LA DINÁMICA DE APRENDIZAJE EXPERIENCIAL EN LA FORMACIÓN DE LAS Y LOS EXTENSIONISTAS RURALES LATINOAMERICANOS.

In general, academic literature and institutional practice have paid little attention to experiential learning in the training of rural extension agents. This study attempts to understand the way extension agents develop their work competencies based on practice and experience. Sixty-eight individual interviews and eighteen group interviews were held with extension agents in Argentina, Chile, Cuba, Ecuador, Guatemala, and Uruguay. The results show that experiential learning plays a fundamental role in developing agents' professional competencies, and that it can adopt diverse forms. Emphasis is placed on the importance of experiential learning processes derived from a reflection on practice and supported by self-critical attitudes in transforming extension practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]