Organizing the training
InstructionsOrganizing the training
In order to facilitate this training, you should have completed the VIRT2UE training.
You need to have a background in research (i.e. be employed as researchers) or be a trainer/educator/teacher who has had experience in research in the past. You need to have a basic understanding of, and real interest in, research integrity.
Remarks
What is this about?
Set the dates and program for your training
The training is composed of three elements:
1) online materials and
2) face-to-face meetings (divided into two sessions)
3) practice in one’s own context.
Trainees should invest about 60 hours in total (see below for an overview).
| Content | Time | |
|---|---|---|
| Online course | Introduction to research integrity and virtue ethics, the ECoC and the main concepts used during the training + Reflection on personal experiences | 4 h |
| Preparatory assignments | Completing the assignments in preparation for the face-to-face training | 5 h |
| First (face to face) group sessions | Experiencing the exercises and reflecting on how to facilitate exercises | 16 h |
| Interim practice work | Practicing the exercises in own institution/ context + preparing for follow up session | 27 h |
| Second (face to face) group session | Reflecting on and discussing experiences + Practicing selected exercises + Discussion of didactical implementation in own context | 8 h |
Tot. 60 h
As a trainer you will need to make sure that your trainees get the preparation material in due time and reserve time for the first participatory sessions.
Divide tasks
The training program as a whole demands a significant commitment from trainers so it is highly recommended to involve a colleague in the organization and facilitation of the training (especially for the face-to-face sessions).
Plan the training schedule and time in between the participatory sessions
Sufficient time should be given to trainees to prepare for the first session and for practicing the exercises in between the sessions. When preparing the schedule for the training you:
a. Distribute preparation materials (including online modules and assignments) at least one month prior to the first participatory session.
b. Plan at least two months’ time in between the first participatory session(s) and the follow up session.Organize the first (face to face) group sessions
The overall goal of the first session is to introduce the five exercises which represent the face-to-face/participatory part of the blended learning training and to prepare trainees to practice facilitating the exercises themselves. When planning the first session you:
a. Plan enough time per exercise (minimum 2 h).
As a trainer, you will first facilitate the exercises and let the trainees experience them. Then you will describe and explain the knowledge and competencies needed to facilitate the exercise as a trainer. Make time for pauses between the exercises for trainees to relax and reflect. Depending on the time schedule, it may also be necessary to provide food and drinks (or directions to restaurants or stores nearby).
b. Provide time to explain what trainees are expected to do in between the first and the follow up participatory sessions . You might consider providing opportunities to collectively reflect on how to plan their training practice and whether it would be necessary to adapt the exercises based on the characteristics of the group of participants they will train in their own work settingPlan the follow up participatory session
The overall goal of the follow up participatory session is to allow trainees to practice the facilitation of the exercises supervised by a trainer, reflect on their experiences with the exercises and on how to use and potentially adapt the training materials in their own particular context. Also, the session is dedicated to answering questions or solving issues that might have arisen for trainees when practicing the exercises in their own work setting. For instance, what facilitated/ impeded learning, how can those impeding factors be worked around or avoided in future trainings, and if reflection sessions supported learners’ learning process. When planning the follow up session you: a. Plan enough time for practicing the exercises and for answering questions. If you have limited time, give priority to those exercises which trainees need more support with (based on their self-reflection forms).
Invite trainees to participate in your training
Once you have designed the program and the time schedule you advertise the training and invite participants. In order to decide who to invite please consider that the VIRT2UE training primarily targets researchers or trainers/educators/teachers who have a background in research (i.e. are or have been working as researchers) and who want to become research integrity trainers. Trainees of your training should have a basic understanding of research integrity. To invite people to join your training you can use the template invitation letter.
Distribute assignments and the program
Inform your trainees about what to do in preparation for the training by asking them to read "Preparation for Virt2ue training" (for trainees). Set clear deadlines and give clear instructions (including contact details) for the submission of the required preparatory material (i.e. Self-declaration sheet and case reflection form).
Remarks
This training has been developed by the VIRT2UE project, which has received funding form the European Union’s H2020 research programme under grant agreement N 741782.
In order to become certified VIRT2UE trainers, trainees have to train 10 others, preferably trainers. If it is not feasible to train 10 trainers they may also train researchers as facilitators.
