Methodology

WBI’s training approach is client-centered, knowledge-based, networked and sustainable. Using a variety of interactive technologies, approaches and materials, WBI trains participants on-site or at a distance. This approach facilitates the development of communities of practice, which continue
to network and share knowledge and lessons learned long after an activity has taken place.

Classroom-Based Training
Classroom-based or face-to-face courses, one to three weeks in duration, employ a variety of interactive learning techniques—moderated debates, role-playing, case-based learning, facilitated discussions and group work—to facilitate information exchange and collaborative learning.

Videoconferencing
When time is limited, videoconferencing provides an interactive platform for delivering training to broad audiences and enables discussion and debates within and across countries and regions. The two-way video system provides real time communication between multiple sites simultaneously. 

Computer-Based Learning
Both facilitated and self-paced web-based courses as well as online discussions enable engaging and interactive learning to take place. These tools are not only cost-effective ways of reaching a large audience, but are easy to translate into multiple languages and facilitate the building of
communities of practice.

Health and AIDS Program Website
The multipurpose web site serves to link all course participants and faculty from partner institutions via the Internet. The site provides access to all World Bank databases, including those on health, nutrition and population, as well as links to other relevant sites and distance learning materials. A CD-ROM of the site is also available so that Program participants without access to the Internet can still have the Program’s web resources at their fingertips.

Health and AIDS program Newsletter
All course participants and visitors to the Health and AIDS Program’s web site have access to the Program’s newsletter. The newsletter is sent out periodically to provide updates on the Program, new items on the Program’s web site and upcoming events. The newsletter also features information on relevant articles and learning events worldwide.

Health, Nutrition and Population program Online Journal and Discussion Forum
Through these two media, the Program’s alumni and regular visitors to the web site are able to share best practices, lessons learned, and new knowledge. The HNP Online Journal welcomes authors’ submissions of articles illustrating interventions employed to improve health, nutrition and population outcomes. After a peer-review process, the articles are posted on the journal’s web site and a related discussion forum is opened for debate. The HNP Online Discussion Forum posts a recently published article each month and invites readers to join in a moderated debate with the authors.