Becoming an agricultural advisor – the rationale, the plan and the implementation of a model of reflective practice in extension higher education

ABSTRACT

Purpose: This paper argues the rationale for a model of reflective practice in the formation of young agricultural advisors and to use this model to inform a wider discussion on the importance of the different levels of reflection in agricultural extension higher education.

Design/methodology/approach: The paper presents a model of four reflective practice modules conceived as successive building blocks in the professional development of a reflective agricultural advisor and examines the model through the lens of theory and the lens of experience of the first cohort of students to complete the programme.

Findings: Experiential learning with structured critical reflection is shown to support the integration of knowledge gained into new professional identities as agricultural advisors.

Practical Implications: Curricula for higher education in agricultural extension need to be revitalised and refreshed to address the mismatch between the emphasis on the social dimensions of extension in the literature and the general lack of attention to this in the education and formation of agricultural advisors.

Theoretical Implications: The paper presents a model of reflective practice that draws on experiences in other professions that could be applied to early career and continuing professional development for agricultural advisors.

Originality/Value: By presenting a model for reflective practice, the author intends to stimulate a wider discussion on the importance of the different levels of reflection in agricultural extension higher education.

KEYWORDS:

• Reflective practice
• extension curricula
• agricultural advisors
• professional development

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.

Notes on contributor

Dr Monica Gorman is a lecturer in agricultural extension and innovation in UCD's School of Agriculture and Food Science. She has developed and coordinates postgraduate Masters programmes for agricultural science graduates who want to work in farm advisory and agricultural education roles.