Young woman stripping prickles from roses on an ergonomically correct platform and Representatives of Flower Plantation Worker’s Committee with SI-7 Participants
Evaluation During SI-7 a combination of participants and the co-directors kept field notes – observations of both the process, reactions and initial learning outcomes. Participants also provided end-of-day reflections on most days at UASB, immediate insights gained and suggested modifications for the SI7 program. As a group, the facilitators and planning team members met to discuss really positive aspects of each day, areas for support to dyads-triads in their learning, and modifications in session format or program order. Each of these contributed to a richer understanding of both immediate e.g. attention to particular challenges a dyad faced, and longer term opportunities for improvement e.g. adult education pedagogical approach. Twenty-five SI-7 participants completed feedback forms at the end of the last day, providing the planning team with a standardized rating of numerous elements of SI-7, from logistics to content. For example, 88% of participants agreed or strongly agreed that SI-7 had enhanced their understanding of global health leadership; 92% agreed or strongly agreed that their ability to build partnerships had increased; and 79% agreed or strongly agreed that their expectations for the summer institute had been fulfilled. Participants were also asked to complement their standardized feedback with written narrative. Among the most appreciated aspects of the summer institute were: the field trip to the flower plantation outside Quito; the diversity of interests, backgrounds, and experience present; the multidisciplinary nature of the event; and the collaborative and open setting. What I liked best about SI-7… “The pluridisciplinarity of participants made it a rich experience. Field trip was useful to see concretely what can be done.”