, and the role that cultural diplomacy plays in the G8 and in the G20 world

Leadership Training: Human Leadership by Bailey and French

Start date: now
Duration: 4 weeks
For whom:  anyone in a leadership role
You will learn:

• how to explore knowledge of Human Leadership and supporting research on emotional intelligence, positive psychology, authenticity, inclusion, strengths-based leadership, psychological safety, servant leadership, and stewardship
• how to improve skills in managing self and relationships with a human lens
• how to contribute to organisational learning through community building and collaboration

Emotional Intelligence at Work by the Coventry University

Start date: now
Duration: 3 weeks
For whom:  anyone with a professional or personal interest in exploring emotional intelligence in workplace settings
You will learn:

• how to describe and define emotional intelligence and identify its components
• how to apply the concept of emotional intelligence to a workplace setting
• how to demonstrate what makes emotional intelligence different from ‘traditional’ intelligence

Professional Knife Skills by the International Culinary Studio

Start date: now
Duration: 2 weeks
For whom:  anyone who wants to improve their knife skills for food preparation
You will learn:

• how to identify the different types of knives and cutting equipment and uses
• how to demonstrate the ability to make use of various cutting techniques
• how to identify relevant age restrictions specific to the use of cutting equipment

Well, you can say the last course is the hoax but it isn’t – and with the winter season of parties and feasts coming, that may be quite a useful class!

Enjoy!