Sinha, N.K. (author), Verma, N.C. (author), and Department of Agricultural Extension, Tirhut College of Agriculture, Dholi, Bihar, India; Department of Agricultural Extension, Tirhut College of Agriculture, Dholi, Bihar, India
Format:
Journal article
Publication Date:
1977
Published:
India
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 43 Document Number: B05025
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 195 Document Number: D07956
Notes:
John L. Woods Collection, Folder for International Program for Agricultural Knowledge Systems, College of Agriculture, University of Illinois, Urbana. Two folds.
USA: Cooperative Extension Service, State College of Washington, Pullman
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 193 Document Number: D07239
Notes:
Hal R. Taylor Collection, 59 pages., Packet of learning resources used during a five-day training conference. Based on resources from the Communication Training Program of th eNational Project in Agricultural Communications (NPAC), Michigan State University, East Lansing.
15 pages, via online journal, Purpose: This article assesses a non-traditional training methodology for extension agents, focused on the exchange of experiences among peers and the reflection on practice, with the aim of exploring its potential as a training strategy.
Design/Methodology/approach: A quali-quantitative investigation was conducted, which included interviews with extension agents, the use of different questionnaires, and recordings of the evaluation sessions carried out during each workshop.
Findings: This research allowed us to understand the importance of effective group coordination, a participatory climate, working in small groups, and the feedback loop between theory and practice for processes of experience sharing and reflection on practice. Some of the positive effects of the training observed were that extension agents acquired new knowledge and methodologies, reflected critically upon their practice, and put into question their own extension approach.
Practical Implications: Given its potentialities, implementing training processes focused on experience sharing and reflection on practice for rural extension workers, seems advisable.
Theoretical Implications: This article contributes to the understanding of how experience sharing and reflection on practice can generate transformations in rural extension agents’ approaches and positioning.
Originality/Value: This study systematically assesses the impacts that training has on extension workers, as well as the underlying processes that made it possible to generate them.
