8 Suggestions for trainers

If you use this Research Guide in training ...

Generally

  • Distribute handouts (including this Research Guide) to trainees one or several days before your presentation, or distribute them at the end of the presentation.
  • Do not distribute handouts at the beginning of a presentation, otherwise trainees will read instead of listen to you.
  • Ask trainees not to take notes, but to pay full attention to the training activity. Assure them that your handouts (and this Research Guide) contain all relevant information.
  • Keep your training activities practical. Reduce theory to the minimum that is necessary to understand the practical exercises.
  • Use the questions on page 4 (or a selection of questions) for examinations (quizzes, periodical tests, etc.). Allow consultation of handouts and books during examinations.
  • Promote interaction of trainees. Allow questions, but do not deviate from the subject.
  • Respect the time allotted.

    • Specifically

  • Discuss with trainees, experiences and problems of maize production and research (10 minutes). You may ask a few questions from page 4 to test the knowledge of trainees.
  • Present and discuss the content of this Research Guide, considering the study materials listed on page 3 (45 minutes). Have real samples of maize plants available for each trainee (or pair of trainees) as study materials on his/her table.
  • You may photocopy the illustrations of this Research Guide onto transparencies for projection with an overhead projector.
  • Conduct the practicals suggested on page 3 in groups (3-4 trainees per group; 2 hours). Make sure that each trainee has the opportunity to practice. Have resource persons available for each group and practical.
  • Organize your practicals/demonstrations well. Keep trainees busy. Prevent trainees from scattering around the table.


    •   Objectives, Study materials, Practicals
      Questions
       
      1 The maize plant and its importance
      2 Growth stages
      3 Seedling growth
      4 Vegetative growth
      5 Flowering and fertilization
      6 Grain filling
      7 Bibliography
      8 Suggestions
         
      Credits
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