What are the best practices for selecting and training fieldworkers for research projects?

1 Define the fieldwork objectives and requirements

Before you recruit and train fieldworkers, you need to have a clear idea of what you want to achieve with your research project and what kind of skills, knowledge, and experience you need from your fieldworkers. Depending on the research design, methodology, and scope, you may need fieldworkers who have specific qualifications, languages, cultural backgrounds, or access to certain groups or locations. You should also define the roles and responsibilities of the fieldworkers, the expected duration and frequency of the fieldwork, the compensation and incentives, and the ethical and safety guidelines.

3 Train fieldworkers on the research protocol and tools

Once you have selected your fieldworkers, you need to train them on the research protocol and tools that they will use to collect data. The training should cover the objectives and background of the research project, the sampling strategy and criteria, the data collection methods and instruments, the data quality control and management procedures, and the ethical and legal issues. You should also provide fieldworkers with the necessary equipment, materials, and resources to conduct the fieldwork, such as tablets, smartphones, cameras, audio recorders, consent forms, or vouchers.

4 Assess and monitor the fieldworkers' performance and feedback

Training is not a one-time event, but a continuous process that requires assessment and monitoring of the fieldworkers' performance and feedback. You should design and implement evaluation tools and indicators to measure the fieldworkers' knowledge, skills, attitudes, and behaviors during and after the training. You should also collect and analyze feedback from the fieldworkers on their experiences, challenges, suggestions, or complaints during the fieldwork. You should use the assessment and feedback data to identify gaps, problems, or opportunities for improvement and provide additional support, guidance, or recognition to the fieldworkers.

5 Communicate and collaborate with the fieldworkers regularly

Communication and collaboration are essential for maintaining a good relationship and a productive workflow with your fieldworkers. You should communicate and collaborate with your fieldworkers regularly, using various channels and formats, such as phone calls, emails, messages, video conferences, or reports. You should also establish and follow a clear and consistent communication protocol and schedule, specifying the frequency, purpose, content, and format of the communication. You should communicate and collaborate with your fieldworkers to inform, instruct, motivate, consult, or acknowledge them.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?