Principles of Extension

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Lesson 9:Philosophy and Principles of Extension Education

Principles of Extension

Specifically, the principles of extension education means doing those works, which are essential for the success of extension philosophy or those approaches, which are needed to be successful in the philosophy. Principles of extension education are simple, easy, educative and moral. Generally principles of extension are as follows:

  1. Principle of need and interest–Extension work is self-educative process. To make extension work more effective, it is necessary that it should be done according to peoples’ needs and interest. Extension worker should take notice of local peoples’ needs. As this will generate interest of the people which in turn will lead to their cooperation in extension work.

  2. Principle of cooperation and participation–Principle of cooperation and participation is very important in extension education. Ultimately without the cooperation of people the work cannot be successful and desired result cannot be achieved. The first task of extension education is the cooperation of people and their participation in work. People should realize that the task of extension education is their own task. Participation in extension work generates confidence among people for the work. It is not essential that all the members of the society should participate but extension worker should try for maximum participation of people.

  3. Principle of cultural difference–Rural people has high faith in traditional customs and values. Therefore, extension worker should be aware of what the rural people know, Think and also about their belief. Cultural changes should be gradual and in accordance with the cultural status of people. It is very difficult to achieve success in extension work by neglecting their views and cultural behaviour.

  4. Principle of applied science and democratic approach–Extension Education is based upon democratic principles. It is based on discussions and suggestions. Discussions are held with the people on actual condition so that they participate in work. Extension worker provide practical look to the scientific inventions so that farmers can easily adopt them in their farm.

  5. Principle of learning by doing–According to this principle farmers are encouraged to learn by doing the work themselves and by participating themselves. When a person does a work he gains practical knowledge and experiences the difficulties. Extension worker is able to understand the problems and provide proper guidance to the farmers and thus, they are able to receive proper information.

  6. Principle of trained specialists–It is very difficult that extension personnel should be knowledgeable about all problems. Therefore, it is necessary that specialists should impart training to the farmers from time to time.

  7. Adaptability principles in use of extension teaching methods–Extension worker should have knowledge of extension methods so that they can select proper method according to the condition. Teaching methods should be flexible so that they can be properly applied on people according to then age groups, educational background, economic standard and gender. In extension education two or more methods should be applied according to principle of adaptability.

  8. Principle of leadership–The participation or inclusion of local leaders in extension programmes is the only criteria for assessing the success or failure of any extension work. Local leader is the best medium for dissemination of new ideas in rural area. According to Ensminger. “No Extension worker can be successful till he receives the cooperation of local leader of the village.” It is very necessary for extension worker to select the proper leader. By selecting a proper leader, extension worker’s half work is considered to be done as such, proper precautions should be undertaken to choose the leader.

  9. Principle of whole familyIn Extension Education, principle of whole family is of utmost importance. Family is a part of the community, so there should be development of each member of the family and extension education should be for each and every member of the family, i.e., boys, girls, male and female, and then only success can be achieved.

  10. Principle of satisfactionIf people are not interested in extension work then there is no possibility that extension work can be carried on for a long time. In a democratic structure/set-up people cannot be run in a mechanized way. They should derive full satisfaction from extension work. Extension worker should give priority to those work in which there is scope for immediate benefits. Primary satisfaction is very helpful for the future of extension work.

  11. Principle of evaluation–It is necessary to evaluate the extension work after a certain period so that merits and demerits of extension work can come to light and necessary changes be brought about. Evaluation generates confidence in people.

  12. Principle of neutrality–Extension worker should never take interest in local politics. If he will not behave in this manner then lots of difficulties in extension work will arise. Therefore, remaining neutral is more beneficial. Extension worker should never express his special affection or hatred towards any person.

  13. Principle of encouragement–In extension work, principles of encouragement have great importance. Under pressure no work can be done in extension programme, for this active workers in this field should be encouraged so that they participate and enthusiastically remain active.

Principles of extension in brief

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Last modified: Tuesday, 1 November 2011, 10:33 AM