WORKSHOP TWO: HARARE, BRONTE HOTEL 29-31 JANUARY 2014

The 2nd LAMRN workshop was attended by eighteen midwives; two midwives could not come because of various reasons. The research consultants- Dr Carol Bedwell from University of Manchester, UK and Dr Christina Mudokwenyu –Rawdon -Focal Lead Zimbabwe facilitated the workshop with the 3 midwives leaders: Peggy Dube, Grace Danda and Kushupika Dube.

The workshop objectives, designed 2nd LAMRN workshop participants in line with the LAMRN goal of laying the foundation for midwives to actively participate in the
process of developing a thriving collaborative research network in Zimbabwe and in the region werefor the participants to

1) develop awareness of the main research paradigms, methodology and
methods;
2) understand the differences between paradigms, methodology and methods;
3) develop knowledge of ethical issues for application to own research studies and
4) apply the knowledge of research paradigms, methodology and methods in developing own research proposals .

The workshop process involved team teaching and discussion with midwives participating through group work and presentations. There was profound interest generated especially around research paradigms, methods and ethical issues. Midwives identified own research topic and would be working in groups for each topic.

The facilitators observed that it was impossible to cover everything about research in two days and they also motivated the participants to explore concepts through literature search and further reading. Although the time was short, all essential concepts and research methods were covered and from the participants’ evaluation, the workshop was effective and the objectives were achieved.

The three midwives appreciated being involved in facilitating during the first 2 day of the workshop. They particularly valued team teaching approach which they said was of great value in sharing knowledge and strengthening each other’ abilities.