Rowland Holmes

Preferred presentation format: unrefereed Paper

Affiliation(s): Department of Primary Industries, Queensland

Title: Mr. Rowland Holmes Position: Extension Horticulturist Organisation: Department of Primary Industries, Queensland Contact email: rowland.holmes@dpi.qld.gov.au Contact phone: 07 4783 2355

Keywords: program learning, capacity building, knowledge generation, information delivery

This paper discusses the “Managing mangoes for profit” training workshop series developed in response to an information needs analysis undertaken with the Australian mango industry. It was identified that even the best producers had a limited basic knowledge of the principles and underlying science that influence orchard management and fruit quality.

A series of workshops was developed using a “program learning” extension model to deliver training based on the identified industry needs. The workshops were specifically designed to build participant’s capacity to continually improve their management practices through a better understanding of the underlying basic science, rather than just provide information on “what to do”.

Adult learning principles were used to develop workshop programs to provide a learning experience through discussion as well as supplying information. The aim was to improve participant knowledge and build their capacity to continually improve management practices. Trainers were skilled in adult learning techniques as well as having technical expertise. A diversity of views amongst trainers also increased audience participation during each workshop.

An information resource (manuals, presentations, field guides etc.) was developed to ensure ongoing access to the workshop series and can also be used to meet the information demands of other customers. This program learning model has been successfully adopted in other areas with excellent results.

Key learning points:

• By building people’s capacity to turn information into knowledge they don’t continually rely on being fed solutions; they develop their own
• A diversity of view points enriches a learning experience: particularly from the providers of the information