Designing Training Curriculum

• A training curriculum is a structured plan that outlines what will be taught, how it will be taught, and how outcomes will be measured. It ensures systematic skill-building and knowledge transfer.

Steps in Designing Training Curriculum:

• Training Need Assessment (TNA): Identify gaps in knowledge, skills, and attitudes of participants. Example: Farmers need training on drip irrigation because of low water-use efficiency.
• Defining Training Objectives: Objectives should be SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound). Example: “By the end of the training, farmers should be able to operate and maintain drip irrigation systems.”
• Content Selection & Sequencing: Choose relevant topics and arrange them logically (from simple → complex). Example: Basics of irrigation → Components of drip system → Operation → Maintenance → Cost-benefit analysis.
• Training Methods/Strategies: Select appropriate methods (lectures, demonstrations, field visits, group discussions).
• Resource Planning: Identify trainers, materials, training aids, and venues.
• Implementation: Deliver the training using the chosen methods and strategies.
• Evaluation & Feedback: Assess the effectiveness through pre- and post-tests, participant feedback, and field performance.

1. Academic Strategy in Training

Concept

• Academic strategy is a training approach based on knowledge and theory.
• It emphasizes the cognitive domain (knowledge, understanding, analysis, evaluation).
• Learners are mostly passive recipients of information (teacher-centered).

Objectives

1. To provide theoretical knowledge about subject matter.
2. To build conceptual clarity before moving to practical application.
3. To train participants in critical thinking and problem-solving through discussions.
4. To prepare learners for further skill development via laboratory or field strategies.

Features

• Information-oriented – knowledge transfer is the main focus.
• Uses structured methods such as lectures, seminars, group discussions.
• Suitable for large groups of learners.
• Low cost and easy to organize compared to laboratory/field training.

Methods Used in Academic Strategy

• Lectures (traditional classroom teaching).
• Group discussion (exchange of views).
• Panel discussion (experts’ interaction).
• Symposia, seminars, workshops (academic forums).
• Case studies (problem analysis).
• Conference/colloquium (research-oriented discussion).

Examples in Agricultural Extension

• Lecture on principles of extension education.
• Seminar on climate-smart agriculture.
• Group discussion on farmers’ problems in adopting technology.
• Case study on success/failure of watershed management program.
• Symposium on organic farming prospects in India.

Advantages

• Covers a wide range of topics in short time.
• Economical – does not need costly infrastructure.
• Useful for large groups of trainees.
• Good for beginners who need conceptual foundation.

2. Laboratory Strategy in Training

Concept

• Laboratory strategy is a training approach based on “learning by doing”.
• It provides a controlled environment where trainees can experiment, practice, and gain hands-on experience before applying skills in real-life situations.
• Focuses mainly on the psychomotor (skills) domain, but also reinforces knowledge and attitudes.

Objectives

1. To help learners acquire practical skills with confidence.
2. To minimize risks while practicing (safe environment).
3. To make trainees active participants rather than passive listeners.
4. To bridge the gap between theory (academic strategy) and field application.

Features

• Safe space for trial and error – mistakes can be corrected without major consequences.
• Experiential learning – active engagement with materials/equipment.
• Immediate feedback – trainer can guide learners during the process.
• Transferability – skills gained in the lab are applied later in field settings.

Methods Used in Laboratory Strategy

• Demonstrations
• Simulations (e.g., farm business management games)
• Role-play and mock exercises
• Experiments (soil/water/seed testing)
• Practical workshops (grafting, compost preparation, vermiculture)

Examples in Agricultural Extension

• Training farmers on soil testing using soil testing kits.
• Hands-on training in bio-fertilizer preparation.
• Mock farm radio programme recording for extension communication skills.
• Simulation games on marketing of agricultural produce.
• Practical sessions on pesticide formulation and safety measures.