Communication Skills in Agricultural Extension (AEE-202)

DESCRIPTION & OBJECTIVES

This is three credit hours course and designed to provide concepts related to communication. This course will also describe various types and forms of communication, barriers to communication.

Objectives

At the completion of this course, the students will be able to:

· Improve communication skills of students

· Organize and conduct interviews especially from farming community

· Develop presentation skills of students

INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES

Students will be able to understand communication, barriers to communication and effective communication skills. They will be able to understand communication process, models of communication. Moreover, students will improve their communication skills and presentation skills.

CONTENTS

Concept, Purpose and scope of communication in Agricultural extension; Forms of communication in the past, present and future; Communication and the concept of global community; Communication as the problem solving approach; Communication process, elements and their role in effective communication; Principles of communication; Basic communication models; Forms of communication: interpersonal, intrapersonal and impersonal; Written, verbal and non-verbal communication; Barriers to communication and measures to overcome these barriers.

READINGS

Muhammad, S. 2005. Agricultural Extension Strategies & Skills, Unitech Communications, Faisalabad, Pakistan.
Ray, G.L. 2006. Extension Communication and Management. Kalyani Publishers.
Morreale, S.P., Spitzberg, B.H., Barge, J. K. 2007. Human Communication, Thomson Wadsworth, a part of The Thomson Corporation.

Week	Topics and readings
1	Concept, Purpose and scope of communication in Agricultural Extension
2	Factors effecting communication
3	Written, verbal and non-verbal communication
4	Types/forms of communication
5	Communication skills: Speaking, listening, writing and reading
6	Speaking---Face-to-Face communication. Preparing and delivering a speech
7	Conducting discussions and interviews including probing, counseling, appraisal, focus groups and job interviews
8	Mid-semester exams
9	Listening, Reasons for poor listening. Tips for improving listening skills
10	Writing, Art of good writing. Writing for newspapers and magazines
11	Writing letters, reports and articles frequently required for the job of an extension worker
12	Reading--- Reasons for poor reading
13	Tips for developing effective reading skills
14	Use of audio-visual aids in communication
15	Presentation skills
16	Review of course
17	Final- exams

The students will be assigned a project related to any important aspect of communication skills in agricultural extension. After completing the project, each student will write, submit, and present a comprehensive report on the given topic.

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Sessional marks: 08

Mid exam marks: 12

Final exam marks: 20

Practical: 20