Enumerator Training

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By the end of the Enumerator Training, all field staff should be familiar with the Survey Protocols and all survey instruments. Always train more enumerators than will be required for the field work, and at the end of the training select the best enumerators for the data collection. The duration and structure of the training will depend on the complexity and length of the survey. The training of all enumerators and supervisors is an extremely important part of the survey, and should be planned well in advance. Each project will have slightly different training requirements but should cover each of the following topics in detail: project overview, core modules, interviewing skills, and using tablets, among others.

Guidelines

The Enumerator Training is a joint effort between the Field Coordinator (often with other members of the Research Team) and the Survey Firm. The Field Coordinator should prepare the Enumerator Manual or make sure to be involved in its approval process. It serves as a basis for the training content, and should help develop the training agenda. The survey firm should recruit enumerators (approximately 10% more than will finally be selected) and organize the training venue and logistics.

Enumerator Manual

The Enumerator Manual should be the basis for the enumerator training. It is designed as a resource for field teams to consult as questions or issues arise during data collection. The manual should include the following:

1. Brief overview of study objectives
2. All Survey Protocols
3. Roles and responsibilities of field staff
4. Definitions of key terms
5. Instructions for using (and troubleshooting) tablets
6. Questionnaire conventions
7. Module-by-module description of Questionnaire Content

The Enumerator Manual is typically developed by the Field Coordinator, with input from the research team and the survey firm (or other data collection partner).

Agenda for enumerator training

Use the Enumerator Manual as the guide for structuring the training agenda. A typical agenda includes:

1. Introductions & Overview of Study (0.5 days)
2. Review of Survey Protocols (0.5 - 2 days)
3. Review of Questionnaire (paper version) (2.5-4 days)
   1. This is done module-by-module. Each question is read aloud and discussed. At the end of each module, a mock interview.
4. Introduction to tablets to be used for data collection (0.5 - 1 days)
5. Review of Questionnaire (electronic version) (2-3 days)
6. Mock interviews in-classroom (1-2 days)
7. Field testing (1-2 days
8. Final team selection and logistics (1 day)

Structure for Training

The training should be highly interactive. Pop quizzes at the beginning of each day are a good way to keep people's attention, and to catch any comprehension gaps in real time.

Include both classroom training and field testing. Allow for anonymous questions.

Classroom training should include both large and small group sessions. Ensure that every participant practices all survey components (introductions, consent, survey modules) in front of others and receives feedback.

It will seems tedious to read through and practice every single question. But it's super important.

Duration of Training

Allocate plenty of time for training! Survey Firms often push for short training, but rushing the training will only cause problems and delays later on.

For a typical complex, multi-module household surveys, 10 days is a good estimate for minimum training time. Exact duration will depend on the complexity of the survey instrument, level of education of the enumerators, and number of people being trained.

Enumerator Selection

Do train more enumerators than will ultimately be needed. Let the full group know in the beginning their selection into the final team will depend on their performance. Test them early and often.

Use objective measures of performance, such as:

• Active participation in Training, punctual arrival every day.
• Scores on quizzes
• Feedback from the Field Testing

Explain the performance measures, so it is clear that the final selection is transparent.

Test early and often.

Modifying the Questionnaire & Enumerator Manual

Throughout training, mistakes may be found in questions, translations, programming, or the manual. Take notes each day on necessary changes, and updated materials daily if possible. Print an updated Manual at the end of training, and provide it to all selected enumerators in a plastic (waterproof) folder.

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This article is part of the topic Enumerator Training

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