The New Adult Education: Bringing Peer Educators Up to Speed

Abstract

Stereotypes about peer educators (farmers teaching farmers, parent teaching parents) may get in Extension's way. Problems occur particularly when it is believed that peer educators' "natural" abilities are what make them great. This article provides an alternative view of peer educators, with a focus on ways to increase the educational skills of this important Extension partner. The article summarizes a new approach to adult education (constructivist and transformative) that was introduced to peer educators in Iowa (farmer cooperators and pesticide applicator educators) through workshops and support materials. The article also discusses challenges associated with adoption of new forms of adult education.