INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNOLOGY 3(2+1)

Lesson 4 : Teaching And Learning In Home Science Extension

Steps in Extension Teaching

To bring the desired changes in the behaviour of people, the extension teacher should organize activities so that there will be repetition of the desired behaviour, each successive repetition building on the one before it. This conscious attention to organization of teaching activities in a sequence greatly increases the efficiency of learning. This is the advantage of an educational programme over incidental and occasional exposure to learning.

Extension teaching is a planned and deliberate act on the part of the extension agent. The extension agent has to move step by step in a scientific and logical way to impart training to the clients who are farmers, farm women and rural youth. The role of the extension agent is that of a facilitator and motivator. These are some steps which are basis to extension teaching.

The extension teacher therefore plans and arranges situations and activities whereby the thing to be learned is called to the attention of the prospective learner, his interest developed, desire aroused, conviction created, action promoted and satisfaction ensured.

1. Attention: The first step in extension teaching is to make the people aware of new ideas and practices. The people must first know that a new idea, practice or object exists. This is the starting point for change. Until the individual’s attention have been focused on the change that is considered desirable, there is no recognition of a problem to be solved or a want to be satisfied.

Mass methods like radio, television, exhibition etc., and personal contact by the extension agent, contact through local leaders is important at this stage.

2. Interest: Once the people have come to know of the new idea, the next step is to stimulate their interest. This may be done by furnishing them more information about the topic in a way they will be able to understand and use.

It is necessary to present one idea at a time relevant to their needs. Personal contact by the extension agent, contact through local leaders, farm publications, radio, television etc., are important at this stage.

3. Desire: It means un-freezing the existing behaviour and motivating the people for change. At this stage it is necessary to emphasize on the advantages of the new idea or practice.

Visit to demonstrations, farm publications, personal contact by the extension agent, group discussion etc. are important at this stage.

4. Conviction: It is a stage of strong persuasion so as to convince the people about the applicability of the new idea or practice in their own situation and that it would e beneficial for them. The people are furnished with adequate information about the idea and how it works.

Field day or farmer’s day, slide show, personal contact by the extension agent and training are important at this stage.

5. Action: This is the stage of putting the idea or practice into operation. Small scale demonstration with supply of critical inputs may be set up in real life situation of the individual who come forward. This provides the opportunity of direct experience on the part of the learners. At this stage it is necessary to collect evidence of change such as change in yield, income, employment, behaviour etc.,

Demonstration, personal contact by the extension agent, supply of critical inputs and ensuring essential services are important at the stage.

6. Satisfaction: To produce lasting change, the extension efforts should produce satisfying results. Satisfaction may come from high yield, more income, and better health etc., Satisfaction reinforces learning and develops confidence, which generates motivation for further change.

To sustain the changed behaviour, it is necessary to furnish new and relevant information about the practice on a continued basis, till change in the practice itself is felt necessary.

Use of mass media, local leaders and persons contact by the extension agent are important at this stage. Availability of critical inputs and essential services are also to be ensured.