How to . . .

1. Identify the indicators that show the lowest and highest percentages of acceptable performance according to the established performance standards.

2. Look back at the recording forms for individual trainees in the high- and low-performance groups. Look for characteristics or variables that may be related to each person’s performance.

3. For those in the low-performance category, use the decision tree on the following page to interpret the likely causes of low performance.

4. Identify the characteristics that seem to be related to different levels of performance. For example, educational status, organizational policies, trainees’ opportunities to practice skills, the particular course taken, the trainer, or local community attitudes about family planning.

5. Use all this information to decide where levels of knowledge, skills, or particular attitudes seem to be at the root of a widespread problem or of widespread success, and where organizational or environmental factors are the likely cause. For example, a recent conservative religious campaign, elections, or changes in funding or leadership.

6. Review your findings and consider the following questions:

• Which trainees have met performance standards?
• Which trainees have not met performance standards?
• What might account for the difference?
• If trainees are still weak in the knowledge, skills, or attitudes taught in the training, what part of the training might be responsible for this? (Consider the objectives of training, the content, allotted time for practice, selection of practice sites, training techniques, selection of trainees/trainers, or a combination of any of these.)
• If the trainees can recall the content of the training but do not put their knowledge into practice when you observe them, what organizational factors might be responsible? Consider a lack of supplies or equipment, overscheduling of clients, lack of rewards for good performance, lack of consequences for unacceptable performance, inadequate supervision, or a combination of these.
• What environmental factors might impede acceptable performance? For example, resistance among community leaders, gender issues, physical barriers to access, rumors, or a combination of these.
• Did you find examples of excellent performance? What aspects of training, organizational support, and community support might have contributed to the good performance which should be maintained? Can some of these factors be introduced in settings where changes are needed?