SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats) analysis can be used in assessment and planning in any situation where there is a desired outcome or objective. Through the process you review your current strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats in respect to achieving the desired objectives. It can be used to review […]
The Australasia-Pacific Extension Network (APEN) is the premier professional organisation for extension workers and those interested in extension in the Australasia-Pacific region.
Four hundred Extension Professionals are part of the network and the APEN website is here www.apen.org.au
APEN provides a range of networking and professional development opportunities for Extension Professionals. They […]
Presenting well requires a set of skills and as such can be learned and continuously improved. This article provides key tips for designing and delivering effective presentations. It is designed to assist you with planning for and delivering presentations.
Preparing for success
Firstly, set clear objectives or learning outcomes for the audience you are […]
Peter Honey and Alan Mumford recommend that to maximise personal learning, each learner ought to understand their own learning style and seek out opportunities to learn in their learning style. But they should also develop their learning capacity in other styles to become a more well-rounded learner. This increases versatility […]
It is useful for Extension Professionals to consider Pareto’s Principle when planning and implementing extensions projects. Pareto’s Principle is often simplified to the 80/20 observation. It can be used to prioritise actions that will have the greatest effect.
Knowing that equal amounts of effort or inputs will not generate the same […]
Extension is the practice of transferring information, knowledge or skills that can assist individuals, families, communities, organisations or businesses achieve improved economic, social and environmental outcomes and create positive change. This article provides a brief history of Extension in Australia.
Agricultural extension is as old as the domestication of plants and […]
David Kolb synthesised three models to develop key characteristics of experiential learning.
1) The Lewinian Model
2) The Dewey Model, and
3) The Piaget Model
The Lewinian Model of Action Research and Laboratory Training believes learning is an integrated process involving a feedback loop amongst concrete experiences, observations and reflections, formation of abstract concepts […]
Developed in the 1980s-1990s, Niels Roling argues for sustainable agricultural development practice (RD&E) to involve farmers in the R&D process as collaborators and driving the RD&E agenda, rather than simply being the end-users (i.e. A shift from a directive approach to participatory extension). Otherwise, Roling believed, there will be little change […]
The Balanced Scorecard (BSC) process can align operational activities with an organisation’s vision, improve internal and external communications, and monitor organisation performance against strategic goals. It is best considered a value-based strategic planning and management tool that can assist extension professionals and their client’s best consider what areas a business […]
The concept of Continuous Business Improvement (CBI) in a project setting is a structured and methodical process for developing profitable farm businesses. It draws on innovations in business and relationships with people. Its single most distinguishing feature is the in-built phase of reflection.
CBI in projects provides information on design and evaluation. […]
