Elicitation of Prior Knowledge: A Vital First Step for Engaging Pupils in Training

The paper emphasizes the importance of understanding the prior knowledge of trainees as a pre-requisite for designing an effective training programme. Data on prior knowledge of trainees and their attitude towards extension services were elicited from 153 extension service providers (ESPs) of varied disciplines using a semi-structured interview schedule. The interview focussed on the extension advisory services and the agriculture extension policy in India. The results show that ESPs carried misconceptions and stereotyped opinions towards various aspects of the extension system. An effort was done by the researcher to address the popular misconceptions, debunk myths with truth and persuading the trainees towards delivering effective extension services well within the recommended resource availability.