Abstract

A universal goal of extension agents is the attainment of voluntary behavioural changes in clients. Behaviour change occurs through the process of learning new skills. There are two distinct components to learning; grasping information through conceptualisation or experience, and: transformation of information into knowledge, through reflection or experimentation. Individual clients can be grouped into one of four distinct learning styles depending on the way they grasp information and transform it into knowledge. This paper draws upon findings from a pilot study to estimate cognitive changes occurring in a group farm monitoring programme. The results indentified learning preference and belief differences between expert and farmer roles within the group. It is suggested extension agents can target specific behaviour changes in client's by implementing strategies that use learning preference and belief data. Furthermore, it is proposed researchers can enhance levels of technology adoption by presenting research outputs using communication methods compatible with target clients' preferred learning styles.

NA, Thomson, and ML Barnes

Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production, Volume 53, , 69-72, 1993