introduction+module

To become a MyCOOP trainer you need to be equiped with a set of learning, facilitation and training competencies that will allow you to facilitate MyCOOP workshops in a successful way. This introduction module gives you a wider introduction in the learning management cycle and adult learning in general. It is a necessary module before starting with the facilitation of the more specific MyCOOP modules.


 * Introduction. The MyCOOP learning cycle**

Designing, developing and implementing MyCOOP workshops involves different phases for you as a trainer. We structured this different phases as relevant questions that you will have to answer throughout the entire learning cycle. (Introduction video)


 * Session 1: Analysis**

1.1. How do you identify MyCOOP participants? Before we are going to assess the learning needs of the future MyCOOP participants we need to identify who they are.

Activity: Discussion forum: Describe in one paragraph your target audience? What are the characteristics of this particular audience? Can you describe them?

1.2. How can you assess their learning needs? A learning needs analysis is a method of identifying and qualifying gaps between existing competencies and those that are needed for the effective management of an (agricultural) cooperative. Conducting a LNA for MyCOOP will allow targeted activity design, contextualized learning content and resources and prioritized objectives. We invite you to watch the following webcast on LNA for MyCOOP. This will give you the basic information on how to do your own learning needs assessment. (integrate webcast)

Activity: Assignment Have a look at the following training needs assessment check-list. Based on this list and based on the input of the LNA webcast we ask you to come up with a specific strategy on how you are going to assess the learning needs of your MyCOOP participants. - You can use any of the instruments you have seen in the webcast (survey, interview, focus group). - You design and develop the instrument adapted for your own context - You upload it in the assignment section.


 * Session 2: Design**


 * The MyCOOP learning objectives:**

Based on the results of the learning needs assessment you will select the relevant training modules. The first element we need to revise are the learning objectives of the workshop. Let's review the overall objective of the MyCOOP training package:

"//The My.COOP training package aims to strengthen the management of agricultural cooperatives so that they can offer high quality, efficient and effective services to their members. The objective of this training material is to enable existing and potential managers of agricultural cooperatives to identify and address major management challenges that are specific to cooperatives in market oriented agricultural development.// //Cooperatives may find themselves stretched between members’ interests, business opportunities and social considerations. Within such context cooperative managers should ensure a reliable decision making process on services that are common to many agricultural cooperatives, including supply of farm inputs and marketing//"

This general perspective gives us an idea of what the entire package aims to target. For the more concrete modules it's important to revise the specific learning objectives of each module. Download the Learning Objectives Document (insert link) and revise the different learning objectives. During this revision you can use the Smart Objectives check-list and think of concrete suggestions on how to make these objectives more smart.

Smart objectives checklist

x **Specific** : does the objective reference a discrete achievement? x **Measurable** : Does the objective have a measurable outcome? x **Attainable**: Is it possible to achieve the objective given constraints? x **Relevant**: Will the objective lead to the desired results - meet the desired goals? x **Time-bound:** Is there a clear identification of time in which the objective needs to be achieved?

Other questions you might want to ask yourself or tips:

- How do these learning objectives connect with the results of your learning needs assessment ? - Answer the question, "What do you want to have happen?" and "What is expected to change as a result?" - Focus on the results of the learning experiences not on what participants will do during the activity. - Consider how to evaluate whether the learning objective was met.


 * The MyCOOP learning content:**

In function of the learning objectives we will now revise the learning content. Finding a good balance of content is crucial to maximizing the impact of any learning activity. During the next 4 TOT modules we will gradually refresh the content parts in more detail. Now it is important you review the content matrix of the MyCOOP training package and select the content modules and topics that are relevant for your target audience. Download the content matrix (insert link).

There are a large number of experiential and participatory learning methodologies integrated in the MyCOOP training package. A summary list of these methods is included in the introduction section of the training manual. Have a look at the following learning pyramid. The pyramid explains what your learning retention rate is after two weeks
 * The MyCOOP learning methodology:**



To address a variety of different learning styles it is important to use a variety of different learning methodologies. We cannot limit ourselves to only presentations about cooperative content. We need to be more creative, more interactive and more participatory. That's why in the next modules we will guide you through the specific use of the different MyCOOP learning methodologies.

You have had a short introduction in the MyCOOP learning management cycle. You were able to reflect about your target audience, the learning needs, the learning objectives, the learning methodologies and the structure of the MyCOOP content. Based on this information you are asked to develop a
 * Assignment 1**

1. Course flyer for your next MyCOOP workshop (including background, target audience, learning objectives, methodology, practical information, contact, ...) 2. Workshop agenda

You can use elements from the standard course flyer and the sample agenda from the training manual but we recommend you to contextualize this for your specific group and region as much as possible. Try to integrate also the results of the learning needs analysis in this exercise.

Before you will go the next module of this TOT package we would like to ask you to read: - the four content modules of the MyCOOP training package (insert links) - the training manual (insert link) This reading is necessary as a preparation to do the facilitation exercises of the next 4 modules.
 * Assignment 2**