METHODS FOR ADULT LEARNING

Human behaviour is goal oriented and rural people are no exception to this general rule. If the extension worker helps them in reaching the goals decided by them then they would hear him readily. There are large number of goals or needs to rural people. They have basic needs or physiological needs, such as security, affection, prestige and desire for self fulfillment.

The extension worker has to understand the wants and incentives of rural people. He should relate all these needs with his teaching and show the people that the usage of latest technologies would satisfy their needs. It is necessary to clarify their needs. It is necessary to add the innovations which would help in satisfying them. For example farmer may need money for sending his son for higher education. This may be an increase for farmer to adopt the innovation to increase yields. So in the first step it is necessary to motivate him for learning, then he has to be convinced of the relevance of technology to his own interest and finally seek for his co-operation.

Adults are more sensitive to success and failure than children. Therefore in adult education care should be taken. An adult will pick up things more easily if he sees any relationship to his occupation. If he is convinced he will try to learn more quickly. The learning is also related to his vocational interest. Adults have greater sense of responsibility than children. Therefore, they should be given some responsibility for their own learning. There are stronger and more permanent sentiments. The sentiments towards his family, his friends and a stronger desire for learning are some of the sentiments which will help the extension worker.