PERCEPTION OF TRAINERS & TRAINEES ON PARTICIPATORY TRAININGS IN ISABELA

摘要

This was a study on the participatory methods used in the rice-related training programs conducted between January 1998 and November 2000 in Isabela by ATI San Mateo for the Gintong Ani and the Agrikulturang MakaMASA Rice Programs of the Department ofAgriculture; and the farmers' and extension workers' evaluation and perception of these trainings. The tools for gathering data were: (a) from 56 farmers and 39 extension workers; a semi-structured interview schedule; (b) from 6 trainers; a focused group interview; (c) unstructured observation of the conduct of 4 rice trainings; and d) review of secondary data including annual reports; training designs; and training completion reports.Analysis of the data showed that the trainees perceived that majority of the trainings have used participatory methods; which included lecture-discussion; practicum; demonstration; planning workshop; micro-teaching; and games and simulations. Some farmers mentioned; preference for first-hand experiential testimonies of other farmers rather than mere effort to transfer technical information by experts. Trainees indicated that they preferred participatory classroom discussions; followed by hands-on methods; and lastly; by simulated learning exercises and student-teachingtechniques. Paradoxically; while games and simulation activities as well as micro-teaching were the methods least preferred by trainees; trainers used; these to elicit high participation among trainees.Notwithstanding; there was no significant differencebetween trainees' and trainers' perceptions. Both groups perceived such training methods as more learner-centered than teacher-centered. Majority of the farmers also expressed their willingness to attend trainings that are participatory; hence indicating their preference for training methods that enable them to actively participate in the learning and knowledge generation process.