UNIT 4 EXTENSION TEACHING METHODS Definition Extension teaching methods are the teaching devices used by the extension workers in diffusion and adoption of information.

1. Extension Teaching Methods.. Definition… Devices used to create situation in which communication can take place between the instructor and the learner. Basic and proven devices for approaching, working with, encouraging, and influencing the rural people to accept and adopt the recommended change or practice.

1. Extension Teaching Methods Teaching methods in both formal and nonformal education are becoming very hightech. Advance in IT has direct bearing in extension education. Anyone can retrieve information by entering into the information superhighway i.e. cyberspace.

1. Extension Teaching Methods Information are available in finger tips. Developed countries are already using computer and satellite programs in extension teaching methods. Underdeveloped countries are still using traditional methods.

2. Selection of Appropriate Teaching Methods in Forestry Extension. Extension education differs from class room instruction. It comes directly out of the needs and interest of the people. Participation is voluntary, follows no pattern or curriculum.

2. Selection of Appropriate Teaching Methods in Forestry Extension… Learners vary in age, education level, and living standard. Differences in cultural backgrounds, ethnicity, and value sets may prevail. Quality of the extension education is greatly influenced by the effectiveness of the extension teaching methods employed and the content of the material used.

2. Selection of Appropriate Teaching Methods in Forestry Extension… People learn by different ways, some by listening, some by seeing, and some through discussion. Extension workers can select many methods. Methods vary in their relative effectiveness. Some are more effective than others. Effectiveness varies with the variation in size of learners, heterogeneity and homogeneity of the group, and situation to situation of the event.

TEACHING METHODS IN EXTENSION EDUCATION Extension teaching methods have been classified in various ways. Wilson and Gallup classified various methods according to USE (and nature of contacts) and according to FORMS. Classification according to A. USE AND NATURE OF CONTACTS 1. Individual approach/contacts 2. Group approach/contacts 3. Mass approach/contacts

Individual approach/contacts What it is ? : It is a face to face contact method. Helps to identify needs and interest of the villagers. Most effective. Tools used : Farm and home visit, telephone calls, personal letters, electronic mails, result demonstrations. Advantages /Disadv: Provides first hand information about problem and activities, establishes confidence in the worker, develops goodwill, helps in selection of good leader, and stimulates interests/ time consuming, expensive.

Group approach/contacts What it is ? Extension workers can reach more people at a time, aimed at a particular reference group, involve face to face contact. Tools used : Group meetings, demonstrations, discussion meetings, lectures, seminars, symposium and workshops, panels, study and observation tours, e-mail etc. Adv/Disadv : Cost effective than individual approach, more people can be served at a time/ less effective than individual approach.

Mass approach/contacts What it is ? Same message can be given to many people, large audience can be served at a time, aimed at general clientele population, no personal contacts Tools used : Radio, television, films, audio cassettes, posters, pamphlets, newsletters, leaflets, newspapers, bulletins, computers, drama and exhibitions. Adv/Disadv : Message reaches to public quickly, Cost effective/ No individual contact, no feedback, individual need and interest is not catered.

Classification according to B. FORM AND USE OF TEACHING AIDS: Written/ Published Bulletin, newsletters, personal letters, leaflets, circular letters. 2. Spoken Farm and home visits, official calls, meetings, telephone calls, radio. 3. Visual demonstrations, charts & slides, posters, motion pictures, exhibits.

Integrated Approach in Extension Unlike in formal education, extension education has to deal with wide range of learners. They differ in age, level of experience, level of education, social norms, personal values, economic status, etc. Therefore, the perception and understanding varies from individual to individual.

Integrated Approach in Extension Individual learner has his own style of learning. Some by doing, some by reading, some by group discussion and so on. In order to increase the learning efficiency of the learners, it is advised to integrate various approaches or methods of extension education.