Meaning of Extension Education

Meaning of Extension Education

 The word ‘Extension’ is derived from the Latin roots, ‘tensio’ meaning stretching

and 'ex' meaning out. Extension education means that type of education which is

stretched out into the villages and fields beyond the limits of the schools and

colleges to which the formal type of education is normally confined.

 That the word extension came to be used in this sense originally in USA is evident

from the meaning given to it in “Webster’s Dictionary” as a “branch of a

University for students who cannot attend the University proper.

 In other words, the word ‘Extension’ used in this context signifies an out –of –

school system of education. And the word extension is commonly to understand

and “to extend” the new ideas, practices.

Definitions

Definitions

 Extension education is an applied science consisting of content derived from

research, accumulated field experiences and relevant principles drawn from the

behavioural science synthesised with useful technology into a body of philosophy,

principles, content and methods focussed on the problems of out of school

education for adults and youths (J.P. Leagans (1961)).

 Extension work is an out of school system of education in which adult and young

people learn by doing. It is partnership between the government and the people,

which provides service and education designed to meet the people. Its fundamental

objective is the development of the people (Kelsey and Harne (1963)).

 Extension is a programme and a process of helping village people to help

themselves, increase their production and to raise their general standard of living

(D. Ensminger (1961))

 We can define extension as the increased dissemination of useful knowledge for

improving rural life (H.W. Butt (1961)).

 Extension is a two – way channel; it brings scientific information to the village

people and also takes the problems of the village people to the scientific institutions

for solution, it is a continuous educational process, in which both learner and

teacher contribute and receive (B. Rambhai (1958)).

 Extension education is defined as an educational process to provide knowledge to

the rural people about the improved practices in a convincing manner and help

them to take decision within their specific local conditions (O.P. Dahama (1973)).

 Agricultural extension is a professional methods of non –formal education aimed at

inducing behavioural changes in the farmers for increasing their income through

increased production and productivity by establishing firm linkages with research

for solving farmer’s problems ensuring adequate and timely supply of inputs and

usage proven methods of communication for speeding of the process of diffusion

and adoption of innovations (V.C. Sanoria (1986)) .

Scope of Extension Education

Scope of ExtensionEducation

 Extension education is a science which deals with the creation, transmission and

application of knowledge designed to bring about planned changes in the behavior

complex of people, with a view to help them live better by learning the ways of

improving their vocations, enterprises and institutions.

 There is some logic in each of the above concept which may be defined as follows;

The different concepts may be defined as:

 Extension service: An organization and or a programme for agricultural

development and rural welfare which employs the extension process as a means

of programme implementation.

Extension process: The extension process is that of working with rural people

through out of school education, along those lines of their current interests and

needs which are closely related to gaining a livelihood, improving the physical

level of living of rural families, and fostering rural community welfare.

Extension Job: The job of extension in agriculture and home economics is to

assist people engaged in farming and home making to utilise more fully their

own resources and those available to them, in solving current problems and in

meeting changing economic and social conditions.

 In other words, through the educational and services approach rural people are

stimulated to make changes that result in more efficient production and marketing

of farm products, conservation of natural resources, more comfortable homes,

improved health, and more satisfying family and community life.

 The modern concept of Extension education is the means for achieving community

development, includes several facets and subject- matter fields, of which

agriculture is more important than the others. Hence “Agricultural extension” may

be defined as special branch of Extension Education which deals with the economic

and social aspects of people engaged in or associated with agriculture.

Scope/Importance of Agricultural Extension

Scope/Importance of Agricultural Extension

 The following nine areas indicate the scope of agricultural Extension work

1. Increasing the efficiency in agricultural production

2. Increasing the efficiency in marketing, distribution and utilization of

 agricultural inputs and outputs.

3. Conservation, development and use of natural resources.

4. Proper management on the farm and at home.

5. Better family living.

6. Youth development

7. Leadership development

8. Community development.

9. Improving Public affairs for all round development.

 The following statements will further amplify the scope of Extension

1. Extension is fundamentally a system of out of school education for adults and

youths alike.

2. It is a system where people are motivated through a proper approach to help

themselves by applying science in their daily lives, in farming, home making and

community living.

3. Extension is education for all village people.

4. Extension is bringing about desirable changes in the knowledge, attitudes and

skills of people.

5. Extension is helping people to help themselves.

6. Extension is working with men and women, boys and girls, to answer their felt

needs and wants.

7. Extension is teaching people what to want, (i.e., converting unfelt needs into

felt needs) as well as how to work out ways of satisfying these wants and
 inspiring them to achieve their desires.

8. Extension is teaching through ‘learning by doing’ and ‘seeing is believing’.

9. Extension is working in harmony with the culture of the people.

10. Extension is a two – way channel; it brings scientific information to village

people and it also takes the problems of the village people to the scientific

institution for solution.

11. Extension is working together (in groups) to expand the welfare and

happiness of the people with their own families, their own villages, their own

country and the world.

12. Extension is a living relationship between the village workers and the village

people. Respect and trust for each other, sharing of joys and sorrows, results in

friendship through which village extension work continues.

13. Extension is development of individual in their day to day living,

development of their leaders, their society and their world as a whole.

14. Extension is a continuous educational process in which both learner and

teacher contribute and receive.

Scope of Home Science Extension

Home Science Extension has a broad scope, encompassing areas that improve the quality of
life of individuals, families, and communities. It integrates scientific knowledge with
practical applications, addressing diverse needs through education, skill-building, and
empowerment. The scope extends across various domains:

1. Community Nutrition and Health Education

 Focus: Promoting health and nutrition awareness, particularly for vulnerable groups
like women, children, and the elderly.
 Activities:
 o Conducting anemia awareness camps, balanced diet demonstrations, and
growth monitoring.
o Educating communities on complementary feeding, breastfeeding, and food
safety.
o Creating awareness about hygiene, sanitation, and lifestyle diseases.

2. Empowerment of Women and Youth

 Focus: Empowering women and youth through skill development, education, and
self-reliance.
 Activities:
o Training in income-generating activities like tailoring, food preservation, and
craftwork.
o Organizing workshops on entrepreneurship and small-scale business
management.
o Promoting financial literacy and self-help group formation for economic
independence.

3. Family Resource Management

 Focus: Helping families efficiently manage their resources for a better quality of life.
 Activities:
o Teaching budgeting, savings, and investment skills.
o Conducting workshops on energy conservation and eco-friendly home
practices.
o Educating families on sustainable living and waste management.

4. Child Development and Early Childhood Education

 Focus: Supporting the physical, cognitive, and emotional development of children.

 Activities:
o Organizing parenting workshops on childcare, behavior management, and
nutrition.
o Promoting the use of educational toys and creative activities for early learning.
o Training Anganwadi workers in child health and development.

5. Textile and Clothing Education

 Focus: Promoting skills in textiles, clothing design, and maintenance.

 Activities:
o Conducting training programs in sewing, embroidery, dyeing, and fabric
painting.
o Educating communities on fabric care, wardrobe planning, and recycling
textiles.
o Teaching entrepreneurial skills in textile-related crafts.
6. Food Science and Processing

 Focus: Enhancing knowledge of food preservation, storage, and preparation

techniques.
 Activities:
o Demonstrating methods of making value-added products like pickles, jams,
and dried foods.
o Promoting safe food handling and processing methods.
o Encouraging the use of traditional and underutilized foods for better nutrition.

7. Environmental and Sustainable Practices

 Focus: Promoting eco-friendly and sustainable practices within households and

communities.
 Activities:
o Creating awareness about water conservation and waste segregation.
o Teaching methods to grow kitchen gardens or adopt vermicomposting.
o Promoting the use of renewable energy sources and reducing carbon
footprints.

8. Extension through Technology and Media

 Focus: Utilizing modern tools to disseminate knowledge effectively.

 Activities:
o Creating and sharing educational content through social media, videos, and
blogs.
o Training community members in using technology for accessing resources and
services.
o Developing interactive learning modules for remote or rural areas.

9. Public Health and Social Welfare

 Focus: Addressing broader societal issues like poverty, malnutrition, and social
inequality.
 Activities:
o Collaborating with government and NGOs to implement welfare programs.
o Conducting campaigns on immunization, health check-ups, and lifestyle
modifications.
o Organizing legal literacy programs to educate women about their rights.

10. Disaster Management and Rehabilitation

 Focus: Preparing communities to handle natural and man-made disasters effectively.

  Activities:
o Training in food storage, first aid, and emergency preparedness.
o Providing guidance on rebuilding livelihoods post-disaster.
o Educating on mental health and resilience during crises.

11. Home Science for Competitive Examinations

 Focus: Supporting students and professionals in preparing for competitive exams and
career development.
 Activities:
o Offering guidance on subject-specific topics in Home Science.
o Organizing workshops and seminars for career counseling and interview
preparation.

By addressing these areas, Home Science Extension plays a vital role in fostering personal,
social, and economic development, ultimately contributing to the empowerment and well-
being of individuals and communities.

Objective of Extension Education

Objective of Extension Education

 The basic objectives of extension education is to raise the standard of the people

living of the rural area by helping them in using their natural resources (Like land;

water, livestock) in the right way.

 Rural people are helped in planning and implementation of their family and village

plans for increasing agricultural production, improving existing village craft and

industries.

 It should also help in providing minimum health, recreational, educational and

housing facilities for improving family living condition in village.

 The fundamental objective of extension education is to develop the rural people

economically, socially and culturally by means of education

 The specific objective is the development of the people.

Objectives
 1. To provide the farmers the knowledge and help that will enable him to farm

more efficiently and to increase his income.

2. To help in planning and implementing the family and village plans for increasing

production in various occupations.

3. To provide facilities for better family living.

4. To encourage the farmer to grow his own food. Eat well and living well.

5. To promote better social, natural, recreational, intellectual and spiritual life

among the people.

6. To open up new opportunities for rural people so that they may develop all their

talent and leadership.

7. To help the member of the farm family to a larger appreciation of the

opportunities the beauty and the privilege of the rural life and to know more about

the world in which they live.

8. To build rural citizens who are proud of their occupation, independent in their

thinking, constructive in their outlook, capable efficient and self reliant in character

and have a love of home and country in their heart.

9. To develop feeling of patriotism and love for society by developing civil civic

sense among rural people.

10. To train rural people youth for development works.

The general and Major objectives of extension education

The general and Major objectives of extension education

The general objectives of extension education would be

 To assist the people to discover and analyse their problems, and identify their felt

and un felt needs

 To develop leadership among the people and help them tin organising groups to

solve their problems

 To disseminate information based on research and/practical experience, in such a

manner that the people would be able to understand and accept and put it in to

actual situation.

 To keep the research workers informed of the people problems from time to time so

that they may offer solutions based on necessary research.

 To assist the people in mobilizing and utilizing the resources which they have and

which they need from outside.

 To collect and transmit feedback information for solving management problems.

The major objectives of Extension may also be categorised as follows

 Material-Increase in production and income

 Educational-Change the outlook of people or develop the individual

 Social and cultural- development of the community.

Principles of Extension Education

Principles of Extension Education

 Principle of Interest and need.

 Principle of grass root organisation

 Principle of cultural change

 Principle of cultural difference

 Principle of Cooperation and participation

 Principle of applied science and democratic approach

  Principle of learning by doing

 Principle of trained specialists

 Principle of adoptability of extension teaching methods

 Principle of whole family approach

 Principle of satisfaction
Principles of Extension Education in Relation to Home Science Extension

Extension education in Home Science involves empowering individuals and families to

improve their quality of life through knowledge and skills. Below is an elaboration of the
principles of extension education, particularly as they relate to Home Science extension:

1. Principle of Interest and Need

Extension programs must be based on the interests and needs of the community.

 Home Science Relevance: Activities such as nutrition education, food preservation,

or family resource management must align with the real-life problems and priorities
of the community, ensuring their active involvement and enthusiasm.

2. Principle of Grassroot Organization

Extension efforts should start from the grassroots level, involving the local population.

 Home Science Relevance: Programs like anemia awareness or skill development in

crafts should begin at the village or community level, using self-help groups or
women's associations to build a solid foundation.

3. Principle of Cultural Change

Extension education aims to bring about desirable changes in beliefs, habits, and customs
while respecting existing traditions.

 Home Science Relevance: Promoting dietary diversification or hygienic practices

should be introduced in ways that respect local cultural food practices, encouraging
gradual change without resistance.

4. Principle of Cultural Difference

Programs should acknowledge and respect cultural diversity.

  Home Science Relevance: Teaching sewing techniques or food preparation methods
should consider regional preferences, local resources, and traditional skills, tailoring
the approach to each community.

5. Principle of Cooperation and Participation

Community participation and cooperation are essential for successful extension activities.

 Home Science Relevance: Activities like group gardening or balanced diet

demonstrations can be more effective when all family members and community
members contribute their efforts and ideas.

6. Principle of Applied Science and Democratic Approach

Extension education should apply scientific knowledge in practical ways, promoting equality
and shared decision-making.

 Home Science Relevance: Practical demonstrations of kitchen gardening, home

management, or the use of improved cooking stoves should be accessible and
understandable, ensuring all community members feel involved and valued.

7. Principle of Learning by Doing

Practical experiences help individuals learn better than theoretical lessons alone.

 Home Science Relevance: Hands-on training in food processing, fabric dyeing, or

childcare techniques equips participants with skills they can immediately apply,
reinforcing their learning.

8. Principle of Trained Specialists

Extension workers must have the necessary expertise and skills.

 Home Science Relevance: Specialists in nutrition, textiles, or family dynamics ensure

that the community receives accurate and reliable guidance, enhancing the credibility
of the program.

9. Principle of Adaptability of Extension Teaching Methods

Teaching methods should be adaptable to the specific needs and conditions of the audience.
  Home Science Relevance: Visual aids, skits, and participatory methods can be used
for illiterate or semi-literate audiences, while lectures or workshops may suit educated
groups.

10. Principle of Whole Family Approach

Extension programs should involve all members of the family for holistic development.

 Home Science Relevance: When teaching about nutrition or family budgeting,

involving both women and men ensures better implementation and understanding of
concepts within the household.

11. Principle of Satisfaction

Participants should feel a sense of achievement and satisfaction from the extension activities.

 Home Science Relevance: When homemakers successfully prepare nutritious meals

using affordable ingredients or create marketable products from local resources, it
instills confidence and motivation to continue learning.

By adhering to these principles, Home Science extension effectively bridges the gap between
scientific advancements and the daily lives of individuals and families, promoting sustainable
development and self-reliance.

Meaning of Home Science Extension

Home Science Extension refers to the process of educating individuals, families, and
communities using the principles of Home Science to improve their quality of life. It aims to
bridge the gap between scientific research and practical application by disseminating
knowledge, fostering skill development, and promoting sustainable practices in areas such as
nutrition, health, resource management, child care, textiles, and community development.

Characteristics of Home Science Extension

1. Educational Process
o Home Science Extension is fundamentally an educational activity that
empowers individuals through knowledge and skills.
o It focuses on improving everyday living conditions by addressing real-life
issues.
2. Community-Oriented
o It emphasizes working with communities, particularly women, children, and
families, to address local needs and challenges.
o The approach is participatory, encouraging active involvement of the target
audience.
3. Interdisciplinary Nature
 o Home Science Extension integrates multiple disciplines such as nutrition,
textiles, child development, environmental science, and family resource
management to provide holistic solutions.
o This interdisciplinary approach ensures that extension activities are
comprehensive and practical.
4. Focus on Women and Family Empowerment
o It primarily targets women, who are often the primary caregivers and decision-
makers in families.
o Empowering women leads to better outcomes for the entire family and
community.
5. Problem-Solving Approach
o The extension process identifies problems faced by individuals and
communities and provides practical, science-based solutions.
o Examples include addressing malnutrition, teaching income-generating skills,
and promoting sustainable practices.
6. Adaptability
o Extension activities are flexible and adaptable to the socio-economic, cultural,
and educational levels of the audience.
o Methods like demonstrations, folk arts, or workshops are tailored to suit
specific communities.
7. Democratic Approach
o Home Science Extension promotes equality and shared decision-making
among participants and extension workers.
o The approach fosters mutual respect and encourages learning from one
another.
8. Practical Application of Science
o It applies scientific principles to everyday problems, making solutions
accessible and relevant.
o Examples include safe food preservation techniques, balanced diet planning,
and effective resource management.
9. Voluntary and Motivational
o Participation in extension activities is voluntary, requiring motivation and
interest from the community.
o Extension workers focus on encouraging participants through engaging and
relatable programs.
10. Dynamic Process

 Home Science Extension is a continuous and dynamic process that evolves with
changes in technology, research, and societal needs.
 It involves adapting new methods and tools to make extension services more
effective.

11. Non-Formal Education

 Extension programs are delivered outside formal education settings, using informal
methods like workshops, group discussions, and demonstrations.
 This flexibility allows people of all ages and backgrounds to participate.

12. Focus on Behavioral Change

  The ultimate goal of Home Science Extension is to bring about positive changes in
knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors that lead to improved living standards.
 For instance, encouraging families to adopt safe drinking water practices or nutritious
cooking methods.

13. Goal-Oriented

 Home Science Extension has specific goals, such as improving health and nutrition,
enhancing livelihoods, or promoting sustainable living, to achieve measurable
outcomes.

14. Collaborative Effort

 It involves collaboration with government agencies, NGOs, self-help groups, and

other stakeholders to implement effective programs and policies.
 Partnerships ensure better resource utilization and impact.

By combining scientific knowledge with practical solutions and community participation,

Home Science Extension significantly contributes to the holistic development of individuals
and families, making it an essential tool for societal progress.