Training Needs of the Extension Communication Unit Staff of the Agricultural Training Institute Network of Training Centers Relating to the Development of Instructional Materials

Abstract

Training needs analysis, or the identification of the particular training needed by the employee is a great way to maximize the offices’ resources. Likewise, the provision of which is enough motivation for them to effectively and efficiently accomplish their tasks. Hence, this study was conducted to determine the training needs of the Extension Communication Unit (ECU) staff of the Training Centers of the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) in relation to the development of instructional materials.

Using the survey research design, a six-page questionnaire was administered to the ECU staff in the Training Centers of ATI nationwide. The questionnaire was designed to elicit information on the profile of the respondents, the availability and utilization of instructional materials in the Training Centers, the development and production of instructional materials, and the training needs of the staff in the production of instructional materials. Data were described using frequency counts and percentages.

Respondents of the study were 81 ECU staff from 28 ATI Training Centers. Of this, majority were Technical Staff (37.04%), followed by Artist Illustrator II (32.10%), and 30.86 percent were Audio Visual Aid Technician II. Compare with the educational background of the two other groups of respondents, only the courses taken by the Technical Staff seemed to be more relevant to their present position. With regard to the availability of instructional technologies in the Training Centers, results revealed that the most available (98.77) and widely used (92.59%) instructional technology was the overhead projector (OHP). As such, majority of the respondents (92.59) develop and produce transparencies. Due to its accessibility, almost all of the respondents (97.53%) use of transparencies as often as necessary. Research was utilized in the development and production of instructional materials (90.12%). Likewise, more than half (67.90%) referred to persons of authority in offices concerned with the collection of primary and secondary data as basis in the preparation of instructional materials. Among the three groups of respondents, it was found that in the development and production of instructional materials, the Artist Illustrator II were most involved. More than half of the respondents (58.02%) agreed that they are capable to develop instructional materials. The main problem, however, was lack of funds. Nevertheless, 82.72 percent suggested that the provision of funds will solve the problem. The instructional materials produced in the Training Centers were characterized by majority (92.59%) as informative. These were used by trainers and extension workers during trainings.

Majority (83.95%) of the respondents have attended training mostly on audio visual presentation (82.35%). In terms of the degree of usefulness, these training were perceived as very useful, with the level of training and its duration considered just right (85.29 and 69.12%, respectively) and very relevant (79.41%). In terms of the subject matter areas that respondents need to be trained on, training on artwork was much needed by the Artist Illustrator (81.82%) while training on video production for the AVAT II (68.18%). Although the Technical Staff signified interest to be trained on newswriting and feature writing (82.76%), the training on the use of digital camera (77.27%) was much needed. A little less than half of the respondents (46.91) preferred the ATI Central Office as the venue for their training. A two-week training course conducted anytime of the year was also preferred.

In the course of the study, it was recommended that the management extend full logistic support to provide training and follow-up training programs to increase the staff’s credibility and make them effective communicators.