Concept of Teaching

• Teaching is the deliberate arrangement of learning situations to produce a desirable change in behavior or knowledge.
• It is a process, an art, and a science involving communication between a teacher (extension agent) and learner (farmer/adult learner).
• In extension, teaching is non-formal and often individual or group-centered.

Definition: “Teaching is the process of arranging situations to induce desirable behavior change in learners.” – Leagans (1961)

🔶 Concept of Learning

• Learning is a relatively permanent change in behavior or knowledge due to experience.
• It can be intentional or incidental, formal or informal.
• Learning occurs when stimulus-response bonds are formed, strengthened, or modified.

Definition: “Learning is a process which brings about a change in the individual’s behavior through experience and training.” – Crow and Crow

🔶 Difference between Teaching and Learning

🔶 Elements of Teaching–Learning Process

According to Leagans (1961) and further adapted in Extension Education, the elements include:

1. Learner (Student/Farmer/Clientele)

• Central focus of the learning process.
• Should be motivated, need-based, and capable of applying knowledge.

2. Teacher (Extension Agent)

• Facilitator of learning, not just knowledge provider.
• Must understand learners’ needs, psychology, and context.

3. Content (Subject Matter)

• Must be relevant, timely, and applicable to learners’ problems.
• Should be simple, understandable, and adaptable.

4. Teaching Materials and Methods

• Tools: Charts, models, slides, videos, field demonstrations.
• Methods: Lecture, group discussion, method demonstration, field visit, etc.

5. Teaching Situation/Environment

• Refers to the physical, psychological, and social setup.
• Includes venue, climate, social norms, time, etc.

6. Evaluation

• Measures the effectiveness of teaching.
• Determines whether learning objectives were achieved.

7. Feedback and Reinforcement

• Helps learners adjust their responses.
• Reinforcement (positive or negative) strengthens learning.

Summary Table

Teaching and Learning Concepts

• Teaching: Arranging situations to promote learning
• Learning: Behavioral change through effort
• Definition: Enduring change due to stimulus
• “To do, By doing, For doing”: Goal of learning
• Learning is fastest when focused on one sense
• Learning curve: S-shaped
• Latent learning: Appears when a reward is present
• Self-motivation is the strongest form
• “Learning the rope”: Role of socialization
• Simulation and design enhance experiential learning

Key Concepts in Extension Education

• Extension is education – Ensminger (1957)
• Education is an applied science – Paul Leagans
• Extension = Out-of-school education – National Commission on Agriculture
• Extension teaching is planned and deliberate
• Focus: Farmers and their families
• Fundamental objective: Development of the individual
• Ultimate objective: Help people realize their full potential
• Instrument: Communication
• Logic used: Inductive reasoning
• Extension workers: Teacher, guide, professional leader
• Leadership development is an important means in extension

Theories, Models & Contributors