Page 79 - AEI Insights Vol. 7 2021

Low et al, 2021

Figure 1 shows the framework for the UM-NUOL ToT Programme. The key to sustainability
of any innovation is long term acceptance of the change process through the appropriation of
skills, competence and values. This is shown in the Training of Trainers (ToT) methodology
as it involved all key partners and several academics and students. Local Lao trainers were
engaged as they provided familiarity towards the cultural context as well as the institutional
background. Implementation of the ToT was facilitated through academic exchange visits
between Universiti Malaya (UM) and the National University of Laos (NUOL). These visits
were accompanied by delivery of courses, workshops or seminars for a pool of trained
researchers enabling them to be facilitators of learning, not just presenters. The ToT was a
jointly developed model/framework between the two partners (UM and NUOL) to facilitate
the plan for action.

Dimensions of the ToT consisted of the expert trainers, adult learning theories, sharing of best
practices, training processes and the set of tools/techniques for managing participants. The
subject content or topics that were covered included knowledge and skills for conducting
research, writing for publication, presenting or finding results, ethics in research and
publication. The ToT also highlighted the socio-cultural context of ASEAN (ASCC) with
emphasis on intercultural learning and understanding of norms, diversity and context-
dependent parameters of research for ASEAN community building which narrow the
development gap.

Prior to the design of the ToT, a needs analysis survey and focus group interviews were
conducted by the research team at NUOL to identify the research needs of the academics in
Lao PDR. The survey findings revealed that the academics in Lao PDR are disadvantaged by
the following:
• Lack of research experience
• Lack of research knowledge and skills
• Little opportunity to attend research training programmes
• Perception that research is difficult
• Burden of teaching hours and subjects taught
• Insufficient communication in relation to research (unable to access information for
research)

The design and implementation of the ToT aimed to meet these needs by producing
experienced researchers, organizing research training, and providing effective cooperation
between both internal and external organisation and research facilities. At the end of the ToT
training, the trained Laos researchers were evaluated based on their training delivery to local
participants at another university in Lao PDR.

The Training kit

The ToT training kit consisted of:
Evaluation form – Participant’s feedback

This is for learners to evaluate the quality of the training workshops/seminars presented by the
expert trainers from the University of Malaya. These feedback forms provided input that helped
to improve and reframe future development of the workshops/seminars.

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