Helping the Helpers: A Learning Assessment of Domestic Violence Online Advocacy Training

Abstract

Abstract: The purpose of this learning assessment study was to explore how the use of case-based scenarios and continuous assessment effects learner engagement for domestic violence advocates participating in online training from the Hawai`i State Coalition Against Domestic Violence (HSCADV). For this project, an online learning module on the essential elements of safety planning was developed that addressed: victim choice and autonomy, threat assessment, and safety strategies for victims who are in or planning to leave an abusive relationship. A three-part, fictional case-study video was filmed and played throughout the course of instruction to engage learners and tie the instructional content back to the learners' job-related functions. Participants in the study were also asked several questions throughout instruction that required them to relate the facts of the scenario with the training content. After rating the instruction across the affective dimensions of attention, relevance, confidence, and satisfaction, learners in the study generally found the training to be engaging. Advocates with learner characteristics most similar first-time advocates provided the most consistently positive ratings.