The purpose of training fieldworkers is not just for them to be familiar with tablets, and data collection tools. Training fieldworkers is critical to ensure quality data is collected– often waiting for the actual fieldwork to assess this is too late! Khulisa has therefore built-in innovative ways to assess fieldworkers during their 6-day training.
Some of these are:
- Online quizzes
- Continuous questions and answers during training sessions
- Uploading of data (and checking of the data by instructors)
- Observation rubrics of fieldworkers by supervisors and trainers
- Recorded demos of role-plays that each fieldworker is ‘marking’ live
These assessments don’t have to be boring or feel like ‘tests’– they can be turned into ‘fun competitions’ between fieldworker groups – with chocolate as a reward!
During fieldwork, feedback is expected to be given by fieldworkers every day – once again; to strengthen data quality. During training; fieldworkers get into the habit of using WhatsApp groups to give daily updates. This builds responsibility, communication lines, and serves as a knowledge and experience sharing platform where common misunderstandings and challenges can have common solutions generated.