Resources for
Successful Adult Education

1. About questions:
   • There are no dumb questions
   • Many questions do not have answers
   • Questions are not context free
   • The first question asked may not reflect the real concern
   • While we sometimes can't answer the first question, we can often help the person address the real issue
   • Empower people to come up with alternatives and help them make their own decisions
2. About people:
   • Many people want you to confirm what they already believe or know
   • People often make decisions based on emotions and then justify the decision with facts or perceptions
   • Let people know they need to make the final decision. They must take responsibility for making the final choice.
3. About the NDSU Extension Service's role in helping people make informed decisions:
   • It's okay not to know an answer or alternative
   • Extension doesn't have to be all things to all people
   • Our role is in education and facilitation, not regulation
   • Our best role is to help facilitate informed choice
   • We need to encourage critical thinking skills
   • Fielding questions successfully requires active listening and active questioning
   • With proper questioning, many questions answer themselves
   • NDSU Extension Service must provide practical, unbiased, research-based information

Prepared by:
Denny Schrock
State Master Gardener Coordinator
Adapted for Internet Master Program by Maryann Redelfs and Don Day
Information/Technology Specialists, University of Missouri

This section is adapted from the University of Missouri's Internet Master Program.

The Master Internet Volunteer Program was developed by the University of Minnesota Extension Service and was adapted for use in North Dakota with permission. Copyright  © 2001  North Dakota State University. All rights reserved.

North Dakota State University Extension Service