Analysis of AWW (Anganwadi Workers) Training Content, ILA (Incremental Learning Approach) Modules Following CDT (Component Display Theory)

TL;DR

This paper analyzes AWW training modules using Content Display Theory to improve pedagogical strategies and develop a gamified Android app for refresher training, addressing diverse learning needs.

Contribution

It applies CDT to break down training content, frames learning objectives, and proposes a gamified app to enhance AWW training effectiveness.

Findings

Content analysis identified key content types like facts and concepts.

Framed specific learning objectives for AWW training modules.

Developed a gamified Android app for refresher courses.

Abstract

POSHAN Abhiyan envisages capacity building of AWWs or frontline health workers through 21 training modules of ILA (Incremental Learning Approach), modularising the net learning content into smaller learning topics to help them perform their daily activities. It envisions building skilled AWWs, strengthening supervisory hierarchies, and improving coordination between AWWs (ICDS) services and health programs to achieve common goals such as increasing awareness, improving access to health and nutrition services, and reducing deaths and malnutrition. To better understand the contents of ILA literature, we conducted a content analysis by further breaking down the modules into content types such as facts, concepts, procedures, and principles. Then we framed learning objectives for teaching AWWs. We applied CDT (Component Display Theory by David Merrill) to map the contents with the desired learning objective, following the Specification of Objective chart. In this way, one can easily develop pedagogies from a new training literature. The challenges in framing learning objectives and pedagogies are: The AWWs do not have a (formal/scientific) nutrition and epidemiology background. Therefore, it is important to teach them through examples, familiar to them. AWWs are not evenly and structurally trained across districts. Training materials should be customized based on language, location, and prior knowledge. Delayed refresher courses render them underprepared for their jobs. To overcome these problems, we are developing an Android app based on gamified learning to provide refresher training to AWWs. Conducting content analysis, framing learning objectives, and developing pedagogical approaches will help conceptualize the gamified application.