Factors To Be Considered In Selection Of Extension Methods
INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNOLOGY 3(2+1)
Lesson 17 : Selection Of Extension Methods
Factors To Be Considered In Selection Of Extension Methods
No single ‘’rule-of-thumb’’ can be given for the selection and use of the various extension methods to ensure success in all situations. However, some guiding principles will be helpful in general.
Basically the individual contact methods furnish the most direct opportunities for influencing people effectively. All the other methods of group and mass procedures are dilutions or compromises created by the presence of necessity. We must reach more people, teach them more often and keep down the cost per contact. In order to get most effective results, the extension worker should
Select the appropriate methods
Have a suitable combination of the selected methods
Use them in proper sequence, so as to have repetition in a variety of ways
The audience
Individual and collective differences:
People vary greatly in their
Knowledge, Attitude, Skill
Position in Diffusion and adoption
Educational training, age, income level, social status, religious beliefs
Some are ‘’eye-minded’’ while other are ‘’ear – minded’’. These individual and collective differences influence the teaching approach.
Ex: people with little or no education and low income may respond to personal visits and result demonstration
People with better education may respond to group meetings and discussion, exhibitions and written materials.
Size of Audience:
Group Discussion cannot be used effectively for more than 30 participants
Nature of change aimed at i.e., is it thinking/ attitude/ action
Arrive at consensus of opinion- arrange Group Discussion
The Subject matter
What is being taught may be relatively simple or extremely complex. It may be familiar or strange. The change sought may involve a new skill or a new concept, when the new practice is simple to those already being followed. News stories, radio and circular letter will be effective, whereas complex or unfamiliar practices will require face to face contacts and written materials. In the early stage of development of extension work in an area result demonstration, farm and home visit and method demonstrations will be useful. For teaching manual skill, method demonstration is useful and for critical thinking, discussion, meeting is useful. For public acceptance of a practice or programme, use of local leader is useful.
If the new practice is simple or familiar then news article, radio are more effective.
For complex practices face to face contacts, written materials and Audio visual aids are more effective.
Stage of Development of Extension Organization
If it is initial stages of extension, result demonstration is necessary to gain Confidence
Size of Extension Staff
It is in relation to Extension clientele - the larger the number of extension Workers, the greater the scope for direct or personal contact method.
Participants