Laboratory Capacity Building: “Train the Trainer” to Transfer Learnings
Description
GFSP’s “train-the-trainer” laboratory training pilot project in China (2015-2016) represents a first step towards a sustained GFSP effort to address needs in laboratory training that (1) assess and monitor sustained, learned behavior change and (2) create groups of skilled trainers who can transfer their learnings broadly in their own organization or community. In partnership with the University of Maryland and with support from Nestle, USDA, and Waters Corporation, the pilot trained four analysts from China at JIFSAN IFSTL at the University of Maryland who then returned to China and ran training programs for analysts from 20 labs.
Project Results
Outcomes from Proficiency Testing in May 2016 revealed impressive effectiveness of the GFSP Train-the-Trainer model and “proof of concept” of the key role such training plays in changing behaviors. In addition, the trainings themselves helped facilitate a much-needed broader understanding of the role of laboratory analysts in food safety; most analysts do not know what happens with the data that they produce and are consequently not informed of their impact on public health and trade. Project Results Outcomes from Proficiency Testing in May 2016 revealed impressive effectiveness of the GFSP Train-the-Trainer model and “proof of concept” of the key role such training plays in changing behaviors. In addition, the trainings themselves helped facilitate a much-needed broader understanding of the role of laboratory analysts in food safety; most analysts do not know what happens with the data that they produce and are consequently not informed of their impact on public health and trade.
Success Indicators and Outcomes
- 8-day intensive hands-on “train the trainer” laboratory workshop held at the University of Maryland/Joint Institute For Food Safety And Applied Nutrition for initial four China-based trainers; subsequently 4 days of trainings were delivered in Shanghai for analysts from 20 labs.
- Representation from city, provincial and national laboratories.
- Proficiency Testing in May 2016 across a range of labs, showed significant positive impacts: 95% of trainee's labs achieved satisfactory z-scores (good results) compared with only 58% of labs that did not receive the training.
- Training materials for reproduction trainings in China have been translated into Chinese. A group of Chinese experts further improved/tailored the materials to make them more practical to Chinese regulations and practices.
