Using the Train-the-Trainer Model In Experimental Learning.

Insects, both pests and beneficials, are increasingly important to all agricultural crops in the Pacific Northwest. Identification of pest insects is critical to successful adoption of integrated insect management. The project’s objective was to develop a group of agricultural professionals who will train others in insect identification and in integrated management strategies. We used the "train-the-trainer" model where we conducted an intensive training program to prepare our future trainers. We trained 71 individuals in 4 different 2 ½ day (20 hour) training sessions in Oregon and Washington. The audience included University Extension faculty/staff (13), agricultural professionals consultants/agronomists (13), and certified Master Gardeners (45). The sessions were intense hands-on learning with everything needed for insect identification and preparing their insect collections. Our web resources provided training materials (http://extension.oregonstate.edu/umatilla/insect-id). Web resources include a series of on-line short videos on collecting and scouting for insects. A post training survey (36 participants/71trainees) demonstrated that 1 year post training trainees had conducted insect ID education (50%), and provided identification services (85%) both at work and in their communities. About 300 community volunteer service hours by the trainees had been conducted at the time of the survey. An email list serve for the class participants was and continues to be used to communicate with trainees. This short course was sponsored by Western SARE.