Field visits
Field visits enable participants to gain experience from real live situations and promote
constructive interaction with relevant players in the field. Field visits should be relevant
to the community in which the participants will be expected to work as home visitors.
The facilitator must be available to control the participation and correct mistakes quickly.
Field visits can be particularly useful in a long training course, to break up the routine and to
enable people to put theory into practice. Study visits require a lot of careful preparation by
the core group to set them up before the training. A briefing session is necessary, so that
participants know why they are going and what questions they will be researching on the visit;
also a de-briefing session after the visit, so that full use can be made of the experience.Advantages- Active learning so expands experience
- Enhances better understanding of community
- Helps participants understand community
problems - Motivates and stimulates interest in course
Tips for improving the use of field visits:- Arrange for field visits far in advance
- Communicate clear objectives of the field visit to both the participants and the host
- Assist participants in formulating questions for the visit
- Review the field visit by relating the experiences of the participants to the learning objectives.
Storytelling and drama
Storytelling and drama are long-standing traditions in African communities. Stories often
have a moral and teach what is acceptable behaviour. Stories are usually created around some
important and common situations people face in their community. When using storytelling
as a teaching tool, give the topic first, tell the story and then get participants to dramatise it.
Allow the participants to relate the impact of the story on their lives. Use local stories
to make the lesson more meaningful.
Advantages- It encourages critical thinking
- It addresses attitudes and exposes values
- It integrates culture and learning
- Participants can assess cultural practices
- Develops creativity
Tips for improving the use of storytelling:- Prepare the drama or story skilfully in order for it to relate to the topic under discussion
- Allow adequate time for rehearsals
- Participants should be able to follow the sequence of the drama correctly
- Choose participants who can bring out the issues of the drama.
Disadvantages- Opportunities may be difficult to find
- Logistically it can take a lot of time and resources
- Hosts may present problems and ideas which
do not reflect the priorities of the course - Could generate high expectations within the
host community
Disadvantages- Requires a lot of imagination on the part of
the facilitator - Requires a lot of preparation
- May be confusing if not thought out - i.e.
unrelated topic may be dramatised instead
or topics not adequately addressed
Guide to Mobilising and Strengthening Community-Led Care for Orphans and Vulnerable Children Unit 2, Facilitator’s Guidelines^79