Gregory Davis

Extension and its clientele base continue to change. Changes in Extension Community Development program professionals, their clientele, as well as recent technological advances require Extension educators to re-think traditional programming delivery methods and formats. A better understanding of learners and how they prefer to learn is essential to design effective Extension program delivery methods and formats. Understanding individual needs and differences in learners enables one to develop better, more meaningful and effective community development programs. When Community Development Extension professionals recognize the learning and personality type preferences of themselves and their learners, these Extension professionals can target learners' styles and attempt to provide flexibility in their instructional style to better meet the needs of their clientele.

Little research has been conducted that examines the learning style and personality type preferences of Community Development Extension educators. This research roundtable presentation is based upon a descriptive correlational study which examined the relationship between learning style and personality type preferences of Extension Community Development program professionals in Ohio. The presence of relationships of learning style and personality type preferences to work assignment, length of tenure, academic background, educational attainment, age, and gender was also studied.
Instrumentation used for data collection, study results, and their implications will be shared. Roundtable participants will also receive materials describing the various learning style and personality type preferences including instructions for their use in team, organizational and program development efforts.