SBCC Modules

Understanding Social and Behavior Change Communication - a Learning Package in 6 Modules

C-Change has created this learning package for facilitated, face-to-face workshops on social and behavior change communication (SBCC). The package, which includes a series of six modules for program staff, is currently being field tested in Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa.
 

Module Structure

The Introductory Module outlines the overall SBCC framework, including the five-step Planning Process for SBCC (see C-Planning graphic). Each of the next five modules focuses on one distinct step of the SBCC planning process:

• Understanding the Situation
• Focusing & Designing
• Creating
• Implementing & Monitoring
• Evaluating & Replanning
   

Users for whom this learning package is designed

This package is designed for staff of health programs in small and medium-sized organizations with varying degrees of experience in planning or implementing SBCC programs.

Facilitators may tailor each module to the profile of learners as well as to the time available. The format makes it easy for facilitators to substitute examples from their own professional experience to help make the curriculum relevant for all participants.
 

What the learning package aims to accomplish

Many resources have been developed over the years to build capacity in topics related to SBCC. This set of modules complements what is already available and makes it easy for facilitators to access materials created by others. The modules:

• Focus on essential SBCC competencies during each of the five key stages to develop an effective SBCC program
• Rely on and feature a number of practical SBCC tools
• Use actual field examples for teaching
• Create opportunities for participants to apply what they learn to their own programs

We are looking forward to your feedback during this phase of field testing.
You can email us at cchangeCS@aed.org.

SBCC Modules - Field Test Version

The field test versions of the SBCC modules are currently available. Click on the links below to open the PDF documents, or right click and save to download the files to your computer.

• Facilitator's Preparation Guide
• Module 0 - Introductory Module
• Module 1 - Understanding the Situation
• Module 2 - Focusing & Designing
• Module 3 - Creating
• Module 4 - Implementing & Monitoring
• Module 5 - Evaluating & Replanning
• Participant Handouts
• Additional Resources

For more information on each document, see the descriptions below. 

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Facilitator's Preparation

This guide provides information and support to facilitators preparing a training on Social and Behavior Change Communication. The section includes an overview of the learning approach, module components, and layout, and offers resources for preparation, facilitation, fieldtesting, and evaluation.

Download Facilitator's Preparation Guide
 

Module 0: Introductory Module

This module is the foundation for the C-Change course on Social and Behavior Change Communication (SBCC). It explores concepts and principles that are referenced throughout the other modules.  

By the end of this module, participants will have:

• Described examples of advocacy, social mobilization, and behavior change communication
• Used a socio-ecological model to better understand how a problem at hand can be influenced by communication
• Assessed the status of a current project in terms of a planning process for SBCC
• Explained how SBCC principles are used in actual program examples

Download Module 0

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Module 1: Understanding the Situation

This module builds on the Introductory Module on Social and Behavior Change Communication (SBCC). The module is designed for use with research and implementing staff with a range of previous experience in communication theory and programs. This session illustrates how a full analysis of the situation can help build a program around evidence instead of assumptions, and will demonstrate ways in which behavior change communication, social mobilization and advocacy could bring about a positive change. 

By the end of this module, participants will have:

• Examined the multiple causes and effects of a problem before deciding how to address it
• Analyzed the people affected and involved, the context in which they live or work, and the role that gender plays
• Planned how to gather existing data to check their assumptions and to inform subsequent phases of their SBCC program
• Proposed appropriate research methods to do exploratory research, as needed
• Identified the potential role of partners, allies, and gatekeepers in subsequent phases of the SBCC program

Download Module 1
 

Module 2: Focusing & Designing

This module is the second in a series of five modules which comprise the C-Change course in Social and Behavior Change Communication (SBCC). This module will help programs to focus the results of a situational analysis and to design an appropriate communication approach to address the identified health or other social problems. Therefore, it is important that participants have already completed the Introductory Module and Module 1, either face-to-face or on-line. Upon completion of Module 2, participants will be ready to create materials and interventions that strategically respond to the situation using advocacy, social mobilization, and/or behavior change communication.  

By the end of this module, all participants will have:

• Used the results of their situation analysis to outline a complete strategy for their SBCC program
• Segmented and prioritized audiences, created SMART communication objectives, and selected the most effective approach and channel mix for their program
• Developed an implementation plan noting key management considerations such as budget, staffing, and timeline
• Turned communication objectives into realistic evaluation outcome indicators and drafted a research design

Download Module 2

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Module 3: Creating

This module focuses on the third step of the C-planning process for Social and Behavior Change Communication (SBCC).  Participants should already understand the basic SBCC principles and framework presented in the Introductory Module. This module builds on the strategy outlines developed in Module 2 (Focusing and Designing) but could be taught as a stand-alone module if staff is clear about their SBCC strategy. During the course of this module, participants practice key steps in the creation of effective communication materials and activities.

By the end of this module, all participants will have:

• Inventoried existing materials and activities
• Developed a creative brief for at least one of their intended materials or activities
• Drafted effective messages
• Examined guidelines for creating SBCC materials and activities
• Drafted a plan for stakeholder reviews and audience pre-tests
• Sketched out a timeline to produce and distribute materials and activities

Download Module 3
 

Module 4: Implementing & Monitoring

This module describes the fourth step of the C-planning process for Social and Behavior Change Communication (SBCC)—implementation and monitoring. Participants in this module should know the basic SBCC principles and framework presented in the Introductory Module. To complete the implementation plan in this module, it would be ideal for participants to also have a pretested set of materials and activities.  

By the end of this module, all participants will have:

• Drafted a set of guidelines for staffing, partnership and/or volunteers
• Examined their SBCC plans with a focus on gender
• Adjusted implementation plans based on a template of anticipated costs
• Refined their rough implementation plan into a detailed workplan including targets, resources, and a timeline
• Completed a detailed plan to monitor processes and quality of all SBCC activities

Download Module 4

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Module 5: Evaluating & Replanning

The final module in the C-Change course on Social and Behavior Change Communication (SBCC) examines the fundamental concepts and skills around monitoring and evaluation (M&E). It reinforces key concepts and skills needed for initial research and baseline assessment by showing how these early phases form the foundation for M&E. The module could be used as a free-standing module on research and M&E. In either case, it should be preceded by the Introductory Module, which provides the foundation for the basic concepts and principles of SBCC.  

By the end of this module, all participants will have:

• Drafted or refined a simplified M&E framework, naming intended users and uses of data
• Sketched their Research Design
• Confirmed SMART objectives and proposed M&E indicators
• Linked their indicators to appropriate research methods and tools
• Assessed ways to ensure quality of data
• Created an analysis plan
• Examined ways to interpret and present the results of M&E

Download Module 5
 

Participant Handouts

This package contains the assorted handouts and worksheets from all modules that participants will need for the course on Social and Behavior Change Communication (SBCC).

Download Participant Handouts

Additional Resources

This document lists the references cited in the Facilitator's Guide and the SBCC modules as well as additional references for each of the modules. Links to the references are provided where available.

Download Additional Resources

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