3 common learning problems in global health – and what you can do about them
The Geneva Learning Foundation (TGLF)
Learn to connect. Connect to learn. Lead to impact.
In this issue of The Geneva Learning Foundation’s LinkedIn newsletter, we examine three common problems faced by global health practitioners trying to build effective interventions that develop people.
These three articles showcase the innovative thinking behind TGLF’s success in partnering with organizations like Gavi, Wellcome Trust, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
How are you tackling these challenges in your work? Join the conversation and share your experiences.
1. When can stakeholder input lead you astray?
You’ve been tasked with designing a new training program and want to ensure it meets your team’s needs.
Everyone loves the idea of co-creation where users participate.
But could asking for their input actually lead you down the wrong path?
Learn why relying solely on learner preferences can result in ineffective educational experiences – and what you can do about it.
Read the article: Why asking learners what they want is a recipe for confusion
2. Why does investment in learning fail to turn into better performance?
Your team has completed countless workshops and online modules, yet struggle to apply their knowledge to real-world challenges.
Why aren’t traditional training approaches translating to improved performance?
Learn why the behaviorist model so prevalent in global health education is unlikely to lead to improved health outcomes.
Read the article: Learn health, but beware of the behaviorist trap
3. How to bridge the gap between leadership and team development?
As a leader, you value analytical thinking and adaptability.
So why do you find yourself resorting to rote learning methods when developing your team?
We share insights from WHO’s director of immunization Kate O’Brien on aligning your approach to team development with the complex problem-solving skills needed in the field.
Is there a better way?
By challenging established norms, TGLF is pioneering new approaches to drive impact at scale in global health education.
In essence, TGLF’s approach shifts from simply disseminating information to catalyzing a network of problem-solvers who can rapidly adapt and apply knowledge to improve health outcomes.
This aligns more closely with the dynamic, evidence-based practice required in modern global health work.
Here is a quantitative comparison of the relative efficacy of three learning models: cascade training, expert coaching, and peer learning.
Take 15 minutes to watch Reda Sadki’s plenary presentation at the 2023 annual meeting of the American Society for Tropical Medicine and Hygiene (ASTMH).
How are you tackling these challenges in your work? Join the conversation in the comments and share your experiences.
Deputy Director, Operations| Knowledge Management Expert| Strategic Communications Manager
3dMd. Sajedul Karim
The Geneva Learning Foundation
1wSo relevant, not just in global health!
Promoteur du Centre de Santé Geneva Médical (CGM) chez Centre de Santé Geneva Médical
1wL 'article n'est pas en Français ?
LSi Associate at The Geneva Learning Foundation (La Fondation Apprendre Genève)
1wWorking in immunization at the subnational level in Cameroon, what made the difference for me, as a beneficiary of the TGLF approach was the realization that the challenges that I faced at my workplace had solutions that I could initiate and implement without waiting for my hierarchy. I was part of a network of problem-solvers facing similar challenges. I could tap into their wealth of knowledge and experience and adapt their solutions to my context. As I did this, each problem solved became the motivation I needed to tackle a bigger challenge even in a context of limited resources. With this approach, the health professional is at the center of every intervention that is intentionally modelled for them to understand the need to go beyond knowledge acquisition and focus on concrete action that can lead to tangible outcomes like improved performance, better health indicators, etc. This is taking peer learning a step further.