Training Methods

• Interactive Lecture
• Group Discussions
• Self- Reflection
• Think/Pair/share
• Practical Demonstration

Training Approaches: The MLDQA training package employs Adult Learning approaches.

• Knowledge sharing and acquisition based on the principles of adult learning.
• Practical or skill based exercises. This approach is to enable participants to practically exercise the knowledge gained from didactic sessions.

Training Materials

Target Audience

• This manual is intended for use in particular by health professionals and stakeholders working on malaria laboratory diagnosis program, national malaria control program, academic instructors, program supervisors and trainers. This manual will be a useful resource in the country to implement effective malaria laboratory diagnosis.

Participant Selection Criteria: The participant who will fulfill at least one of the following criteria will be a potential candidate for training on MLDQA:

• Laboratory professionals providing laboratory testing services at any health facility
• Laboratory professionals /academicians who are involved in teaching laboratory students at higher learning  institutions
• Newly hired laboratory professionals who have never had the opportunity to go through this training
• Laboratory professionals who have at some point attended the course but need refresher training

Number of Participants

• It is suggested that 25 – 30 participants per training session would allow optimal participation and a productive training.

Trainers Selection Criteria

Due to the interactive and practical nature of the training design, trainers are expected to have the following required experience and qualifications. The trainers should fulfill all of the following specific criteria (except the optional):

• Content expert on malaria.
• Certified trainer of TOT for MLDQA.
• Competent in identifying different stages and species of plasmodium.
• Ability to commit the time required for whole course period.
• Familiar with delivering courses using skill based training approaches.
• Level 1 and Level 2 WHO Certified experts are preferred (Optional).

Number of Trainers

• A total of 5 trainers are required each day to effectively handle the theoretical didactic as well as practical sessions for this course. Availability of at least the two trainers to closely assist (co-trainer) the trainer (the person who will present the module) is highly recommended.

Methods of Course Evaluation

Course Evaluation

• Daily evaluation
• End of course evaluation
• Feedback from trainees
• Review feedbacks from trainees daily,

Participants’ evaluation

Formative

• Pre-test theoretical
• Question and Answer
• Pre training practical skill assessment of malaria microscopy based on
  • Parasite detection.
  • Species identification
  • Parasite density estimation

Summative

• Post-test theoretical: accounts 50%
• Cumulative practical skill assessment of malaria microscopy (Post exam): accounts 50%
• Parasite detection.
• Species identification
• Parasite density estimation

Certification criteria

• 100% attendance and
• Average Post- theoretical and practical test point ≥ 80 %

Course Duration

• Five Days (40 hours)

Venue

• Separate rooms for teaching and laboratory work
• Has mains electricity and/or provides access to a power generator with adequate socket outlets.