Principles of Learning

Learning in extension is purposeful, active, and experiential. The following principles guide effective learning for rural people and farmers:

1. Principle of Self-Activity

• Learning is active, not passive.
• Learners retain knowledge better by doing.
• Example: When farmers conduct demonstrations in their own fields, they learn more effectively.

2. Principle of Association

• Learning is easier when new information is associated with previous knowledge.
• Example: If a farmer benefits from nitrogen fertilizer, they will be open to using balanced fertilizers with P and K.

3. Principle of Transfer

• What is learned in one situation can be applied in another.
• Example: A technique in water management for one crop can be applied to another crop.

4. Principle of Disassociation

• Unlearning of undesirable behaviors is essential.
• Example: Discouraging chemical fertilizers and promoting organic farming

5. Principle of Readiness

• Learning is most effective when learners are ready and willing.
• Example: A motivated farmer is more likely to form or join a cooperative society.

6. Principle of Attitude Set

• Positive attitude facilitates adoption of innovations.
• Example: A favorable attitude toward scientific animal treatment encourages better livestock care.

7. Principle of Practice

• Repetition is necessary to attain mastery.
• Example: To use a knapsack sprayer efficiently, a farmer must practice multiple times.

8. Principle of Motivation

• Learning requires stimulus or drive.
• Example: Successful tree planting encourages tribal farmers to plant more trees.

9. Principle of Timing

• Learning is effective when it is timely and relevant.
• Example: Farmers are more receptive to plant protection training when insects have appeared in their crops.

10. Principle of Clarity of Objectives

• Learning is more efficient when objectives are clear.
• Example: Farmers who understand that loans are for crop production use them accordingly.

11. Principle of Cooperation

• Learning is enhanced when villagers and extension agents
• Example: Community-level involvement in a village development program.

12. Principle of Satisfyingness

• Learning is reinforced by a satisfying experience.
• Example: Positive outcomes from composting or biofertilizers reinforce eco-friendly practices.

Edgar Dale’s Cone of Experience

• Developed by: Edgar Dale in 1946, modified by Sheal (1989).
• It visually represents the levels of abstraction in learning experiences.
• The more direct and participatory the experience, the greater the retention.

Cone Levels and Retention Rates: