Training of Roma Health Mediators in Reproductive Health

o Involve simulations, role play and problem-solving exercises
o Use pictures that can promote discussion
o Emphasize reflection, critical thinking and problem-solving skills rather than the
acquisition of specific knowledge
o Require small groups (20 people maximum)
o Require a facilitator rather than a teacher or 'expert'
• Group discussion is a very common and effective method for conducting
educational sessions.
Emphasize the importance of preparing open questions to be used to:
• Introduce the subject
• Open the discussion
• Help participants think about their experience and knowledge about the subject
• Help participants consider their feelings about, and reactions to, proposed behavior
changes (the pros and cons of possible changes)
5. What visual aids are available and appropriate?
Ask the group:
‣ What kind of visual aids have we used since the beginning of this training?
• Written documents
• Flip charts
‣ What are other visual aids one could use?
• Pictures
• Models
• Real objects
‣ What is a visual aid?
Anything visual which helps people learn
Propose the following exercise to demonstrate the importance of visual aids in group
education.
Ask participants to take out a piece of paper and pencil.
Ask participants to design an animal according to a dictionary description you read to them.
(See the trainer document Anteater description.) Read the description twice slowly and
clearly. (Do not read the instructions too many times or some participants may copy the text
which defeats the purpose of the exercise.)
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RFHI/JSI Romania Training of RHMs in Reproductive Health Session 15: Group Education