FACULTY MEMBERS RESPONSES ABOUT EXISTING AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION CURRICULA IN THE AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITIES OF PAKISTAN

Present study was conducted with the aim to analyze faculty members’ views about agricultural extension curricula in the agricultural universities of Pakistan. Four agricultural universities i.e. NWFP Agricultural University, Peshawar, University of Arid Agriculture Rawalpindi, University of Agriculture Faisalabad and Sindh Agriculture University, Tandojam were purposely selected as universe of the study. Data were collected through mailed questionnaire from 32(100%) of the employed faculty members in these universities. But due to getting less response through mailed questionnaire data were analyzed for 26 (82%) of the faculty members by using descriptive statistical methods. The study findings revealed that the agricultural extension curriculum was perceived as good (62% agreed and rank 1) on all the sub scales of objectives of the curriculum. Regarding the curriculum organization and presentation 61% agreed and mentioned it at ranked 1. Also about stimulation and interest in the curriculum 50% of the respondents agreed and ranked it 1. Teaching methods and learning environment, assignments and practical work of the curriculum were good as mostly respondent’s agreed with the statement. The curriculum content and structure was rated as good with respect to scope and topics, technical merit and relevance. It was concluded that faculty members were fully aware about the objectives of curriculum and viewed that curriculum was well organized and presented in a logical sequence, schedule for topics, assignments, and tests was clearly presented. It was recommended that there was a need to further improve the quality of the content with stress on real life examples, and also problem based learning techniques should be used for learning in real tasks.