ERIC Number: EJ1184653
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2018
Pages: 16
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1389-224X
EISSN: N/A
The Educational Philosophy of Greek Extensionists vis-à-vis Contemporary Extension Thinking: A Critical Appraisal
Papaspyrou, Spyros; Koutsouris, Alex
Journal of Agricultural Education and Extension, v24 n4 p345-360 2018
Purpose: The current paper aims at the classification of Greek agronomists/extensionists in adult education philosophical frameworks; the exploration of frameworks' changes in the last 40 years; and the assessment of their relevance vis-à-vis the current developments. Design/Methodology/Approach: The research addressed a purposive sample of 30 agronomists divided into two groups (older-younger). Questionnaire-based survey was followed by a semi-structured interview. Findings: The views of both groups of agronomists follow the same orientation and revolve around the progressive and behaviourist philosophies. In terms of practice, the intervention of older agronomists mainly relates to the progressive, the liberal and the behaviourist philosophy while that of younger agronomists around the liberal framework; evidence shows a small turn of younger agronomists towards participatory extension. Practical Implications: The current piece of work puts forward the gaps and weaknesses of Extension in Greece both in terms of rhetoric and practice; notably, Greek agronomists do not seem capable to support bottom-up processes. Theoretical Implications: Research detected the espoused orientation of extensionists and the ways they assist their constituencies in practice. Originality/Value: The work reported here is considered one means of raising the awareness of the field's needs in documenting extensionists' educational philosophies and how they guide practice.
Descriptors: Foreign Countries, Educational Philosophy, Extension Education, Adult Education, Questionnaires, Semi Structured Interviews, Agricultural Occupations, Agronomy, Intervention, Age Differences, Theory Practice Relationship
Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Adult Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Greece
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A