Communication in Extension : A Teaching and Learning Guide

Contents: 1. Orientation, self introductions, and learning environment. 2. Teaching that enhances learning. 3. Conforming to how our brain functions. 4. Written communication. 5. Writing skill development. 6. Delivering speeches. 7. Visual communication. 8. A five to seven minute teaching presentation. 9. Social action processes. 10. Course project. 11. Conference and meeting management. 12. Rapid rural appraisal. 13. Data collection, synthesis and analysis. 14. Final strategy presentations and papers. Appendices. References.

"The effectiveness of an extension service relies on the knowledge and communication skills of the field staff. The front-line staff lead discussions with farmers in order to help them identify their own problems and, ultimately, to inform them on and train them in the available solutions. An innovative technology that is clearly explained and introduced will have a greater opportunity of being adopted. Communication in extension plays an important role in technology transfer, whereas many field extension workers are poorly trained in this particular area as well as in the development of educational materials. This publication was prepared as a teaching and learning guide to be used in the pre-service and in-service education of extension staff, community development workers and all those who work and serve in rural communities. It can be considered as an "extension methodology tool-box" to train extension field staff in their work at the village level."