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Training IssuesPartially adapted from Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys (MICS) Regional Training Workshop –

Field Staff & Training Issues, Unicef

Agenda

• Administrative and Logistical Aspects of Training

• Content of a Training Course

• Preparation for Field Work

Administrative and Logistical Aspects of Training

• Trainers

• Training Duration

• Size of Training Class

• Materials for Training

Trainers

• Senior survey staff conduct training• Trainer of trainers, i.e. pretest• At least two trainers for classroom and practice

Training Duration

• Approximately 2 weeks for pretest and 3 weeks for main survey.

• Supervisors and editors

• No more than 8 hours per day• Daily evaluation by trainers

• Discipline of training by trainers

Size of Training Class

• The smaller the better

• Train more than needed (one fifth more)

• Data processing personnel

Materials for Training

• Location with adequate space and light, minimum noise and large board to write on

• Sufficient printed questionnaires and manuals• It is useful to have overhead projectors (computer and

/or transparencies)• Sample vaccination cards and ORS packages for

illustration and practice interviews• Other materials: pens, markers, control sheets, sample

maps and household listings forms, etc.

Agenda

• Administrative and Logistic Aspects of Training

• Content of a Training Course

• Preparation for Field Work

Content of a Training Course

• Agenda for interviewer training. - Explain objective of the study - Explanation of the questionnaire section wise.- Explain the objective of each sections of the questionnaire. Let them

keep a note of where to probe and where not to do it.- Practicing of NOT to read the question but to speak up as a discussion

by having an eye to contact with the respondent during the interview- Understand the knowledgeable aspect of the field staff.- Performing mock calls repetitively.- Performing a pilot survey got access the field staff.

• Role of supervisors during interviewer training– Assist during practices in classroom and in the field– Involve in editing questionnaires – To keep the training as an interactive workshop type. This would help

the new comers to speak up.

Content of a Training Course

– Supervisors and editors training• Start with them during the pretest

• Smaller group ==> more practice in less time

• Use last two days of training for supervisors and editors

– Anthropometry

– Sample implementation and cartography

Content of a Training Course:

• How to build morale: involvement, trust and positive reinforcement• Involvement

– Encourage trainees to ask questions– Ask candidates questions– Ask trainees to read aloud– Group activities & Interactions– Invite a high official to open a close the training course– Issue certificates of course completion, print T-shirts.

• Trust– Avoid pointing out individual trainee’s errors– Emphasise cooperation– Be willing to accept criticism

• Positive Reinforcement– A score sheet can be prepared for each of them and give them a feed back at the end of the training day – this

helps in grooming and creating alertness– Have a separate session with weaker candidates for a few minutes each day to motivate them and make them

feel comfortable

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Content of a Training Course

• Techniques of training for lecturing and practice:– Demonstration interview

– Front-of-class interview

– Mock interviews

– Demonstration interview with real respondent

– Field practice interview (discussion and editing)

– Evaluation and testing of trainees (see next slide)

Content of a Training Course

• Evaluation and testing of trainees • Observational and Written tests

» One after the questionnaires are introduced

» One towards the end of training

» Quizzes

• Objectives of the evaluation» Identify general difficulties

» Identify elements of the instruments requiring revision

» Establish basis for decision-making

• Types of tests (use training experience; easy questions; intentional errors)

Agenda

• Administrative and Logistic Aspects of Training

• Content of a Training Course

• Preparation for Field Work

Preparation for Fieldwork

– Document sample by cluster, region, etc. and by survey team

– Draw-up a tentative itinerary for each team

– Identify personnel for data processing team

– Secure rooms for data processing unit

– Define transportation strategy

– Obtain other needed materials