Extension Communication and Interpersonal Skills

  1. Course Title: EE 102-EXTENSION COMMUNICATION AND INTERPERSONAL SKILLS
  2. Course aim: The aim of the course is to equip students with knowledge and skills on effective communication, interpersonal relationship and understanding of the factors that contribute to effective communication and interpersonal relations in a variety of contexts or situations especially within a workplace environment.

 

  • Course Expected Learning Outcomes:

By the end of the course students should be able to:

  • Employ the concepts, principles, and theories of communication
  • Use communication skills in public
  • Develop ability to organise and run meetings
  • Develop capacity to produce extension communication materials
  1. course status: Core
  2. Credit rating: 9 Credits
  3. Total hours spent: 90 hours

                                                Lecture                                         36 hours

                                                Seminars/Tutorials            18 hours

                                                    Practical                                                 9 hours

                                                Assignment                                     9 hours

                                                Independent Research                    18 hours

Pre-requisite:             None

 

  • Course Content:

Communication terminologies. Types of communication: interpersonal, spoken, written, visual, audio, audiovisual. Communication process. Theories, barriers, and models for effective extension communication. Principles and practices of formal and informal speaking. Skill development for chairing meeting. Assessing audience interests and concerns. Giving and receiving feedback. Organisation and delivery of speeches for a variety of occasions and purposes. Role and use of audio-visuals in public speaking. Production of extension materials and messages for use in extension.

Practical: Case studies will be used to develop practical skills. These will be complimented, where necessary and where financial resources allow, with field trips to relevant sites. Alternatively, candidates will be involved in analysing selected case studies of selected problems/issues and demonstrate level of articulation and proficiency through their participation in seminar presentations.

  • Teaching and Learning Activities

Teaching will involve lectures, practical, group assignments and seminar presentations, individual assignments to capture self- reading. Use of case studies in teaching for some practical aspects will be employed.

  1. Assessment Methods

The assessments will be through continuous assessments were written timed tests (theory and practical), quizzes, seminar presentation, practical reports, and submission of individual/group assignment papers will be used. The assessment will also include final University written examination.

 

  1. Reading List:
  • Leeuwis, C. (2004). Communication for Rural Innovation: Rethinking Agricultural Extension, 3rd edition. London: Blackwell Science.
  • Melkote, S.R. (1991). Communication for Development in the Third World: Theory and Practice. New Delhi; California: Sage publications
  • Pease, A. (1997). Body Language: How to Read Others’ Thoughts by Their Gestures (3rd ed.). London: Shaldon Press
  • Scarborough, V., S. Killough, D.A. Johnson and J. Farrington (Eds) (1997) Farmer-led Extension: Concepts and Practices: ODI.
  • Swanson, B.E., R.P. Bentz and A.J. Sofranko (Eds) (1997) Improving Agricultural Extension: A Reference Manual, Rome FAO.
  • Windahil, S.B.S. and Olson, T.J. (1992). Using Communication Theory: An Introduction to Planned Communication. London: Sage Publications
Share this