Several data collection techniques and instruments were used.
- documentary collection of official and other photocopied documents;
- non participant direct observation of classes and training sessions, oriented by observation guide sheets and recorded in field notes, audio and photography;
- inquiry – questionnaire to students and teachers; focus group to students, teachers and Timorese trainers; interview to Portuguese trainers, school directors and policy makers.
Instruments developed for phase I and phase II are available for consultation. Questionnaires are bilingual – Portuguese and Tetum (translation made by Timorese educational agents).