Meaning & Origin of Extension

• The word “Extension” is derived from Latin: ‘Ex’ = out, ‘Tensio’ = stretching.
• Extension means stretching education beyond the classroom to rural people.
• It is a type of education for out-of-school rural population.
• Extension is a two-way communication and learning process.
• Education is the core of extension—to bring about desired change in rural people.
• The term “Extension” was first used in the USA.
• The term “Extension Education“ was first used in the UK.
• Cambridge University (1873) first used “extension education” for off-campus education.
• Objectives: To transfer knowledge, develop skills, and change attitudes of people.

Historical Background of Extension

• Cambridge University (1873): First to introduce university extension programs. Oxford University (1876) and London University (1878) followed.
• Famine Commission Report (1880): First official focus on agricultural education in India.
• Hatch Act (1887, USA): Set up Agricultural Experiment Stations.
• Smith-Lever Act (1914, USA): Initiated Cooperative Extension System.
• First State Department of Agriculture was established in 1905 in Madras.

Types of Education (Coombs & Ahmed, 1974)

Extension = Non-formal Education.  If both formal & non-formal are in options, choose both. If only one option is correct, select “Non-formal”.

Key Features of Extension Education

• It is out-of-school, participatory, and flexible in nature.
• Focuses on learning by doing and solving real-life rural problems.
• Encourages voluntary participation and practical learning.
• Bridges the gap between research stations and farmers.
• Uses horizontal teaching methods—peer to peer, farmer to farmer.
• Extension education is an Applied Behavioral Science (to change KAP: Knowledge, Attitude, Practice).

Differences: Formal vs Extension Education 

Agricultural Extension: Definition & Role

• Agricultural Extension is the application of scientific research and knowledge to rural practices through farmer education.
• It acts as a communication bridge between scientists and farmers.
• Purpose: Change in behavior and practice of rural people.
• It empowers rural communities by teaching improved agricultural practices.
• It contributes to food security, sustainability, and rural upliftment.

Philosophy of Extension Education

• Philosophy means the pursuit of wisdom and general principles of knowledge.
• According to Kelsey & Hearne (1967), the basic philosophy of extension is to teach people how to think, not what to think.
• Extension philosophy is forward-looking and democratic.

Functions of Extension; Main function: Bring about desirable changes in behavior through education.

Principles of Extension Education

Major Programmes in Adult Education

1. NAEP (National Adult Education Programme) – Launched: 2nd Oct 1978. Target: Literacy for 15–35 age group
2. RFLP (Rural Functional Literacy Programme) Involves NSS and student volunteers. Based on: “Each One Teach One”
3. NLM (National Literacy Mission) – Launched: 5th May 1988. Goal: Make 80 million people literate (age 15–35) by 1995 Focus: Functional literacy with life and livelihood relevance

Cone of Experience by Edgar Dale (Modified by Sheal, 1989)

• Visual model showing relationship between learning activities and participant involvement.
• Learning retention rates:
  • 📖 10% of what we read
  • 👀 30% of what we see
  • 👂👀 50% of what we hear and see
  • 🗣️ 70% of what we say
  • 🗣️👷 90% of what we say and do
• Practical implication: Demonstration and participation-based methods are most effective in extension.

Revision of important Points

• The word “Extension” is derived from which Latin words? Ex = out, Tensio = stretching
• Extension means stretching education to which population? Out-of-school rural population
• The term “Extension” was first used in which country? USA
• The term “Extension Education” was first used in which country? UK
• Which university first used “Extension Education”? Cambridge University, 1873
• First Agricultural Experiment Stations were set up under which Act? Hatch Act, 1887 (USA)
• Cooperative Extension System in the USA was initiated by which Act?  Smith-Lever Act, 1914
• Extension education is considered what type of education? Non-formal education
• If both formal and non-formal options are available, what should be selected? Both
• Extension education is a type of: Applied Behavioral Science
• Extension education bridges the gap between: Research stations and farmers
• Teaching method used in extension is: Horizontal (peer-level)
• Learning is compulsory in which education type? Formal Education
• Teaching in extension is: Farmer-centric
• Agricultural Extension is a bridge between: Scientists and farmers
• The basic objective of agricultural extension is: Behavioural change
• “Teach people how to think, not what to think” — who said this? Kelsey & Hearne (1967)
• Core function of extension education is: To bring about desirable change in behavior
• A change in confidence indicates what? Self-reliance
• Extension program should start from local situation — which principle? Grassroot Principle
• The term Andragogy is coined by: Alexander Kapp
• “Each one teach one” principle is used in which programme? RFLP (Rural Functional Literacy Programme)
• Principle that relates learning to farmer’s previous experience? Principle of Association
• Principle promoting unlearning of wrong practices?
• According to Dale’s Cone, people remember 90% of what they:  Say and do
• Most effective method in extension education based on Dale’s model? Demonstration & Participation