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Introduction

This guide provides instructions on how to design and deliver an interactive training course through an app-based messaging platform. Drawing from Grassroot’s pilot teaching leadership and storytelling through WhatsApp, we share tips on pedagogy, participant engagement, and the technical aspects of launching a distance-learning course. Part I of the guide describes the pilot course and Part II delves into the details of teaching on WhatsApp. Along with MIT GOV/LAB, our collaborative research partner, we also include lessons on evaluation and learning.

Contents

Part I: The Grassroot WhatsApp Course & Pilot 4
I. Introduction 4
What is Grassroot? 4
Choosing a message-based app course 4
2. Course Basics 5
What the course covers 5
How the course works 6
3. Learning and Iteration 7

Part II: How to Set up a WhatsApp Course — Tips and Lessons 9
1. Planning and Preparation 9
Deciding if a message-based course is the right fit 9
Building a teaching team 10
Recruiting participants 11
Preparing before class begins 12
2. Developing and Structuring the Course 14
Designing for WhatsApp 15
3. Running the Course 16
Incentivizing participation 16
4. FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) 18

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Teaching on WhatsApp: Leadership and Storytelling for Grassroots Community Organizers