The Impact of an International Training Program on Early Childhood Education in Central and West Africa : Comparisons of 2010 and 2009 Training
Year: 2011
Type: article
Abstract: Beginning in 2006, a three-week Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) training program entitled "Early Childhood Education for West and Central African Countries" has been conducted annually by Ochanomizu University in Tokyo, Japan.This paper discusses outcomes-i.e., whether or not the 2010 training program has fulfilled its objectives.The study assessed participants' level of knowledge of each module (i.e., early childhood development, child-centered care, inequity, teacher development and training, and evaluation) and attitudes towards applying their acquired knowledge to their respective countries.As a similar evaluation had been undertaken for the 2009 training, comparisons were made between 2009 and 2010 training outcomes, highlighting both the similarities and differences therein.The change in the level of understanding during both the 2009 and 2010 training was highest for the child-centered care module.In general, the level of understanding was higher for the 2010 training, but trainee's confidence in applying acquired knowledge was higher for the 2009 training.In both years, the training program also led to changes in participants' commitment to their work.This paper also speculates on some of the factors that may have led to differences in the outcomes of the 2009 and 2010 training programs.
Authors: Yuko Nonoyama‐Tarumi, Takashi Hamano
Language: English
Subfield: Education
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W373797936