Innovation pathways in the training of the Permanent Census interviewers and staff (2018-2024)

Abstract

A crucial element for the survey’s success is, undoubtedly, the participation of the interviewers in a dedicated training course before starting the fieldwork phase. In this context, the Italian National Institute of Statistics (Istat) has now developed a specific know-how aiming to improve it year after year, also based on the feedback provided by teachers and students. Over time, the training courses have shifted from being entirely in-person to a blended format, introducing new IT support tools such as Moodle.

The purpose of this research is to outline the evolution of the training models for the interviewers of the Permanent Census of Population and Housing from the first year of this new modality (2018) to today (2024). This evolution is the result of the comments and suggestions provided by the interviewers and staff at the end of the training course through the compilation of a satisfaction questionnaire.

The analysis employed non-parametric statistical techniques, including the Kruskal-Wallis test and Dunn’s post hoc comparisons, to evaluate trends across years.

The results obtained highlighted a positive trend in the appreciation by the learners regarding the usability of the platform, the availability of materials and the support provided by teachers. The data collection process and analysis allowed us to constantly refine the training path, implementing targeted changes to respond to emerging needs, thus confirming the success of the model. The evolution of the system emphasized how the circular approach, based on feedback, continues to guarantee more effective learning and increasing satisfaction of the learners.