Extension agents can perform more effectively through an appreciation
of individual learning styles
M.P. Paine
AgResearch, Whatawhata Research Centre, Private Bag 3089,
Hamilton, New Zealand
Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production. 1993,
53: 115-120
A universal goal of extension agents is the attainment of voluntary
behavioural changes in clients. Behaviour change occurs through the process
of learning new skills. There are two distinct components to learning;
grasping information through conceptualisation or experience, and:
transformation of information into knowledge, through reflection or
experimentation. Individual clients can be grouped into one of four distinct
learning styles depending on the way they grasp information and transform it
into knowledge. This paper draws upon findings from a pilot study to
estimate cognitive changes occurring in a group farm monitoring programme.
The results indentified learning preference and belief differences between
expert and farmer roles within the group. It is suggested extension agents can
target specific behaviour changes in client's by implementing strategies that
use learning preference and belief data. Furthermore, it is proposed
researchers can enhance levels of technology adoption by presenting research
outputs using communication methods compatible with target clients'
preferred learning styles.
Keywords: NZSAPAB;
Monitoring; behaviour; individual; learning; beliefs.
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Last Updated 25-01-1997
