Investigating the Effectiveness of Extension Educational Activities in Promoting Knowledge of the Members of Agriculture Production Cooperatives in Semnan Province

The present study investigates the effectiveness of extension educational activities in promoting knowledge of the members of agriculture and production cooperatives in Semnan Province. This research is an applied research conducted in cause and effect correlative method. The dependant variable was the effectiveness of extensioneducational activities in promoting knowledge of members of the agriculture production cooperatives and the independent variables were established in 5 groups of personal, social, economical, extension educational activities and farming. Statistical population consisted of 3367 members of agriculture production cooperatives who hadparticipated in the extension educational courses. By applying the Cochran formula the appropriate sample size was determined to be 209 questionnaires which were correctly completed. A field procedure was employed using the sample questionnaires and validity of the content of questionnaires was established by enquiring experts and professors. After applying necessary corrections and conducting a preliminary test, the acquired Cronbach's Alpha Coefficient was %91. SPSS-16 Software was used to analyze the data. In order to determine the effect of independent variables on dependent ones, multiple regressions were used. The resulted acquired from the collective effect of independentvariables on dependant variables through a multi-variable regression in a step by step method indicated that developmental roles of agriculture, educational resources, educational method, and crop production stages explained the %53.8 of changes in the dependent variable of knowledge. Considering the results of the study, it is suggested that the content of courses should be compatible with economical, social and technicalissues & conditions of the cooperative members and aid them in their field of work and specialty in the cooperative. Also cooperative members and participants in the courses should be asked to help with planning, implementation and evaluation of educational programs and activities; so that members will participate in the planning according to their needs, and cooperation morale, which is the basis of cooperatives would bepreserved.