ON BOARDING AND MENTORING PROGRAM FOR THE CARE AND DEVELOP NEW GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS FOR AGRICULTURAL EXTENSIONIST OF THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION

Abstract

This research aimed to create a curriculum for developing mentors in an onboarding program for newly appointed agricultural extensionists of the Department of Agricultural Extension. The curriculum was designed based on the ADDIE Model, specifically focusing on two key phases: (1) the Analysis phase (A) to identify the actual problems or needs of the training, and (2) the Design phase (D) for curriculum design. In the first phase, the Result Matrix tool was employed to analyze data across four dimensions: 1) ACT – what the trainees should do, 2) FEEL – how the trainees should feel, 3) BELIEVE – what the trainees should believe, and 4) KNOW – what the trainees should know. Data was collected from a target group of 47 individuals from the Department of Agricultural Extension, who were involved in and played significant roles in the onboarding program for newly appointed agricultural extensionists, using qualitative research methods, including in-depth interviews and focus groups discussions.

The research findings were summarized as follows: 1) mentors were required to have three key attributes: (1) knowledge, (2) essential skills, and (3) personal characteristics, 2) The mentors training development program comprised 3 modules and 8 topics: Module 1 which was Mentor Roles and Personal Characteristics included 3 topics: (1) mentor roles and guidelines for the onboarding of new agricultural extensionists, (2) self-awareness and understanding others for effective collaboration, and (3) achieving success and personal fulfillment through positive attitudes. Module 2 which was Essential Mentoring Skills, consisted of 2 topics: (1) communication for understanding and efficient work performance, and (2) professional coaching and counseling for mentees. The module 3, which was Essential Knowledge for Professional Mentorship comprised 3 topics: (1) fundamental knowledge required for the onboarding of new agricultural extensionists, (2) essential knowledge for thriving in the civil service system, and (3) becoming a professional mentor.