Our training programme
The Youth Researchers are equipped to participate in the research with a thorough and intensive training on social science research methods. Over four units of training, Youth Researchers learn the theory of research and practice skills required for the study.
This is a global first – young refugees in the Global South working as core contributors to a research study on post-primary education, and gaining an accredited qualification through the process.
On this page researchers and potential researchers can find out more about each unit of the training and read what the Youth Researchers think of the training.
How the training was developed
The ‘Social Innovation Research and Analysis’ course was designed to prepare the Youth Researchers with the necessary skills and knowledge to collect, analyse and interpret data for Voices of Refugee Youth. The course content is developed by Jigsaw and REUK, in collaboration with the Boler College of Business at John Carroll University, and designed in partnership with Centreity.
Find out more about our partners below:
John Carroll University
Founded in 1886, John Carroll University (JCU) has a long history of inspiring individuals to excel in learning, leadership, and service locally and across the world. The Boler College of Business is a respected school of business with a strong global focus. The college fosters entrepreneurship and innovation and this new course sits within this focus on global engagement.
Dr Tina Facca Miess at JCU provides overall oversight of the curriculum. She has over 25 years of professional experience as a researcher and analyst and has been teaching for the past 10 years in her role as Associate Professor at JCU.
Centreity Learning Systems
Centreity Learning Systems believes everyone should have access to quality higher education. Centreity constructs every element of a connected learning system, from lab layout, procurement, logistics, and contingency planning. The team works to create global courseware that makes an impact in communities around the world. They build customized technology solutions for you to deliver your content. With over twenty years of experience in technology-enhanced learning, Centreity understands the challenges and knows how to find the solutions.
Cindy Bonfini-Hotlosz is the Chief Executive Officer of Centreity Learning Systems and leads an integrated team that creates and supports the delivery of high-quality, optimized learning experiences for students at a distance.
Training Curriculum
The training course consists of four units, each addressing a separate part of the research process. It is designed to be delivered via a hybrid approach, combining online learning modules & in-person training, and provides a mixture of formative & summative assessments. Crucially, the course is youth-centred and learner-centred, prioritising the active engagement of the youth researchers at all stages.
Unit 1
The first unit explores what makes a good researcher and introduces research methods and specifically quantitative research methods, with a focus on surveys. It also includes important discussions around ethics in research and safeguarding of participants and researchers.
It answers questions such as: what do we mean by methodology and methods? What are the characteristics of a good Youth Researcher? What are research ethics and why do they matter?
By the end of this unit, participants can:
- Explain skills and qualities required to be an effective researcher
- Discuss ethical considerations involved in research
- Identify safeguarding concerns
- Navigate and use KoBoCollect for data collection.
Unit 2
The second unit builds on unit one and looks at qualitative research methods with a focus on facilitating Focus Group Discussions and conducting Key Informant Interviews. It also introduces concepts for data analysis.
It answers questions such as: what is qualitative data and how is it different to quantitative data? How do you effectively transcribe a focus group discussion? What are the common challenges of qualitative data collection and how can they be mitigated?
By the end of this unit, participants can:
- Conduct Focus Group Discussions and Key Informant Interviews
- Transcribe accurately and effectively
- Recall basic concepts included in qualitative data collection.
Unit 3
The third unit focuses on what happens after data collection – that is, data analysis and interpretation. It looks at the process and skills required for effective analysis as well as how to present findings.
It answers questions such as: How do you prepare data for analysis? What tools can be used for analysis, and how? How can digital technologies be harnessed in research? How do you turn data into research findings? What is data visualisation and when is it helpful for research?
By the end of this unit, participants can:
- Deductively and inductively code qualitative data
- Use Google Sheets for descriptive quantitative analysis
- Identify key findings from the data.
Unit 4
The final unit is concerned with creating change through research. It does this through exploring effective communication of research findings and good practice in advocacy. It also looks at how research links to concepts of citizenship, community participation and employment enterprise.
It answers questions such as: what is good practice in research report writing? What makes an effective presentation? How can research inform changes in policy and practice?
By the end of this unit, participants can:
- Design a research report
- Confidently create and present research findings
- Develop an advocacy plan.
What Youth Researchers say about the training
A baseline survey was conducted following Unit 1, to improve the relevance of the content, delivery styles and logistical considerations for the rest of the course. An endline survey will then be conducted following the completion of Unit 4, to assess the overall impact of the course. Qualitative feedback has also been gathered throughout, to help refine and adapt the course.
Statistics from the baseline survey:
- 90% of Youth Researchers said their confidence to conduct surveys was high
- 86% of Youth Researchers reported that the training was very useful
- 93% of Youth Researchers rated the delivery of the training as ‘most effective’
Feedback so far
I just want to say THANK YOU JIGSAW for the wonderful training week. Looking forward for more!
I like the energy the facilitators have. It is really attractive and helps us learn well in a good atmosphere. Lessons are well elaborated, very clear and straight to the point.
It was great the way you people trained us, I think we should go the same for next time. Thank you!
I cannot be able to thank my trainers and everyone else behind the organization of the course. It was my dream to learn research skills, and I hope to learn others and use the ones I already acquired for the purpose of making education effective, which will be a good way of giving back to my world community.
I would like to appreciate what you have done so far. I really liked your presentations. Keep it up!