Extension Methodology

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Extension Methodology

• New Mexico State University
• IAER Project July 2007

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Part III - Characteristics, Duties, and
Qualifications of Extension Educators
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Qualifications

• It is desirable that all extension educators
  (local and specialists) meet a minimum set of
  qualifications including
• Background and experience
• Background similar to those being served
• Teaching experience
• Experience working with the public in a related
  field
• Training
• Appropriate educational attainment from an
  institution of recognized standing
• Special courses in extension work

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Characteristics
Scholars have identified the following list of
desirable characteristics of all extension
educators

• Teaching ability
• Ability to plan
• Cooperative with others
• Clear and sympathetic thinking
• Sympathetic attitude towards associates
• Effective speaking and writing
• Interest in people
• Enthusiasm
• Reliability

• Vision
• Leadership
• Initiative
• Dependability
• Integrity
• Courage
• Judgment
• Perseverance
• Tact
• Resourcefulness
• Power of expression

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Duties of Local Extension Educators

• Local extension workers are the largest and most
  important group in extension work.
• They carry out these main functions
• As teachers they help people discover and
  understand their problems. They acquaint them
  with possible solutions and encourage their
  adoption
• As organizers they help people to understand how
  group action may improve the situation
• As leaders they are alert to situations affecting
  the welfare of people and help them to find
  solutions to problems arising from the situations
• They cooperate with representatives of other
  agencies and groups whose programs are in the
  interest of the community
• They act as local representatives of their
  extension system

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Duties of Local Extension Educators cont.

• In order to complete their functions they must be
  prepared to perform the following duties
• Act as official representative of the sponsoring
  institution
• Study the locality and its people to ascertain
  its problems and possibilities
• Develop and maintain a local organizational
  structure
• Develop educational programs based on the major
  problems and needs of the community (with input
  of the people)
• Develop leadership within themselves and others
• Assist, collaborate, and network with other
  organizations within the community that have
  similar objectives
• Maintain a public office were clientele can call
  or visit for assistance
• Keep current professionally through staff
  development
• Supply the community with research-based
  information through various media
• Regularly seek to assist underserved clientele
• Conduct evaluations of extension programs which
  includes reporting to stakeholders
• Assist with local youth development programs (if
  not main duties)

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Duties of Subject Matter Specialists

• Broad groups of functions that are performed by
  subject matter specialists include
• Preparation of subject matter literature
• Planning
• Training in teaching
• Field research

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Duties of Subject Matter Specialists cont.

• In order to complete their functions they must be
  prepared to perform the following duties
• Train local extension workers
• Provide local extension educators up-to-date
  information through use of literature and
  technology
• Assist local extension educators in effective use
  of teaching methods
• Train local extension educators in the use of
  technology
• Serve as interpreters and disseminators of
  information produced by academic research
  departments
• Stay up-to-date with the latest developments in
  their field
• Perform applicable field research and
  demonstrations
• Conduct direct teaching of local clientele in
  such a manner to strengthen the position of the
  local educator