(Image source, Wendy Brooks, 2016)
Action Learning is a theory and process developed by Professor Reg Revans (Revans, 1982). It is an excellent tool and process for Extension Professionals to facilitate groups (Action Learning “sets”) to tackle key problems or tasks that are complex in nature and don’t already have a solution. “Action […]
Ice breakers are an important component of group extension. They help build rapport, establish some common ground and make group members feel comfortable. They can be used to:
Effectively introduce a facilitator
Introduce and set the tone for an activity
Introduce people to each other
Set the scene for the day
“Warm up” participants
Break down barriers
Help […]
(Image source, Rod Baxter)
The nominal group technique is a group extension process that can be used to generate outcomes and facilitate decision making around ideas, issues or problems, by a group. The process is excellent for getting out individual group members thoughts and ideas, without the risk of them feeling over […]
Image source: The Peak Performance Center
Mind mapping is a useful and simple tool for brainstorming a concept or issue as an individual or with a group. As a group extension tool, it is great for getting out all thoughts and ideas around a subject area and then developing linkages and […]
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 […]
