Towards decolonising research methods training: the development of a locally responsive online learning course on research methods for mental health in war and conflict for researchers and practitioners in the Gaza Strip
Abstract Background Concerns exist that online learning directed at non-Western settings to strengthen research capacity imposes Western-centric epistemology, provides unidirectional transfer of knowledge, and neglects local paradigms and expertise. We argue that a plurality of voices, histories and...
| Main Authors: | , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Cambridge University Press
2021-01-01
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| Series: | Cambridge Prisms: Global Mental Health |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.cambridge.org/core/product/identifier/S2054425121000406/type/journal_article |
| _version_ | 1811156094752391168 |
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| author | Nancy Tamimi Hanna Kienzler Weeam Hammoudeh Hala Khalawi Mathias Regent Rita Giacaman |
| author_facet | Nancy Tamimi Hanna Kienzler Weeam Hammoudeh Hala Khalawi Mathias Regent Rita Giacaman |
| author_sort | Nancy Tamimi |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract
Background
Concerns exist that online learning directed at non-Western settings to strengthen research capacity imposes Western-centric epistemology, provides unidirectional transfer of knowledge, and neglects local paradigms and expertise. We argue that a plurality of voices, histories and epistemologies are essential to strengthen research capacity. We share our experience developing and teaching an online course for mental health professionals and researchers in the Gaza Strip.
Methods
Birzeit University and King's College London developed and delivered the course equally, focusing on the intersection between qualitative research methods, mental health and conflict, and addressing local research needs. We incorporated local case studies and expertise, encouraged interaction in English and Arabic, and stimulated critique of Western theories. Seventeen participated, 12 completed the pre-course questionnaire, 15 completed the post-course questionnaire and four undertook semi-structured interviews.
Results
Our pre-course survey showed participants most needed coding and qualitative data analysis skills. Post-course findings showed improved qualitative research skills. Most agreed the course was comprehensive and well delivered, with relevant case studies. Three themes were identified: (1) the course was locally contextualised and met students' needs; (2) the course fostered dialogic and multi-directional learning and (3) suggestions for improvements. Several participants wanted some topics in greater depth and further specialised training. A few suggested the course be in Arabic.
Conclusion
Fostering multi-directional learning is key for non-Western knowledge, epistemologies, and languages to gain prominence in Western academia. A social transformation would see local researchers and educators engage with and use local methods and paradigms in mental health in war and conflict.
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| first_indexed | 2024-04-10T04:44:44Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-238552f81da547719e59e36da94a27d4 |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 2054-4251 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-04-10T04:44:44Z |
| publishDate | 2021-01-01 |
| publisher | Cambridge University Press |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Cambridge Prisms: Global Mental Health |
| spelling | doaj.art-238552f81da547719e59e36da94a27d42023-03-09T12:35:45ZengCambridge University PressCambridge Prisms: Global Mental Health2054-42512021-01-01810.1017/gmh.2021.40Towards decolonising research methods training: the development of a locally responsive online learning course on research methods for mental health in war and conflict for researchers and practitioners in the Gaza StripNancy Tamimi0https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7812-815XHanna Kienzler1Weeam Hammoudeh2Hala Khalawi3Mathias Regent4Rita Giacaman5King's College London Ringgold Standard Institution – Global Health & Social Medicine, 40 Aldwych, London WC2R 2LS, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandKing's College London Ringgold Standard Institution – Global Health & Social Medicine, 40 Aldwych, London WC2R 2LS, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandBirzeit University Institute of Community and Public Health Ringgold Standard Institution, Ramallah, State of PalestineBirzeit University Institute of Community and Public Health Ringgold Standard Institution, Ramallah, State of PalestineKing's College London School of Social Science and Public Policy Ringgold Standard Institution – Global Health and Social Medicine London, London, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandBirzeit University Institute of Community and Public Health Ringgold Standard Institution, Ramallah, State of PalestineAbstract Background Concerns exist that online learning directed at non-Western settings to strengthen research capacity imposes Western-centric epistemology, provides unidirectional transfer of knowledge, and neglects local paradigms and expertise. We argue that a plurality of voices, histories and epistemologies are essential to strengthen research capacity. We share our experience developing and teaching an online course for mental health professionals and researchers in the Gaza Strip. Methods Birzeit University and King's College London developed and delivered the course equally, focusing on the intersection between qualitative research methods, mental health and conflict, and addressing local research needs. We incorporated local case studies and expertise, encouraged interaction in English and Arabic, and stimulated critique of Western theories. Seventeen participated, 12 completed the pre-course questionnaire, 15 completed the post-course questionnaire and four undertook semi-structured interviews. Results Our pre-course survey showed participants most needed coding and qualitative data analysis skills. Post-course findings showed improved qualitative research skills. Most agreed the course was comprehensive and well delivered, with relevant case studies. Three themes were identified: (1) the course was locally contextualised and met students' needs; (2) the course fostered dialogic and multi-directional learning and (3) suggestions for improvements. Several participants wanted some topics in greater depth and further specialised training. A few suggested the course be in Arabic. Conclusion Fostering multi-directional learning is key for non-Western knowledge, epistemologies, and languages to gain prominence in Western academia. A social transformation would see local researchers and educators engage with and use local methods and paradigms in mental health in war and conflict. https://www.cambridge.org/core/product/identifier/S2054425121000406/type/journal_articleCapacity buildingdecolonisationGaza Stripmental healthonline learning |
| spellingShingle | Nancy Tamimi Hanna Kienzler Weeam Hammoudeh Hala Khalawi Mathias Regent Rita Giacaman Towards decolonising research methods training: the development of a locally responsive online learning course on research methods for mental health in war and conflict for researchers and practitioners in the Gaza Strip Cambridge Prisms: Global Mental Health Capacity building decolonisation Gaza Strip mental health online learning |
| title | Towards decolonising research methods training: the development of a locally responsive online learning course on research methods for mental health in war and conflict for researchers and practitioners in the Gaza Strip |
| title_full | Towards decolonising research methods training: the development of a locally responsive online learning course on research methods for mental health in war and conflict for researchers and practitioners in the Gaza Strip |
| title_fullStr | Towards decolonising research methods training: the development of a locally responsive online learning course on research methods for mental health in war and conflict for researchers and practitioners in the Gaza Strip |
| title_full_unstemmed | Towards decolonising research methods training: the development of a locally responsive online learning course on research methods for mental health in war and conflict for researchers and practitioners in the Gaza Strip |
| title_short | Towards decolonising research methods training: the development of a locally responsive online learning course on research methods for mental health in war and conflict for researchers and practitioners in the Gaza Strip |
| title_sort | towards decolonising research methods training the development of a locally responsive online learning course on research methods for mental health in war and conflict for researchers and practitioners in the gaza strip |
| topic | Capacity building decolonisation Gaza Strip mental health online learning |
| url | https://www.cambridge.org/core/product/identifier/S2054425121000406/type/journal_article |
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