SECTION A: Agricultural Extension (Fundamentals of Rural Sociology and Methodologies for

transfer of Agricultural Technology) THEORY

MODULE 24: Group contact methods – Method Demonstration

Objective
On the completion of the topic, one should be able to understand;
 the meaning of method Demonstration and their objectives
 the definite procedure needs to be followed for conducting demonstration
 the advantages and limitations of Method demonstration

Summary
Method demonstration is an extension teaching method used for showing
to a group of people how to carry out entirely new practice or old practice in a
better way. In the method demonstration, the farmer is shown step by step
how, for example, to plant seeds in line, to use a mechanical duster to control
insects, or to prune grapes.The agent will probably be dealing with farmers who
have already accepted the particular practice being demonstrated, but who now
want to know how to do it themselves.

Introduction
It is essentially skill training, where the emphasis is on effectively
carrying out job, which shall improve upon the result. It involves seeing,
hearing, participating and practicing in a group which shall stimulate interest
and action. Method demonstration is sometimes used as complementary to
result demonstration.
Group Contact Method
Group comprises two or more people having reciprocal relations. Group
requires plurality of actors and mutual relation- either direct or indirect.
Moreover group has a goal which is shared in common by the members. A group
may be defined as an aggregate of number of people in reciprocal
communication and interaction around some common interest. In this, the
extension agent communicates with the people in groups and not as individual
persons. This method is adopted when it is necessary to communicate with a
number of people simultaneously. Group method is used when group members
are located not far away from the communicator, and reasonably good time is
available for communication. In group method active participation of members
is required for effective teaching.
The size of a small group may be from 15 to 25, a medium group from 26
to 50 and a large group from 51 to 100 persons. The restriction of number of
members is not a strict binding. This is a rough classification of groups based on
size.
Advantages
1. Group method enables the extension agents to have face-to-face contact with
a number of people at a time.
2. Extension agent can reach a selected part of the target group.
3. Facilitates sharing of knowledge and experience and thereby strengthen
learning of the group members.
4. Group method offers opportunities for interaction and feedback.
5. Satisfies the basic urge of people for social contacts.
6. It motivates people to accept change due to group influence.
7. More effective than mass method in stimulating action.
8. Less expensive than individual method due to more coverage.
Limitations
1. Group approach may create difficulty in teaching-learning process due to
widely diversified interest of group members.
2. Holding the meeting may be regarded as an objective in itself, and no or little
attention may be paid to learning objectives.
3. Vested interests, caste groups and village factions may hinder free interaction
and decision making by the group members.
4. Farmers may not be able to join the group during busy season.
Classification of Group contact methods
Following are the classification of group contact methods:
 Result demonstration
 Group meeting
 Small group training,
 Study tours
 Field day or Farmers’ Day and
 Methods demonstration
Result demonstration
Result demonstration is a method of motivating the people for adoption of
a new practice by showing its distinctly superior result. The demonstrations are
conducted in farm or home of selected individuals and are utilized to educate
and motivate groups of people in their neighbourhood. This is a very effective
method for the transfer of technology in a community.
Objectives
1. To show the advantages and applicability of a newly recommended
practice in farmer’s own situation.
2. To motivate groups of people in a community to adopt a new practice
by showing its result.
3. To build up confidence of the farmers and extension agents.
4. To develop innovation leadership.
Group meeting
Group meeting is a method of democratically arriving at certain decision
by a group of people, by taking into consideration the members’ point of view.
Group meetings and discussions aim at collective decision making and at
improving individual decision making by using the knowledge and experience of
group members.
Objectives
1. To prepare a favourable climate for discussion and help in better
understanding of the problem by pooling the knowledge and experience of a
number of persons.
2. To facilitate in-depth discussion by involving a small number of
participants.
3. To generate new ideas and methods, and select the rational ones
through group interaction.
4. To help formation of opinion about a specific issue.
5. To develop a favourable attitude and commitment for action through
group involvement.
6. To act as a safety valve for reducing tension.
Small group training
 Small group training is a technique of imparting specific skills to a group
of people who need them by creating an appropriate learning situation. This is
an effective method for transfer of technology.
Objectives
1. To impart the needed skills to a small group of people.
2. To motivate people to adopt new practices through skill training.
Field day or Farmers’ day
Field day or Farmers’ day is a method of motivating the people to adopt a
new practice by showing what has actually been achieved by applying the
practice under field conditions. A field day or Farmers’ day may be held in a
research farm or in a farmer’s field or home.
Objectives
1. To convince the participants about the applicability of the practice in
their own situations.
2. To motivate them to adopt the practice by showing its performance and
profitability under field conditions.
3. To remove doubts superstitions and unfavourable attitude about the
new practice.
4. To reinforce previous learning about the practice.
Study tour
In study tour, a group of interested persons accompanied and guided by
one or more extension agents moves out of their neighbourhood to study and
learn significant improvements in farm and home elsewhere. The main purpose
is to motivate the visitors by showing what others have been able to achieve.
The program may include visit to farmers’ place as well as research stations,
and many be held within the district, outside the district or even outside the
state.
Objectives
1. To expose the visitors to a new and different situation which shall help
in changing their outlook and extend their mental horizon.
2. To understand the gap in technology adoption.
3. To explore the feasibility of adopting new practices in visitors’ own
situations.
4. To induce a spirit of competition amongst the participants by showing
what others have been able to achieve.
Meaning of method Demonstration
A method demonstration is an extension teaching method used for
showing to a group of people how to carry out entirely new practice or old
practice in a better way. It is not used with the purpose of showing the
result/worth of a practice but how to do something. e.g. treating soyabean seed
with rhizobium culture. It is not an experiment or trial but teaching effort. In
contrast to the result demonstration conducted by the demonstrator farmer
under supervision of the extension worker to prove that the recommended
practice will work locally. The method demonstration is given by the extension
worker himself or a trained leader for the purpose of teaching a skill to a group.
This method aims at teaching new practice or a new skill to farmers. It is based
on the principles ‘Learning by doing’.
In the role of a skilled technician, the extension worker or leader shows
step-by-step procedure in the operation, explaining each succeeding step as he
proceeds. The learners watch the process, listen to the oral explanation, and ask
questions during or at the close of the demonstration to clear points about which
there is confusion. This helps to fix the process in the mind of the audience and
increase the confidence in their ability to master the technique.
Objectives
1. To enable the people to acquire new skills.
2. To enable people to improve upon their old skills.
3. To make the learners do things more efficiently by abandoning earlier
defective practices.
4. To develop confidence among people by showing practicability of a
practice.
Following practices may be taught through method demonstration:
Grafting, budding, treating seed, dibbling, thinning, preparing mixture of
insecticides, spraying insecticides, knifing, cooking, washing etc.
Steps of method demonstration
A definite procedure needs to be followed for conducting demonstration
effectively.
1. Analyse the situation and determine the need
(a) Identify the practice that is needed by the people.
(b) Select only those practices for which people can afford to follow.
(c) Identify the skill involved in the practice.
(d) See that the practice is suitable for visual presentation to a group.
(e) Identify the local leaders who can repeat the demonstrated practice.
(f) Select only the practice for the use of which required
material/equipments are available.
2. Plan the demonstration in detail
(a) Gather all the information about the practice and try to be perfect in
subject matter.
(b) Take over the problem with a few village leaders and let them help
you plan the demonstration. Let them provide land and other requisites.
(c) Prepare time table depending on time required for demonstrating
practice. Make sure that there is opportunity for audience to prepare outline of
demonstration involving all the steps.
(d) Plan time table avoiding time of load shedding if electric supply is
needed.
(e) Identify the key points to be emphasized under each step.
(f) List out materials and equipment required for demonstration.
(g) Arrange for diagrams, directions, and other teaching materials to be
distributed.
(h) Prepare kits of special material needed by local leaders for repeating
the demonstration.
(i) Make sure that the place of demonstration is properly selected having
lighting, ventilation and is free from disturbances.
(j) Give advance publicity mentioning time and place of the
demonstration.
3. Rehearse the demonstration
(a) Practice demonstration until you are thorough with all the steps and
points to be explained at each step.
(b) Ensure that points and steps are clear to the audience.
(c) Repeat the difficult steps until you are able to follow them easily.
4. Give the demonstration
(a) Be at the spot early to check up equipment and material.
(b) Make physical arrangements so that all participants can see the
demonstration and take part in the discussion.
(c) Explain purpose, and how it is applicable to local situation and
problem.
(d) Find out what audience already know about the practice.
(e) Show each operation slowly step by step, repeat where necessary.
(f) Use simple words to explain each step of the operation.
(g) Make sure the audience can see and hear clearly.
(h) Emphasize key points and tell why they are important.
(i) Invite and answer questions at each step before going on to next step.
(j) Summarize steps covered in demonstration.
(k) Give opportunity to learners to practice the skill.
(l) Distribute supplementary teaching material (bulletins, leaflets etc)
pertaining to demonstration.
(m) Get the names of participants who propose to adopt the practice. This
helps for follow-up.
(n) If demonstration is given before local leaders who will repeat it,
emphasize teaching points to be made. Explain contents of demonstration kit.
5. Follow-up
(a) Give publicity of the demonstration through press, radio, meetings
etc.
(b) Arrange for reports on number of and attendance at demonstrations
given by local leaders.
(c) Make a sample check to assess the extent of skill acquired and
satisfaction derived by the participant.
Advantages of method demonstration
1. Suitable for teaching skills to many people.
2. Participation in a group stimulates interest and action.
3. The costly ‘trial and error’ procedure is eliminated.
4. The process of acquiring of skill is speeded up.
5. Simple demonstrations really lend themselves to repeated use by local
leaders.
6. Introduces change of practice at a low cost.
7. Stimulates interest and interaction.
8. Serves publicity purpose.
9. Convinces farmers through the principle of ‘Learning by doing’.
Limitations
1. Suitable only for practices involving skills.
2. Needs good deal of preparation, equipment, and skill on the part of
extension worker.
3. May require transportation of material and equipment to the work
place.
4. Demands practical skill on the part of extension workers.

Conclusion
The demonstrator should encourage the audience and see that people
understand learn to do what is being demonstrated. The extension worker needs
to tell the audience, especially the interested farmers, the importance of the
practice being demonstrated. It also helps the audience to go through the steps
of demonstration so that they can repeat the process themselves without further
help. The demonstrator invites questions and creates an atmosphere that the
audience may clarify its doubts. Lastly, conducting a demonstration require well
preparation and take the help from colleagues and teacher whenever necessary.

TRANSCRIPT

Introduction
It is essentially skill training, where the emphasis is on effectively carrying out job,
which shall improve upon the result. It involves seeing, hearing, participating and practicing
in a group which shall stimulate interest and action. Method demonstration is sometimes
used as complementary to result demonstration.
Group Contact Method
Group comprises two or more people having reciprocal relations. Group requires
plurality of actors and mutual relation- either direct or indirect. Moreover group has a goal
which is shared in common by the members. A group may be defined as an aggregate of
number of people in reciprocal communication and interaction around some common
interest. In this, the extension agent communicates with the people in groups and not as
individual persons. This method is adopted when it is necessary to communicate with a
number of people simultaneously. Group method is used when group members are located
not far away from the communicator, and reasonably good time is available for
communication. In group method active participation of members is required for effective
teaching.
The size of a small group may be from 15 to 25, a medium group from 26 to 50 and
a large group from 51 to 100 persons. The restriction of number of members is not a strict
binding. This is a rough classification of groups based on size.
Advantages
1. Group method enables the extension agents to have face-to-face contact with a number
of people at a time.
2. Extension agent can reach a selected part of the target group.
3. Facilitates sharing of knowledge and experience and thereby strengths learning of the
group members.
4. Group method offers opportunities for interaction and feedback.
5. Satisfies the basic urge of people for social contacts.
6. It motivates people to accept change due to group influence.
7. More effective than mass method in stimulating action.
8. Less expensive than individual method due to more coverage.
Limitations
1. Group approach may create difficulty in teaching-learning process due to widely
diversified interest of group members.
2. Holding the meeting may regarded as an objective in itself, and no or little attention may
be paid to learning objectives.
3. Vested interests, caste groups and village factions may hinder free interaction and
decision making by the group members.
4. Farmers may not be able to join the group during busy season.
Classification of Group contact methods
Following are the classification of group contact methods:
 Result demonstration
 Group meeting
 Small group training,
 Study tours
 Field day or Farmers’ Day and
 Methods demonstration
Result demonstration
Result demonstration is a method of motivating the people for adoption of a new
practice by showing its distinctly superior result. The demonstrations are conducted in farm
or home of selected individuals and are utilized to educate and motivate groups of people
in their neighbourhood. This is a very effective method for the transfer of technology in a
community.
Objectives
1. To show the advantages and applicability of a newly recommended practice in
farmer’s own situation.
2. To motivate groups of people in a community to adopt a new practice by showing
its result.
3. To build up confidence of the farmers and extension agents.
4. To develop innovation leadership.
Group meeting
Group meeting is a method of democratically arriving at certain decision by a group
of people, by taking into consideration the members’ point of view. Group meetings and
discussions aim at collective decision making and at improving individual decision making
by using the knowledge and experience of group members.
Objectives
1. To prepare a favourable climate for discussion and help in better understanding
of the problem by pooling the knowledge and experience of a number of persons.
2. To facilitate in-depth discussion by involving a small number of participants.
3. To generate new ideas and methods, and select the rational ones through group
interaction.
4. To help formation of opinion about a specific issue.
5. To develop a favourable attitude and commitment for action through group
involvement.
6. To act as a safety valve for reducing tension.
Small group training
Small group training is a technique of imparting specific skills to a group of people
who need them by creating an appropriate learning situation. This is an effective method
for transfer of technology.
Objectives
1. To impart the needed skills to a small group of people.
2. To motivate people to adopt new practices through skill training.
Field day or Farmers’ day
Field day or Farmers’ day is a method of motivating the people to adopt a new
practice by showing what has actually been achieved by applying the practice under field
conditions. A field day or Farmers’ day may be held in a research farm or in a farmer’s field
or home.
Objectives
1. To convince the participants about the applicability of the practice in their own
situations.
2. To motivate them to adopt the practice by showing its performance and
profitability under field conditions.
3. To remove doubts superstitions and unfavourable attitude about the new practice.
4. To reinforce previous learning about the practice.
Study tour
In study tour, a group of interested persons accompanied and guided by one or
more extension agents moves out of their neighbourhood to study and learn significant
improvements in farm and home elsewhere. The main purpose is to motivate the visitors by
showing what others have been able to achieve. The program may include visit to farmers’
place as well as research stations, and many be held within the district, outside the district
or even outside the state.
Objectives
1. To expose the visitors to a new and different situation which shall help in
changing their outlook and extend their mental horizon.
 2. To understand the gap in technology adoption.
3. To explore the feasibility of adopting new practices in visitors’ own situations.
4. To induce a spirit of competition amongst the participants by showing what others
have been able to achieve.

Meaning of method Demonstration

A method demonstration is an extension teaching method used for showing to a
group of people how to carry out entirely new practice or old practice in a better way. It is
not used with the purpose of showing the result/worth of a practice but how to do
something. e.g. treating soyabean seed with rhizobium culture. It is not an experiment or
trial but teaching effort. In contrast to the result demonstration conducted by the
demonstrator farmer under supervision of the extension worker to prove that the
recommended practice will work locally. The method demonstration is given by the
extension worker himself or a trained leader for the purpose of teaching a skill to a group.
This method aims at teaching new practice or a new skill to farmers. It is based on the
principles ‘Learning by doing’.
In the role of a skilled technician, the extension worker or leader shows step-by-step
procedure in the operation, explaining each succeeding step as he proceeds. The learners
watch the process, listen to the oral explanation, and ask questions during or at the close of
the demonstration to clear points about which there is confusion. This helps to fix the
process in the mind of the audience and increase the confidence in their ability to master
the technique.
Objectives
1. To enable the people to acquire new skills.
2. To enable people to improve upon their old skills.
3. To make the learners do things more efficiently by abandoning earlier defective
practices.
4. To develop confidence among people by showing practicability of a practice.

Following practices may be taught through method demonstration: Grafting,

budding, treating seed, dibbling, thinning, preparing mixture of insecticides, spraying
insecticides, knifing, cooking, washing etc.
Steps of method demonstration
A definite procedure needs to be followed for conducting demonstration effectively.
1. Analyse the situation and determine the need
(a) Identify the practice that is needed by the people.
(b) Select only those practices for which people can afford to follow.
(c) Identify the skill involved in the practice.
(d) See that the practice is suitable for visual presentation to a group.
(e) Identify the local leaders who can repeat the demonstrated practice.
(f) Select only the practice for the use of which required material/equipments are
available.
2. Plan the demonstration in detail
(a) Gather all the information about the practice and try to be perfect in subject
matter.
(b) Take over the problem with a few village leaders and let them help you plan the
demonstration. Let them provide land and other requisites.
(c) Prepare time table depending on time required for demonstrating practice. Make
sure that there is opportunity for audience to prepare outline of demonstration involving all
the steps.
(d) Plan time table avoiding time of load shedding if electric supply is needed.
(e) Identify the key points to be emphasized under each step.
(f) List out materials and equipment required for demonstration.
(g) Arrange for diagrams, directions, and other teaching materials to be distributed.
 (h) Prepare kits of special material needed by local leaders for repeating the
demonstration.
(i) Make sure that the place of demonstration is properly selected having lighting,
ventilation and is free from disturbances.
(j) Give advance publicity mentioning time and place of the demonstration.
3. Rehearse the demonstration
(a) Practice demonstration until you are thorough with all the steps and points to be
explained at each step.
(b) Ensure that points and steps are clear to the audience.
(c) Repeat the difficult steps until you are able to follow them easily.
4. Give the demonstration
(a) Be at the spot early to check up equipment and material.
(b) Make physical arrangements so that all participants can see the demonstration
and take part in the discussion.
(c) Explain purpose, and how it is applicable to local situation and problem.
(d) Find out what audience already know about the practice.
(e) Show each operation slowly step by step, repeat where necessary.
(f) Use simple words to explain each step of the operation.
(g) Make sure the audience can see and hear clearly.
(h) Emphasize key points and tell why they are important.
(i) Invite and answer questions at each step before going on to next step.
(j) Summarize steps covered in demonstration.
(k) Give opportunity to learners to practice the skill.
(l) Distribute supplementary teaching material (bulletins, leaflets etc) pertaining to
demonstration.
(m) Get the names of participants who propose to adopt the practice. This helps for
follow-up.
(n) If demonstration is given before local leaders who will repeat it, emphasize
teaching points to be made. Explain contents of demonstration kit.
5. Follow-up
(a) Give publicity to the demonstration through press, radio, meetings etc.
(b) Arrange for reports on number of and attendance at demonstrations given by
local leaders.
(c) Make a sample check to assess the extent of skill acquired and satisfaction
derived by the participant.
Advantages of method demonstration
1. Suitable for teaching skills to many people.
2. Participation in a group stimulates interest and action.
3. The costly ‘trial and error’ procedure is eliminated.
4. The process of acquiring of skill is speeded up.
5. Simple demonstrations really lend themselves to repeated use by local leaders.
6. Introduces change of practice at a low cost.
7. Stimulates interest and interaction.
8. Serves publicity purpose.
9. Convinces farmers through the principle of ‘Learning by doing’.
Limitations
1. Suitable only for practices involving skills.
2. Needs good deal of preparation, equipment, and skill on the part of extension
worker.
3. May require transportation of material and equipment to the work place.
4. Demands practical skill on the part of extension workers.
Conclusion
The demonstrator should encourage the audience and see that people understand
learn to do what is being demonstrated. The extension worker needs to tell the audience,
especially the interested farmers, the importance of the practice being demonstrated. It
also helps the audience to go through the steps of demonstration so that they can repeat
the process themselves without further help. The demonstrator invites questions and
creates an atmosphere that the audience may clarify its doubts. Lastly, conducting a
demonstration require well preparation and take the help from colleagues and teacher
whenever necessary.

FAQ
Q1. Discuss briefly the meaning of Method demonstration?
Answer: A method demonstration is an extension teaching method used for
showing to a group of people how to carry out entirely new practice or old
practice in a better way. It is not used with the purpose of showing the
result/worth of a practice but how to do something. e.g. treating soyabean seed
with rhizobium culture. It is not an experiment or trial but teaching effort.
The method demonstration is given by the extension worker himself or a
trained leader for the purpose of teaching a skill to a group. This method aims
at teaching new practice or a new skill to farmers. It is based on the principles
‘Learning by doing’.
Q2. Write the objectives of Method demonstration?
Answer: Objectives of Method demonstration are given below-
1. To enable the people to acquire new skills.
2. To enable people to improve upon their old skills.
3. To make the learners do things more efficiently by abandoning earlier
defective practices.
4. To develop confidence among people by showing practicability of a
practice.
Q3. Discuss the advantages of Method demonstration?
Answer: Advantages are given below:
1. Suitable for teaching skills to many people.
2. Participation in a group stimulates interest and action.
3. The costly ‘trial and error’ procedure is eliminated.
4. The process of acquiring of skill is speeded up.
5. Simple demonstrations really lend themselves to repeated use by local
leaders.
6. Introduces change of practice at a low cost.
7. Stimulates interest and interaction.
8. Serves publicity purpose.
9. Convinces farmers through the principle of ‘Learning by doing’.
Q4. Discuss the limitations of Method demonstration?
Answer: Limitations of Method demonstration are as follows:
1. Suitable only for practices involving skills.
2. Needs good deal of preparation, equipment, and skill on the part of
extension worker.
3. May require transportation of material and equipment to the work
place.
4. Demands practical skill on the part of extension workers.
Q5. How do extension worker rehearse themselves before conducting actual
demonstration?
Answer: The following points are to be considered as rehearsal before
conducting actual demonstration:
(a) Practice demonstration until you are thorough with all the steps and
points to be explained at each step.
(b) Ensure that points and steps are clear to the audience.
(c) Repeat the difficult steps until you are able to follow them easily.
Q6. Write the follow-up steps to be followed after conducting demonstration?
Answer: The following steps are to be followed after demonstration:
(a) Give publicity to the demonstration through press, radio, meetings
etc.
(b) Arrange for reports on number of and attendance at demonstrations
given by local leaders.
(c) Make a sample check to assess the extent of skill acquired and
satisfaction derived by the participant.
Q7. What are the important points to be kept in mind while planning for
demonstration?
Answer: The important points are:
(a) Gather all the information about the practice and try to be perfect in
subject matter.
(b) Take over the problem with a few village leaders and let them help
you plan the demonstration. Let them provide land and other requisites.
(c) Prepare time table depending on time required for demonstrating
practice. Make sure that there is opportunity for audience to prepare outline of
demonstration involving all the steps.
(d) Plan time table avoiding time of load shedding if electric supply is
needed.
(e) Identify the key points to be emphasized under each step.
(f) List out materials and equipment required for demonstration.
(g) Arrange for diagrams, directions, and other teaching materials to be
distributed.
(h) Prepare kits of special material needed by local leaders for repeating
the demonstration.
(i) Make sure that the place of demonstration is properly selected having
lighting, ventilation and is free from disturbances.
(j) Give advance publicity mentioning time and place of the
demonstration.
Q8. Discuss carefully all the important steps/points to be remember while
conducting demonstration?
Answer: The following are the steps/ points to be kept in mind while conducting
a demonstration:
(a) Be at the spot early to check up equipment and material.
(b) Make physical arrangements so that all participants can see the
demonstration and take
part in the discussion.
(c) Explain purpose, and how it is applicable to local situation and
problem.
(d) Find out what audience already know about the practice.
(e) Show each operation slowly step by step, repeat where necessary.
(f) Use simple words to explain each step of the operation.
(g) Make sure the audience can see and hear clearly.
(h) Emphasize key points and tell why they are important.
(i) Invite and answer questions at each step before going onto next step.
(j) Summarize steps covered in demonstration.
(k) Give opportunity to learners to practice the skill.
 (l) Distribute supplementary teaching material (bulletins, leaflets etc)
pertaining to
demonstration.
(m) Get the names of participants who propose to adopt the practice. This
helps for follow-up.
(n) If demonstration is given before local leaders who will repeat it,
emphasize teaching points
to be made. Explain contents of demonstration kit.

GLOSSARY
1. Demonstration: act of showing or explaining something.
2. Skill: capacity to do something well.
3. Demonstrator: one who carries out a demonstration.
4. Grafting: the act, art or process of inserting grafts mainly related to
horticultural
activities.
5. Bulletin: a short printed publication, especially one produced by an
organization.
6. Method: a process by which a task is completed.
7. Participation: taking part to a process.