AGRICULTURE EXTENSION CURRICULUM: AN ANALYSIS OF AGRICULTURE EXTENSION STUDENTS VIEWS IN THE AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITIES OF PAKISTAN

A study was conducted in year 2009, to analyze the views of enrolled agriculture extension students about existing agricultural extension curricula in the agricultural universities of Pakistan. The main objectives were to provide information of students’ evaluation to the overall structure on the agricultural extension curriculum and to identify strengths and weaknesses in areas of the curriculum, which need improvement. Four agricultural universities of Pakistan were purposively selected as universe of the study. Data regarding curriculum objectives, contents, goals, relevance, understanding of challenges for jobs and field, technology effectiveness and overall satisfaction were collected from 142 i.e. 80% students of the agriculture extension out of 168 (70%) due to less responses through mail questionnaire. Findings of the study revealed that curriculum encouraged higher level thinking skills as 64% respondents agreed, developed student’s confidence as 69% strongly agreed to achieve and motivate to learn more while 55% of the respondents were clear about objectives of the curriculum. Students considered that purpose of each course was clearly explained, teaching methods were appropriate and presentations were understandable. The students also mentioned that quality of the content of curriculum was good, includes real life examples and complete the course with a good understanding of agriculture extension program and services as 65% were agreed. Teachers allowed questions from participants and involved them in discussion. The classroom was conducive to learning. Draw backs in the existence curriculum were that it did not providing much practical experience or practical application of theory, courses repetition, and lack of links between students and extension department. It may be concluded that the respondents were satisfied form the curriculum structure, objectives, ability to enhance skill and relevancy to the field of study. It was recommended to include modern concepts of extension in curriculum, linking the curricula with the newly innovation of extension methods, further improvement in the quality for building the capacity of students and creation of link between students and agriculture extension department.