This comprehensive textbook integrates two closely aligned disciplines—Rural Sociology and Educational Psychology—to offer readers a holistic perspective on rural social systems and the psychological foundations of learning. Designed especially for students of agriculture, social sciences, and extension education, the book provides both theoretical insights and practical understanding that are essential for academic success and field-level application.

The Rural Sociology section consists of sixteen meticulously written chapters contributed by seasoned academicians. These chapters explore the structural and functional aspects of rural communities, focusing on topics such as social groups, stratification, institutions, organizations, cultural norms, leadership patterns, social control, and social change. Each chapter captures the complexity of rural life while presenting concepts in a clear, engaging, and student-friendly manner. Real-life examples and relatable case insights help readers connect sociological principles with grassroots realities.

The Educational Psychology segment emphasizes key psychological processes that influence teaching and learning. Core themes include cognitive development, learning theories, personality, intelligence, motivation, attitude formation, and behavioral patterns. The content is presented in an accessible style, supported by everyday illustrations that make abstract concepts easier to understand. This section equips learners with the psychological tools necessary to analyze human behaviour, improve teaching effectiveness, and foster better learner engagement.

To support comprehension and retention, the book adopts a strong pedagogical framework. Each chapter begins with a clear introduction, includes diagrams and flowcharts to simplify complex concepts, provides glossaries for quick reference, and ends with comprehensive exercises such as multiple-choice questions, short and long answer questions, true/false statements, fill-in-the-blanks, and match-the-column activities. A curated list of suggested readings encourages deeper learning.

Overall, this textbook serves as a reliable academic companion—equipping students, educators, and extension professionals with the knowledge, analytical skills, and practical perspectives needed to understand rural communities and the psychological dimensions of education effectively.

Dr. Sheela Raghuwanshi

Assistant Professor, Department of Extension Education, College of Agriculture, Tikamgarh (JNKVV), Madhya Pradesh
Dr. Sheela Raghuwanshi is a distinguished academician with over 13 years of experience in teaching, research, and extension activities. She holds M.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees from JNKVV, Jabalpur, and has qualified ASRB-NET and UGC-NET.
She has guided 17 M.Sc. students as Major Advisor and more than 30 students as Minor Advisor. Her scholarly contributions include 30+ research papers, 15 book chapters, multiple training manuals, and 25 popular articles.
Dr. Sheela has played a pivotal role in organizing International, National, and Regional Conferences/Seminars, including those sponsored by the Government of India and the National Commission for Women, New Delhi. She also serves on the e-editorial board of Technofame: Multidisciplinary Journal, and actively contributes to university-level report writing and documentation.

Dr. S. P. Singh

Associate Professor & Head, Extension Education Section, College of Agriculture, Tikamgarh (JNKVV), Madhya Pradesh
Dr. S. P. Singh holds a Doctorate in Extension Education from Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Agra, and has qualified ASRB-NET.
With 18+ years of experience in teaching, research, and administration, he specializes in extension reforms, ICT in agricultural extension, livelihood security, and the development of indigenous and farmer-centric technologies.
He serves as Editor of three research and technical journals, has delivered 20+ radio/TV talks, and has organized eight national and three international seminars and conferences.
Dr. Singh has also served as Executive Council Member, Extension Education Committee, ICAR, New Delhi.

Dr. Aparna Jaiswal

Assistant Professor, College of Agriculture, Ganjbasoda (JNKVV), Madhya Pradesh
Dr. Aparna Jaiswal has an illustrious teaching career of over 13 years. She holds a B.Sc. Agriculture (IGKV, Raipur) and M.Sc. Ag. & Ph.D. (Agricultural Extension & Communication) from JNKVV, Jabalpur, and is also NET-qualified.
Her academic contributions include 2 books, 25 research papers, 15 book chapters, and several popular articles. She has significantly contributed to agricultural extension, student mentoring, and knowledge dissemination.

Dr. Surendra Kumar Rai

Assistant Professor, Department of Extension Education, College of Agriculture, Jabalpur (JNKVV), Madhya Pradesh
Dr. S. K. Rai is an accomplished academic with over a decade of experience in teaching, research, and outreach. He has authored three books and published numerous research papers in national and international journals.
His work reflects strong expertise in agricultural extension, and his contributions have strengthened research-driven teaching and field-based extension practices.

Unit I: Fundamentals of Extension Education

1. Introduction to Extension Education – N. S. Khedkar
2. Sociology & Rural Sociology – N. S. Khedkar
3. Indian Rural Society – Parvez Rajan

Unit II: Social Structure and Dynamics

1. Social Groups – Parvez Rajan
2. Social Stratification – Dr. Surendra Rai
3. Cultural Concepts – Dr. Sonam Agrawal
4. Social Values & Attitude – Dr. Sheela Raghuwanshi
5. Social Institutions – Dr. Kamini Bisht
6. Social Organization – Dr. Kamini Bisht
7. Social Control – Dr. Sonam Agrawal
8. Social Change – Dr. S. P. Singh

Unit III: Leadership & Behavioural Sciences

1. Leadership & Training of Leaders – Dr. Arvind Saxena
2. Psychology & Educational Psychology – Dr. Aparna Jaiswal
3. Intelligence – Dr. S. P. Singh
4. Personality – Dr. Seema Naberia

Unit IV: Teaching–Learning & Communication

1. Teaching–Learning Process – Dr. Kinjulck Singh

Unit V: Supplementary Sections

1. Glossary
2. Subject Index
3. Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
4. Short Questions
5. Long Questions
6. Match the Column
7. True/False
8. Fill in the Blanks