Integrating Field and Classroom through a new course entitled ‘Extension Plant Pathology’

Integrating Field and Classroom
through a new course entitled
‘Extension Plant Pathology’

1. Integrating Field and Classroom through a new course entitled ‘Extension Plant Pathology’ Aditya Sinha , Abhijeet Ghatak , Ramesh Nath Gupta, Sawant Shraddha Bhaskar Department of Extension Education Department of Plant Pathology Bihar Agricultural College, Sabour (Bhagalpur) 1 National Conference on “Climate Smart Disease Management for Sustainable Plant Health” (CSDM – 2024) July 10 – 12, 2024

2. Introduction Extension Plant Pathology ( PLPATH 520 ): A new course introduced in the academic year 2023-24 Developed and implemented at Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour Addresses a critical gap in agricultural education: Lack of integration between advanced research and field application Need for improved knowledge transfer to farmers and stakeholders Course designed to bridge the divide between: Cutting-edge plant pathology research Practical application of knowledge in agricultural fields Emphasis on translating complex scientific concepts into actionable information for farmers 2

3. Course Objectives Enhance knowledge transfer: Develop effective strategies to communicate research findings to farmers Create pathways for bi-directional information flow between researchers and stakeholders Integrate traditional and modern approaches: Combine time-tested plant pathology principles with innovative extension methodologies Leverage technology and new communication channels for improved outreach Develop comprehensive skill set: Train students in accurate and efficient disease diagnosis Equip future professionals with a range of management strategies for various plant diseases Improve communication skills: Teach techniques for translating technical information into layman's terms Enhance students' ability to engage effectively with diverse agricultural stakeholders 3

4. Curriculum Structure Hands-on field training: Regular field visits to observe and diagnose plant diseases in real-world settings Practice in collecting samples and conducting on-site assessments Case studies of successful disease management programs: Analysis of past and ongoing extension projects Identification of best practices and lessons learned Digital tools for disease monitoring and information dissemination: Introduction to mobile apps and online platforms for disease tracking Training in the use of social media and digital communication for outreach Focus on practical application: Simulations of farmer interactions and extension scenarios Development of educational materials for various stakeholder groups Effective communication training: Workshops on public speaking and presentation skills Practice in writing for different audiences (e.g., scientific papers, farmer bulletins) 4

5. Methodology Evaluation Criteria Developed evaluation criteria aligned with course objectives, focusing on: Educational Outcomes: Mastery of plant pathology concepts, ability to apply knowledge in field settings. Student Satisfaction: Overall experience, satisfaction with course structure, balance between theory and practical application. Integration of Field and Classroom: Effectiveness of integrating field trips, practical sessions, and traditional lectures. Data Collection Methods Surveys: Develop pre- and post-course surveys to gather baseline information and feedback after completion. Questions included: course structure, perceived learning outcomes, relevance of field experiences, and overall satisfaction. Interviews/Focus Groups: Interviews or focus groups with students and instructors to gather qualitative insights on their experiences with the course. Observations: Field sessions were observed and classroom interactions to assess how well theoretical concepts are applied in practical settings. Data Analysis Quantitative Analysis: Survey data was analysed using statistical methods to measure changes in perceptions, satisfaction levels, and learning outcomes. Qualitative Analysis: Thematic analysis of interviews and focus groups to identify recurring themes, strengths, weaknesses, and suggestions for improvement. 5

6. Initial Outcomes Feedback collected from the first batch of 23 students (Masters' and Doctoral programs) Enhanced confidence in disease diagnosis: Students report improved ability to identify and assess plant diseases in the field Greater understanding of the importance of context in diagnosis Improved communication of complex information: Students demonstrate increased skill in explaining technical concepts to non-specialists Development of visual aids and simplified explanations for common plant diseases Better understanding of disease cycles and management techniques: Deeper comprehension of the interconnectedness of environmental factors and disease progression Improved ability to recommend holistic and sustainable management strategies More effective disease control practices: Students show capacity to develop integrated pest management plans Increased awareness of the importance of preventive measures and early intervention 6

7. Addressing Global Needs Meeting growing demand for skilled extension plant pathologists Increasing complexity of plant diseases requires specialized knowledge and communication skills Rising need for professionals who can bridge the gap between research and field application Crucial for developing countries Particularly important in regions with high populations of smallholder farmers Addressing vulnerabilities of small-scale agriculture to crop diseases and climate change Alignment with global initiatives Supports UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Zero Hunger (SDG 2) Contributes to FAO’s efforts in promoting sustainable agriculture and food security Enhancing resilience in agricultural systems Improving farmers’ ability to respond to disease outbreaks and changing environmental conditions Contributing to long-term sustainability of food production systems 7

8. Future Plans Incorporate emerging technologies Integration of AI-based disease detection tools into the curriculum Exploration of remote sensing and drone technology for large-scale disease monitoring Address climate change impacts Include modules on the effects of climate change on plant disease patterns Develop strategies for adapting disease management practices to changing environmental conditions Expand course scope and reach Potential development of online modules for broader accessibility Collaboration with other institutions to create a network of extension plant pathology programs Continuous curriculum refinement Regular updates based on latest research and field experiences Incorporation of feedback from students, farmers, and agricultural stakeholders 8

9. Conclusion Innovative approach to extension plant pathology education Unique integration of scientific knowledge and practical skills Addresses a critical need in agricultural education and extension services Produces graduates equipped for real-world challenges Students prepared to tackle complex plant disease issues in diverse agricultural settings Development of professionals with both technical expertise and strong communication skills Significant contribution to global food security efforts Enhancing the capacity of future agricultural professionals to support farmers Improving the transfer of knowledge from research institutions to the field Model for future agricultural education programs Potential for replication and adaptation in other institutions and countries Demonstrates the value of interdisciplinary approaches in agricultural sciences 9

10. Acknowledgements Bihar Agricultural University for supporting the development of this innovative course Participating students for their valuable feedback and enthusiasm Collaborating farmers and agricultural stakeholders for their input and support 10

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12. Thank You 12