IPM SCHOOL FOR AGRONOMY PROFESSIONALS: DESIGNING AN EXPERIENTIAL EDUCATION MODEL FOR PROFESSIONAL TRAINING

Wagner*, L.J., Agronomy Educator, South Dakota Cooperative Extension Service, Union County, Elk Point, South Dakota 57025

In the summer of 2009 a team of Agronomy Educators and Agronomy Specialists of the South Dakota Cooperative Extension Service presented an advanced training program for Integrated Pest Management (IPM). The primary challenge was the task of attracting attendance to a new program in the state. Targeted participants were Certified Crop Advisors, Crop Consultants, Extension Educators, and agronomy trained industry representatives. Sponsoring partnerships were secured and scheduling proceeded. Planning for the school began with a series of planning meetings to discuss training topics, educational materials, facilities, and program management. Appropriate presenters were recruited from the Extension Specialists and Educators. The Action Team was organized, coordinators were designated, and individuals were assigned to specific tasks. The IPM School attracted a workable limit of attendees, left a positive account balance, and received encouraging evaluations. This professional improvement presentation will discuss the objectives and goals that provided the strategies to accomplish the program success. It will present three topics: 1. Designing an inaugural training program; 2. Building relationships between Extension and Industry; 3. Exploring the principles of Experiential Learning in adult education.