Evaluation and Impact of a Reflective Training Process for Rural Extension Agents

Autor/inn/en	Landini, Fernando; Brites, Walter
Titel	Evaluation and Impact of a Reflective Training Process for Rural Extension Agents
Quelle	In: Journal of Agricultural Education and Extension, 24 (2018) 5, S.457-472 (16 Seiten) PDF als Volltext Verfügbarkeit
Zusatzinformation	ORCID (Landini, Fernando)
Sprache	englisch
Dokumenttyp	gedruckt; online; Zeitschriftenaufsatz
ISSN	1389-224X
DOI	10.1080/1389224X.2018.1500922
Schlagwörter	Rural Extension; Extension Agents; Reflection; Training Methods; Instructional Effectiveness; Foreign Countries; Cooperation; Coordination; Theory Practice Relationship; Sharing Behavior; Workshops; Argentina + Suchen Sie Ihr Suchwort? Didaktik; Trainingsmaßnahme; Unterrichtserfolg; Ausland; Co-operation; Kooperation; Koordination; Theorie-Praxis-Beziehung; Lernwerkstatt; Schulung; Argentinien
Abstract	Purpose: This article assesses a non-traditional training methodology for extension agents, focused on the exchange of experiences among peers and the reflection on practice, with the aim of exploring its potential as a training strategy. Design/Methodology/approach: A quali-quantitative investigation was conducted, which included interviews with extension agents, the use of different questionnaires, and recordings of the evaluation sessions carried out during each workshop. Findings: This research allowed us to understand the importance of effective group coordination, a participatory climate, working in small groups, and the feedback loop between theory and practice for processes of experience sharing and reflection on practice. Some of the positive effects of the training observed were that extension agents acquired new knowledge and methodologies, reflected critically upon their practice, and put into question their own extension approach. Practical Implications: Given its potentialities, implementing training processes focused on experience sharing and reflection on practice for rural extension workers, seems advisable. Theoretical Implications: This article contributes to the understanding of how experience sharing and reflection on practice can generate transformations in rural extension agents' approaches and positioning. Originality/Value: This study systematically assesses the impacts that training has on extension workers, as well as the underlying processes that made it possible to generate them. (As Provided).
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Erfasst von	ERIC (Education Resources Information Center), Washington, DC
Update	2020/1/01