Training of Roma Health Mediators in Reproductive Health

Participant document
CONTINUUM IN THE EFFECTIVENESS OF EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES
In order for educational activities to be effective:
A. Reaching the intended audience
The mediator must identify the target population and develop the session based on
their needs and characteristics.
It is not very productive to:
• Focus on desired/positive behaviors that the group already practices consistently,
except to validate and/or reinforce them
• Suggest behaviors/practices that are difficult or impossible to implement or are
totally unacceptable to the group
B. Attracting the audience's attention
The educational session must attract people's attention so they will make the effort to
listen/participate. In order for this to happen:
• The topic must be of interest
• The manner in which the mediator facilitates the session must be interesting to
the group.
C. Understanding the message (perception)
People must be able to understand the message as it was intended. This depends
upon their ability to:
• Understand the language, terminology and/or pictures used
• Absorb the volume of information presented
Thus, the language, terminology and pictures used, and the volume of information
presented, must be appropriate to the characteristics of the group.
D. Promoting change (acceptance)
People must believe and accept the message. The acceptance of new
information/ideas depends in part on:
• The degree to which the information, ideas and/or proposed behavior changes
correspond to, or conflict with, people’s existing beliefs related to the particular
subject
• How long related beliefs have been held (beliefs that have been acquired more
recently are generally easier to change than beliefs that have been held in the
family, community and/or culture for a long time)
• How easily and immediately the effects the proposed change can be
demonstrated
E. Producing a change in behavior
• The message must target the beliefs which have the most influence on the
person's attitude toward the proposed behavior change
247
RFHI/JSI Romania Training of RHMs in Reproductive Health Session 15: Group Education