Learning and Reflection Session Series
The HCDExchange uses the StoryEngine methodology to capture unfiltered learnings and reflections from practitioners who are working on public health programs developed using HCD approaches. These pieces capture their lived experiences to broaden the base of learning and evidence on the use of HCD in public health
What is a learning and reflection session?
A learning and reflection session is a one-to-one in-depth conversation to capture and document learnings, highlights and reflections. This is typically semi-unstructured and exploratory in nature. A unique aspect of this session is that the story generated from this conversation is owned by the participant and not by the organization conducting the session. The participant provides consent for the organization or any other organization to use the information for a variety of purposes.
Is a learning and reflection session a HCD tool or approach?
A learning and reflection session uses the StoryEngine methodology which has been derived from the way in which individual interviews are conducted in HCD research.
Why is HCDExchange running these sessions?
We ran these sessions to capture learnings and reflections from practitioners who have worked on or been exposed to AYSRH programs that use the HCD approach. The intent is to capture voices of the various stakeholders that engage in AYSRH programs that use HCD, and understand their perspectives and learnings. These stakeholders include program implementers, designers, government officials, funders, evaluators and youth practitioners. The ultimate objective of these sessions is to broaden the base of learning and evidence that exists within the field on the use of HCD in AYSRH programs.
How are learning and reflection sessions usually documented?
Learning and reflection sessions use the storyengine methodology which has a step by step process. That includes:
- Step 1:Â Schedule your interview with the person you want to interview via email at a time that is convenient for both of you.
- Step 2:Â Create an unstructured conversation guide to learn from the person about their learnings and reflections.
- Step 3:Â Ask the participant to review and sign a consent form that gives them information on where the information will be used.
- Step 4:Â Â Have the conversation.
- Step 5:Â Transcribe the conversation and then send it back to the participant to see if they might like to edit it.
- Step 6:Â Post collaborating on creating the final story, send the participant a consent to publish form.
- Step 7:Â Publish the story on the website post consent.
Can learning and reflection sessions be used widely in other areas of global health?
Learning and reflection sessions can be used to gather evidence, thoughts, reflections and learnings from practitioners working in all areas of global health. These sessions are a good way to capture learnings that often go undocumented and may typically come up in conversation. This will help generate more qualitative information and perspectives from practitioners that might often get lost or overlooked in a field that focuses largely on evidence backed data. While this is not meant to replace evidence backed data, it can provide some context to it and support practitioners with a more anecdotal understanding of some of the evidence backed data.
How can I host a learning and reflection session?
A learning and reflection session is a good opportunity to learn how this tool/approach is used in HCD and share insights and views about your work in the global health sector. If you are interested in having a learning and reflection session and want guidance on how to do it, contact us on:Â community@hcdexchange.org