Steps in Extension Teaching

Steps in Extension Teaching

Extension teaching is a planned and deliberate act on the part of the extension worker. The extension worker has to move step by step in a scientific and logical way to impact training to the clients who are farmers, farm women and rural youth. The role of the extension worker is that of a facilitator and motivator. Though details of the procedure may vary from situation to situation.

There are some steps which are basic to extension teaching. These are presented following by Wilson and Gallup (1955).

FIG. Steps in Extension Teaching

1. Attention:

The first step in extension teaching is to make the people aware of the 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 desired, 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 workers, contact through Local Leaders are important at this stage.

2. Interest:

Once the people have come to know of the new idea, the new 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 worker, 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 worker, 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 be beneficial for them. The people are furnished with adequate information about the idea and how it works. Field day or Field Visit, Slide Show, personal Contact by the Extension worker and Trainings are important at this stage.

5. Action:

This is the stage of the idea or practice into operation. Small scale demonstration with supply of critical inputs may be set up in real life situation of the individuals 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 etc.

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

6. Satisfaction:

To produce lasting change, the extension efforts should produce satisfying results. Satisfaction may come from high yield, more income, 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 the continued basis till change in the practice itself is felt necessary.

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

The steps in Extension Teaching are to be synchronized with the innovation-decision process of the learners. The teaching methods and aids mentioned here are by way of example.