People learn best by what they do and see, less by what they hear, smell or feel. The best methods of learning will try to involve several senses but with a focus on seeing and doing. Quite often, these methods will also require more time to implement and thus many trainers and teachers will prefer to cover a topic in a theoretical or classroom presentation with supporting written materials.
Examples of methods include:
lectures/presentations
group discussions/group work
brainstorming
demonstration
reading
exercises/problems
case study analysis
role play/simulations
games
practicals
project work/research
field visits
attachments.
In addition, the following teaching-learning methods and experiences can be used to expose the participants to a wide range of disciplines:
Thematic multidisciplinary seminars, to expose learners to cross-disciplinary issues and interactions.
Talks by guest speakers, to provide disciplinary perspectives and summaries of disciplinary contributions.
Problem-oriented workshops, to deal with and resolve real-world problems through focused case studies.
Teacher-accompanied participation at government agency meetings, to expose learners to public participation in the policy process and the operational reality of the government.
Have participants act as observers at village-level planning sessions, to expose learners to local-level planning and to the functioning of democracy (decision making) at the grassroots’ level.
Village- or farm-based practicum to gain understanding of the complexity of farmers’ reality, decision-making and strategies.
Weekend village residency, to engender empathy and cultural sensitivity.
Video-recorded role-playing for reviewing and discussing the dynamics of group interactions, attitudes and skills related to real-life situations.
Student seminars incorporated into courses.