There were a number of new features to the course. We developed a number of new modules, and updated the course materials with the latest cutting-edge research from the World Bank and other agencies. Some of the new features included:

• Cross-Cutting Themes
  The informal sector, gender issues, vulnerable groups and the macro economic environment are cross-cutting themes that received particular attention during the course. An overview of these themes and their relationship to the labor market policies discussed in the different modules were given at the outset of the course. Whenever feasible, reading materials on these themes were added to the background readings.
  
  
• Parallel Expert Sessions
  Participants were offered a choice of expert sessions where they could interact with leading experts within a smaller group of participants (maximum of 20) to gain in-depth knowledge on a particular topic. Sessions were planned on the following
  • HIV/AIDS and its impact on labor markets
  • Policy strategies to address youth unemployment
  • Developing labor market information systems for labor market analysis
  • Designing enterprise training surveys for competitiveness studies.
    
    
• Team-Based Action Learning
  During two 1 and 1/2 hour sessions, participants gathered in country teams to present a policy problem or challenge they face in their countries. The team provided fellow participants with background information on the issue. During the sessions, participants and experts worked together towards solutions or advised on the presented country cases. This action learning approach allowed participants to develop knowledge while engaging in the process of finding solutions to policy problems.