Abstract
The Atelier Paludisme (Malaria Workshop) is an international training course organized by the Institut Pasteur de Madagascar, which has been held annually for the past five years. The course was designed for both young and experienced researchers, as well as for healthcare professionals, mostly from malaria-endemic countries. Its objective is to provide participants with a broad knowledge of all features of malaria, to improve their skills in project management, to break geographical isolation by using the Internet as a source of documentary information. This six-week course makes use of concepts of andragogy and problem-based learning, i.e. a relationship between participants and tutors, which promotes a process of exchange rather than the simple transmission of knowledge, where participants have to search actively for information. This approach to training, combined with the wide background and experience of those involved, creates positive dynamics and enables participants to acquire new skills, develop their critical and analytical abilities. This paper describes the course and the lessons learned from its evaluation.
Highlights
Malaria control programmes are based on several strategies, which work best when used in synergy
The efficacy of malaria control programmes depends on the establishment of coherent strategies, adapted to the specific needs of the country and with optimal use of limited resources
The Atelier Paludisme is currently one of the few courses to give a broad working knowledge of malaria and, as such, it meets the training needs of healthcare personnel involved in malaria research and control, enabling them to remain up-to-date with recent developments in the field
Summary
Malaria control programmes are based on several strategies, which work best when used in synergy. Footnote: The presentations are given at the end of the week, in front of the other participants and the panel, composed of tutors These sessions allow the participants to demonstrate their acquisitions, by defending their approach, and aim to evaluate the work done during the week (Photo: courtesy of Dr Olivier Domarle, Atelier Paludisme 2006). An external audit of the five first sessions of the workshop was carried out in 2007, based on theoretical educational concepts The design of this training was considered appropriate to its aims, with respect to the acquisition of transverse skills, the use of appropriate learning models, the phases of knowledge acquisition, the identification of problems to be solved, material aspects, the availability of the tutors during the workshop, exchanges of experience between participants and tutors and the self-confidence acquired, especially when giving presentations. The subjective criteria recorded by former participants (improvements in their ability to assume their functions, strengthening of professional relationships) are positive, one cannot exclude a bias in these responses
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