Courses for and about women in development: a case study |
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| Authors: | JE Smithells |
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| Institution: | Agricultural Extension and Rural Development Department , The University , No. 3 Early Gate, Whiteknights Road, Reading, RG6 2AL, United Kingdom |
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| Abstract: | Abstract Short training courses are commonly conducted in European countries for international groups of Agriculture and Rural Extension trainees. Recent trends, such as linking training to development projects and the growth of in-country training resources, make it increasingly important to assess the benefits of training in terms of its subsequent uses in post rather than from the participants' immediate reactions given at the end of a course in the training institution. Evaluation, however, is usually restricted by limited funding. This paper describes a low cost method of follow up investigation of the benefits of training, and some results of using the method, for one large scale training programme. A small number of open-ended questions is used to gather data. The analysis depends on considering the actual replies for the patterns they present. Common themes among the topics raised by the respondents are identified and grouped to construct an hierarchical classification. Key words are associated with each proposed theme and the topics analysed according to the classifications which emerge form the responses themselves rather than from any pre-determined analytical model being built in to the survey. The respondents were both Trainees and their Managers. Interesting differences in perspectives were found. Trainees perceived the benefits mainly in terms of improved professional skills. Managers stressed the personal and attitudinal changes in Trainees. The evaluation proved successful in that useful data was collected at a low cost and the method of analysis yielded appropriate insights. |
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