Workshop on Designing Learning Interventions that Last Closed at AFDC

From June 11 to 13, the Workshop on Designing Learning Interventions that Last, cosponsored by the Asia-Pacific Finance and Development Center (AFDC) and the World Bank Institute, was successfully held at AFDC. Mr. Philip Karp, Regional Coordinator for East Asia and the Pacific at the World Bank Institute and Dr. LI Kouqing, Deputy Director-General of AFDC, delivered opening speech respectively. The three instructors were WBI Education Specialist Dr. Sheila Jagannathan, WBI Consultant and Trainer Dr. Adnan Qayyum and Dr. ZHANG Jiping.

65 participants from 21 higher learning and training institutions participated in the 3-day workshop. Among the institutions were Fudan University, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai University of Finance and Economics, China Europe International Business School, East China University of Science and Technology, Xiamen National Accounting Institute and so on. 

An essential element for promoting sustainable development is for policymakers and development practitioners to have the capacity to devise and implement appropriate policies and practices. Training and knowledge exchange have long been recognized as important tools for capacity building.  International experience has shown that the effectiveness and impact of these interventions can be substantially enhanced by drawing on the lessons of modern adult learning theory and through the use of modern information and communications technologies.

The overall goal of this hands-on workshop is to expose participants to the latest findings of modern adult learning theory and practice, and to enable them to design effective learning interventions using what is called a “blended” learning approach. Blended learning refers to the practice of using a combination of technologies such as web-based tools, videoconferencing, print materials, together with face-to-face methods in an appropriate mix for a specific audience, rather than relying on a single technology or method.

Participants in the workshop were introduced to a step-by-step design process that would enable them to make good design decisions by analyzing audience, defining learning objectives, identifying learning methods, selecting delivery modes and tools, and putting systems in place to evaluate the learning program. By studying the cases created by the participants themselves, as a foundation, participants had the opportunity to design concrete learning interventions that apply sound pedagogical practices and employ a range of appropriate technologies. The workshop was practical and hands-on, providing participants with skills and techniques that they can immediately apply on-the-job.