INASP newsletter 49.pdf

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An empowering exerciseTraining the trainers of policy makers and influencers in Kuala LumpurProf. Regina Estorba MacalandagThe Asia training of trainers’ workshop for trainers of policymakers and influencers was an opportune time for me towallow in learning, unlearning and re-learning. A colleaguefrom the International Institute of Social Studies back in TheHague, The Netherlands had forwarded me the invitation.As is usually the case when I participate in similar training, Ihad this knotted feeling in my stomach thinking of the heavycourse I shall immerse myself into. Nevertheless, I keptan open mind and found myself in the company of variousnationalities and backgrounds (27 participants consisting ofacademic librarians, staff of policy making institutions, andstaff of civil society organisations) which for me presenteda fresh wave of keen interest in getting a variety of takes oncommon issues we, people around the world, are facing.I was a glass half-full as I took in all learning during thedifferent sessions. Indeed, it was a special training aseveryone agreed and built on top training tips while thecourse went on — something like “learning how to learnwhile on the actual process of learning itself”; a far cry fromother training where the approach is rigid and imposed onparticipants. The exercise of inclusivity (ideas of traineesare solicited, listened to) and reflexivity (give-and-take ofideas and finding consensus after contestations) made it anempowering exercise. There was more drawing out ratherthan imposing in the whole process.The exercise of inclusivity (ideas of trainees aresolicited, listened to) and reflexivity (give-andtakeof ideas and finding consensus) made it anempowering exercise.I believe it is vital to permit space for adult learners to assessfor themselves their own knowledge vis-à-vis that of thetrainer and co-learners. This process sifts commonalitiesand differences of perspectives. Without being judgmentalor discriminating, it draws on the learners’ need to identifythe best means of analysis, given the context, to aid ininformed decision-making. As a sharer of knowledge, beingmyself a trainer/facilitator/teacher, I continually aspire todraw significant lessons from people’s experiences throughcreative ways, and translate such learning into practicalknowledge useful in transforming society.That the training was anchored on the notion that individualshave different learning preferences depending on the activityundertaken was affirmed with how our trainers brought indifferent kinds of training techniques and even designedvarious set-ups of the training room to suit activities andmethodologies. This supported the idea that there is no‘one-size-fits-all’ format for any training.Power relation was an essential concept which came upespecially when applied to participant behaviour. It was funRegina and participant at the INASP Training of Trainersworkshop in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysiarealizing one’s own type of participant behavior through roleplaying and true enough everyone appreciated the processsince a few were able to practise how it is to be a “quietmouse” for example when in real life they would most likelybe a dominant participant, or a saboteur or misguided expert.Recognizing and offsetting power relations in training is akey variable in drawing a dynamic and participatory processand thus is critical to its success.An important piece of learning from the training was onthe distinctiveness or novelty of the Evidence-informedPolicymaking Training. As such some were saying howevidence-informed policy differs from research-basedpolicy, or is this one and the same? What new knowledgeis particularly built or drawn in this training? These weresome questions that were thrown within the group andI was left with the thought that indeed this may not be anovel concept at all; however, getting to the goal of havingevidence-informed policy making institutionalized in variouscontexts, is perhaps the more appreciable part of thetraining. This brings me to the point that there is more needfor creativity in promoting evidence-informed policy makingand this requires alternative tools in presenting ideas to apolicymaker audience.An equally important piece of learning which was shared bymost participants, if not all, is that of policy making beinga highly political process. This is critical because we astrainers of policymakers at various levels will have to dealwith engaging them and allowing a “buy in” of this evidenceinformedpolicy making. This is quite a tall order given boththe apathy and cynicism many sectors have against lobbyingfor proactive change in policy making institutions. But I thinkmost of us left the training with optimism that somethingmore can be done with the status quo.I for one came back from the training enthusiastic andretooled, with a concept of a Policy Café, brewing in mind.With my organisation, the Asia Center for Sustainable6 INASP Newsletter 49 December 2012
Futures (ACSF) as lead convenor, Policy Café is to be a seriesof round table discussions that will gather policymakers,researchers and other concerned individuals/organisationsthat are keen on working on evidence-based policy makingfor development. The series (three rounds of discussion)shall take on three critical policy issues regarding the themegovernance and development where both demand andsupply of research on such areas shall be given a venue tocrystallize consequently into a key local policy.The training was anchored on the notion thatindividuals have different learning preferencesdepending on the activity undertaken... there isno ‘one-size-fits-all’ format for any training.Sharing this as well with my Political Science class on LocalGovernment and Administration, my students have gonethrough the exercise of generating evidence first when theyformulated policy papers on local governance issues as acourse requirement. In my consulting work at the moment oncoordinating road investments, we also use evidence-basedprogramming employing value chain analysis and otherpertinent economic data matched with updated povertydata along with a healthy set of criteria for prioritizationof roads (Connectivity and network effect, Potential socioeconomicimpact, Average daily traffic and Road importance,Road condition, Length of road) in lobbying for funding forroads development. Daunting as it may seem, I endeavor toinclude the principles from EIPM in whichever work I am in.Prof. Regina Estorba MacalandagExecutive Director, Asia Center for Sustainable FuturesProfessor of Political Science, Holy Name UniversityTagbilaran City, Bohol, Philippinesregina_estorba@yahoo.comPractising DevelopmentPractising Development is a blog managed by INASP.This site aims to explore ideas, discuss issues and sharelearning around research, information and development.While managed by INASP, the views and opinionsexpressed on Practising Development are those of theindividual authors and do not represent those of theorganisation.http://blog.inasp.infoWe encourage comments and discussion, but if you wouldlike to contribute a blog post, please contact Liam Finnis(lfinnis@inasp.info)More opportunity than assignmentNg’ang’a Kibandi reflects on his experienceas an INASP internNg’ang’a KibandiThe opportunity to intern with INASP came at a time whenI was longing for a new challenge. As a novice researcherand post-graduate student it is a rare occurrence to getan opportunity to explore your potential. The freedomof choice and involvement on the deliberation of matterspertaining to the internship I found intriguing.This participative warmth was taken even further whenI was awarded the freedom to choose what I desired towork on. I initially struggled with this as I felt like I had beendropped right in to the middle of the ocean and given thefreedom to swim in any direction. However, the supportand reassurance I was accorded right through made theexperience even more exciting.This internship has been an excellent resource of learningand growth for me especially on matters of research. I havealso come to appreciate the objectivity that is maintainedby the INASP team and hope to uphold it in futureendeavours. I have learnt to reach out and seek help aswell as appreciate challenges. Despite being a long distanceinternship I have never felt alone and that stood out for me.The project was enlightening and gave me a whole newoutlook on an area I found to be very unfamiliar. I amconvinced that research on this area will make a significantcontribution especially in developing nations where policymaking is concerned.In addition to the research and experience itself, theproject allowed me to present at a conference. This wasan opportunity that I didn’t expect. In fact, many of theprivileges I enjoyed as an intern with INASP I had notanticipated.Initially, I expected this internship to be solitary and focused.I thought I would be given an assignment, a deadline, anda contact person with whom to report to. My experiencehas been different as I was given the chance to choose andmanage an assignment myself. Additionally, my contactAlex has acted more as a mentor than a ‘boss’.My experience as an intern with INASP has surpassed myexpectations and the learning experience, more so theexposure to a different way of working within a team hasbeen a true joy.Ng’ang’a Kibandinkibandi@gmail.comwww.authoraid.infoINASP Newsletter 49 December 20127
Page 2: About INASPPutting research knowled
Page 8 and 9: Defining a research agendaBalancing
Page 10 and 11: Practising DevelopmentAn interview
Page 12: News, events and publicationsOpen A

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