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- Extension (6)
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- Accountability (1)
- Actionable evidence (1)
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- And environment change; multilevel change; positive youth development for health; Health and Wellness Framework; ECOP Action Teams (1)
- Appreciative inquiry (1)
- Assets (1)
- Barriers (1)
- Behavior change (1)
- Belonging (1)
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- Change (1)
- Coaching (1)
- Collaboration (1)
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Articles 1 - 26 of 26
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Opportunities For Competency Support Of Virginia Cooperative Extension Professionals At The Colleague Stage, Karen A. Vines, Ruth E. Wallace, Cynthia Gregg, Neil Clark, Jane Henderson, Lonnie Johnson, Dickson Otieno, Sarah Baughman
Opportunities For Competency Support Of Virginia Cooperative Extension Professionals At The Colleague Stage, Karen A. Vines, Ruth E. Wallace, Cynthia Gregg, Neil Clark, Jane Henderson, Lonnie Johnson, Dickson Otieno, Sarah Baughman
Journal of Human Sciences and Extension
This study focused on the professional development needs of Cooperative Extension agents and specialists with between four and seven years of experience, placing them roughly within the colleague career stage. Data were collected through focus groups and validated through member checking and the use of a modified World Café approach. A research team collaborated, increasing the reliability of the findings through intentional reflection in the development of the findings. Areas of competency strength and weakness vary for agents and specialists, and specific topic areas within competencies vary. While many of the emergent competencies identified in this study fit within the …
A Descriptive Analysis Of Remote Work Adoption In The United States, Paul A. Hill, Amanda D. Ali, Lendel K. Narine, Debra M. Spielmaker
A Descriptive Analysis Of Remote Work Adoption In The United States, Paul A. Hill, Amanda D. Ali, Lendel K. Narine, Debra M. Spielmaker
Journal of Human Sciences and Extension
Advances in information and communications technology have enabled organizations to shift traditional work functions away from place or where work is accomplished to how work is accomplished (i.e., task facilitation). With the rise in remote work, there was a need to describe the adoption process by organizations in the United States. Given that the practice of remote work is considered an innovation, this quantitative study was guided by the theory of Diffusion of Innovations and followed a nonexperimental design with a correlational analysis, collecting cross-sectional data from a sample of organizational leaders in the United States (N = 1,259). Results …
Fostering A Sense Of Belonging In Urban Extension For Internal And External Stakeholders, Ramona Madhosingh-Hector, Linda M. Seals
Fostering A Sense Of Belonging In Urban Extension For Internal And External Stakeholders, Ramona Madhosingh-Hector, Linda M. Seals
Journal of Human Sciences and Extension
In urban areas, the communities are as diverse as the issues, and different educational and engagement strategies must be deployed to support urban Extension clientele. Urban communities must connect with and feel a sense of “belonging” with Extension–this connection can strengthen Extension’s presence and value proposition to urban constituents. This study found that although Extension was engaged in efforts to support belonging, its efforts were hampered by a lack of collaboration and commitment to supporting a system-wide effort to change the culture. Intentionality, emotional intelligence, and dialogue were presented as strategies to foster a sense of belonging for Extension personnel …
Futuring Perspectives And Practices For Urban Extension, Julie Fox, Solomon Garner
Futuring Perspectives And Practices For Urban Extension, Julie Fox, Solomon Garner
Journal of Human Sciences and Extension
Extension is well-positioned to engage strategically with urban communities now and in the future. A century of collaboration and proven impact provides Extension with a valuable foundation focused on relevant service accessible to all people; applied science and co-discovery; respectful and inclusive engagement; and commitment to community well-being. An exploration of the literature on the future, from the Extension perspective and from external viewpoints, informs a contemporary approach to focus on the future of urban Extension. An interplay of Extension professionals with diverse community stakeholders and dynamic technologies bridges past perspective and current context with practical methods to address the …
Assessing Hygiene Factor Needs For A Statewide Extension Strategic Planning Process, Amy Harder, Mikey W. Hughes
Assessing Hygiene Factor Needs For A Statewide Extension Strategic Planning Process, Amy Harder, Mikey W. Hughes
Journal of Human Sciences and Extension
UF/IFAS Extension launched a long-term strategic planning process in 2019 to create positive change within the organization and within Florida. Conducting an internal needs assessment was prioritized as an important component of the planning process to address concerns that the previous strategic plan did not sufficiently focus on the organization’s needs, especially faculty needs. So, this study was conducted in 2020 to determine UF/IFAS Extension faculty’s perceptions of selected hygiene factors associated with workplace motivation. An online survey consisting of 13 sections was distributed through Qualtrics to 612 UF/IFAS Extension faculty. Faculty tended to be slightly satisfied with the UF/IFAS …
Evaluation Of Coach-Based Technical Assistance: An Evolving Focus On Coachability And Goal Setting, Kimberly J. Mccarthy, Daniel F. Perkins, Matthew Roberts, Shane Potter, Autumn H. Guin, Jan B. Carroll, Nancy C. Deringer, James E. Ballard, Lynne M. Borden
Evaluation Of Coach-Based Technical Assistance: An Evolving Focus On Coachability And Goal Setting, Kimberly J. Mccarthy, Daniel F. Perkins, Matthew Roberts, Shane Potter, Autumn H. Guin, Jan B. Carroll, Nancy C. Deringer, James E. Ballard, Lynne M. Borden
Journal of Human Sciences and Extension
In 2013, the National Institute of Food and Agriculture supported the creation of a professional development and technical assistance center to promote strong implementation and evaluation of University-led, community-based projects serving low-resource populations. Within this center, a coaching cadre was established to provide proactive and responsive technical assistance. Formative evaluation involving coaches and their primary contacts was used for refinement of coaching practices. Initially, coaches were encouraged to build strong interpersonal rapport. This set the stage for trusting, reciprocal interactions, but coaches recognized a need for targeted support and more tools for quality programming, evaluation, and sustainability. Greater emphasis was …
Communication Is Key: State-Level Organizational Correlates Of Readiness For Evidence-Based Programming Within The Cooperative Extension System, Sarah M. Chilenski, Jonathan R. Olson, Jill A. Schulte, Daniel F. Perkins, Mark T. Greenberg, Richard Spoth
Communication Is Key: State-Level Organizational Correlates Of Readiness For Evidence-Based Programming Within The Cooperative Extension System, Sarah M. Chilenski, Jonathan R. Olson, Jill A. Schulte, Daniel F. Perkins, Mark T. Greenberg, Richard Spoth
Journal of Human Sciences and Extension
The necessity to implement evidence-based programs to support the healthy development of youth and families is becoming part of national policy. Organizations that are not “ready” to do so will likely lose resources, disallowing them to serve as they have set out to do. Consequently, the current survey study draws from a national sample of Cooperative Extension personnel in 2009 to examine characteristics within their organizational context that facilitate successful change related to youth/family programming. Data were collected from 946 4-H/youth development or Family and Consumer Sciences employees at all levels. Self-reported indices of each state organization’s openness to change, …
Promoting Healthy Lifestyles For Extension Employees: An Exploratory Study, Joseph L. Donaldson, Karen L. Franck
Promoting Healthy Lifestyles For Extension Employees: An Exploratory Study, Joseph L. Donaldson, Karen L. Franck
Journal of Human Sciences and Extension
Employee health is regarded as a strategic advantage with individual, organizational, and societal benefits. This study sought to describe the major health issues, motivations, barriers, and needs related to healthy lifestyles for Cooperative Extension employees. A total of 16 focus groups were conducted throughout Tennessee with 105 participants. Separate focus groups were conducted with seven groups of University of Tennessee Extension employees: administrative assistants, county agents, county directors, program assistants, departmental faculty, administrators, and professional staff. Findings indicate chronic stress as the dominant health issue. Respondents were motivated to stay healthy to be role models for good health, among other …
Credible And Actionable Evidence In Extension Practice: Framing Issues, Contexts, And Principles, Benjamin Silliman, Scott R. Cummings
Credible And Actionable Evidence In Extension Practice: Framing Issues, Contexts, And Principles, Benjamin Silliman, Scott R. Cummings
Journal of Human Sciences and Extension
Organizations that translate emerging science and provide community outreach, such as the Cooperative Extension Service and similar outreach engagement programs at universities, face ongoing challenges in establishing the credibility of program content and results as the pace of discovery of new knowledge, demand for effective applications, and diversity of audiences and other stakeholders continues to expand. This special edition of the Journal of Human Sciences and Extension (JHSE) explores the theme, “What is credible and actionable evidence in Extension programs?” Like a good evaluation, we begin this introductory article by framing the question, including academic, policy, and practical contexts; definitions …
Full Issue, Volume 7, Number 2, Benjamin Silliman, Scott Cummings, Donna J. Peterson, Rich Poling
Full Issue, Volume 7, Number 2, Benjamin Silliman, Scott Cummings, Donna J. Peterson, Rich Poling
Journal of Human Sciences and Extension
No abstract provided.
Burnout And Extension Educators: Where We Are And Implications For Future Research, Mia B. Russell, Prince A. Attoh, Tyrone Chase, Tao Gong, Jinhee Kim, Girvin L. Liggans
Burnout And Extension Educators: Where We Are And Implications For Future Research, Mia B. Russell, Prince A. Attoh, Tyrone Chase, Tao Gong, Jinhee Kim, Girvin L. Liggans
Journal of Human Sciences and Extension
Burnout is identified as an individual work-related outcome that plagues educators within Cooperative Extension. Extension educators are particularly susceptible to burnout due to the unique set of demands and stressors they face, including geographic isolation, long work hours, prolonged driving times, and emotionally demanding interactions with clients, peers, local government, and administration. This review examines the literature relevant to Extension and burnout, discusses predictors and outcomes of burnout, and examines theories that have been used to investigate burnout. While studies have shed light on burnout within Extension from discipline and individual state perspectives, this review identifies the need for an …
Exploring The Social Capital Of Cooperative Extension Agents In Mississippi, Amy Harder, Lendel K. Narine, Marina Denny
Exploring The Social Capital Of Cooperative Extension Agents In Mississippi, Amy Harder, Lendel K. Narine, Marina Denny
Journal of Human Sciences and Extension
The Cooperative Extension System has a high turnover rate. Studies indicate a need to improve collaboration and communication efforts between agents to improve their retention. This exploratory study used a social capital lens to investigate agents’ collegial relationships and access to information. Cross-sectional data were collected from a nonrandomized sample of Extension agents from Mississippi State University (MSU) Extension. Results showed agents’ engagement in professional associations depended on their programmatic responsibilities. Few agents were active members of associations that were not linked to their specific program area. Findings pointed to a low level of bridging capital and a higher level …
Organizational Readiness To Engage In Policy, System, And Environment Changes Supporting Positive Youth Development For Health: Case Studies From The Cooperative Extension System Framed By The Transtheoretical Model, Carol Smathers, Lisa Washburn, Maureen Toomey, Elaine Johannes, Anne M. Iaccopucci, Karen Johnston
Organizational Readiness To Engage In Policy, System, And Environment Changes Supporting Positive Youth Development For Health: Case Studies From The Cooperative Extension System Framed By The Transtheoretical Model, Carol Smathers, Lisa Washburn, Maureen Toomey, Elaine Johannes, Anne M. Iaccopucci, Karen Johnston
Journal of Human Sciences and Extension
Cooperative Extension's National Framework for Health and Wellness identified Positive Youth Development for Health (PYDH) outcomes at the individual (education) and community (policy, system, and environment) change levels, calling on Extension professionals to integrate public health principles into youth development programs. However, Extension professionals may not be equipped to effectively incorporate these principles and related strategies in the youth development context. An assessment of Extension professionals’ readiness to integrate public health approaches, such as community-level change strategies, with youth program efforts suggests these professionals may lack knowledge of practical steps for including policy, system, and environment change methodology into their …
Full Issue, Volume 5, Number 3, Donna J. Peterson, Rich Poling
Full Issue, Volume 5, Number 3, Donna J. Peterson, Rich Poling
Journal of Human Sciences and Extension
No abstract provided.
Identifying Assets Associated With Quality Extension Programming At The Local Level, Amy Harder, Priscilla Zelaya
Identifying Assets Associated With Quality Extension Programming At The Local Level, Amy Harder, Priscilla Zelaya
Journal of Human Sciences and Extension
County Extension offices are responsible for the majority of programming delivered in the United States. The purpose of this study was to identify and explore assets influencing the quality of county Extension programs. A basic qualitative research design was followed to conduct constant comparative analysis of five Extension county program review reports. Using the appreciative inquiry process as the lens through which to view the county program review reports revealed multiple assets leading to quality programming. Assets of the reviewed county Extension programs were found to cluster within the following themes: competent and enthusiastic Extension faculty, community partnerships, engaged and …
Evaluation Champions: What They Need And Where They Fit In Organizational Learning, Benjamin Silliman, Pennie Crinion, Thomas Archibald
Evaluation Champions: What They Need And Where They Fit In Organizational Learning, Benjamin Silliman, Pennie Crinion, Thomas Archibald
Journal of Human Sciences and Extension
Evaluation champions in four state Extension systems described needs for training and support and perspectives on building evaluation capacity in their organization as part of a larger interview study exploring their roles, growth, and motivations. These 40 evaluation leaders identified needs for basic and advanced evaluation skills training, technical assistance, and practical learning via mentoring and project teams. Recommendations for organizational change in evaluation capacity included “top-down” investments in communication, training, and practical support, as well as increased “bottom-up” efforts by champions like themselves to advocate, model best practice, and contribute to training and mentoring peers. Implications for professional development …
Evaluation Champions: What They Do, Why They Do It, And Why It Matters To Organizations, Benjamin Silliman, Pennie Crinion, Thomas Archibald
Evaluation Champions: What They Do, Why They Do It, And Why It Matters To Organizations, Benjamin Silliman, Pennie Crinion, Thomas Archibald
Journal of Human Sciences and Extension
Evaluation champions are individuals who serve as catalysts for building evaluation capacity within an organization. They advocate for the importance of program evaluation, model good evaluation behaviors, and mentor their peers in program evaluation skills and competencies. Interviews with 40 peer-nominated champions in four purposively-sampled Extension organizations identified the roles, contexts, and motivations of staff who act as evaluation champions. Findings underline the importance—and the limits—of mentors and project teams in building evaluation capacity in complex organizations. Implications for practice, research, and policy are discussed.
Full Issue, Volume 4, Number 3, Donna J. Peterson
Full Issue, Volume 4, Number 3, Donna J. Peterson
Journal of Human Sciences and Extension
No abstract provided.
Extension And Research Faculty Perspectives Of Extension-Research Integration: Opportunities And Challenges, Anil Kumar Chaudhary, Rama Radhakrishna
Extension And Research Faculty Perspectives Of Extension-Research Integration: Opportunities And Challenges, Anil Kumar Chaudhary, Rama Radhakrishna
Journal of Human Sciences and Extension
This study examined the perspectives of Extension and research faculty regarding integration of Extension and research (E-R) activities. Faculty with 50% or greater appointments in Extension or research at a Land-Grant University in the northeastern United States were identified as subjects for the study (N = 59). Study objectives were to determine the current status of E-R integration efforts, understanding of Extension and research faculty roles, barriers to E-R integration, and strategies for strengthening E-R integration activities. An instrument was developed by the researchers and data were collected using SurveyMonkey. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize data. Findings indicated that …
Solving Problems, Ensuring Relevance, And Facilitating Change: The Evolution Of Needs Assessment Within Cooperative Extension, Barry A. Garst, Paul F. Mccawley
Solving Problems, Ensuring Relevance, And Facilitating Change: The Evolution Of Needs Assessment Within Cooperative Extension, Barry A. Garst, Paul F. Mccawley
Journal of Human Sciences and Extension
Helping people solve the practical problems of everyday life while maintaining contemporary relevance describes the mission of Cooperative Extension. To achieve that mission, Extension professionals have increasingly relied on information gathered from stakeholders to identify relevant problems and potential educational solutions. The methods, efforts, and activities to understand people and their problems are collectively referred to as needs assessment. This article explores the history and evolution of needs assessment in Cooperative Extension, as well as in a broader educational context. While tracing needs assessment through the decades, this article examines the needs assessment opportunities and challenges faced by Cooperative Extension. …
Connecting The Dots: Improving Extension Program Planning With Program Umbrella Models, Mary E. Arnold
Connecting The Dots: Improving Extension Program Planning With Program Umbrella Models, Mary E. Arnold
Journal of Human Sciences and Extension
This paper builds on the Extension program planning framework presented by Seevers, Graham, Gamon, and Conklin (1997) in an effort to enhance and improve program planning in Extension. Using the 4-H Youth Development Program as an example, the paper considers the importance of program theory of change and theory of action in program planning, and the need for the translation of research into practice in order to elucidate the theory. In addition, the paper explores the utility of “umbrella” program models, based on sound theory and translated research, for guiding and supporting the program planning efforts of local Extension professionals. …
From Farm Results Demonstrations To Multistate Impact Designs: Cooperative Extension Navigates Its Way Through Evaluation Pathways, Allison Nichols, Stephanie M. Blake, Scott Chazdon, Rama Radhakrishna
From Farm Results Demonstrations To Multistate Impact Designs: Cooperative Extension Navigates Its Way Through Evaluation Pathways, Allison Nichols, Stephanie M. Blake, Scott Chazdon, Rama Radhakrishna
Journal of Human Sciences and Extension
This article explores how evaluation has been developed and expanded within the Cooperative Extension system, from the beginning of agricultural education in America in 1800 to the present day. Important periods across the history of Extension evaluation have been identified and categorized according to major themes and significant contributions of Extension individuals and organizations. Challenges for the future of evaluation within Extension are discussed.
Developing Extension Professionals To Develop Extension Programs: A Case Study For The Changing Face Of Extension, Scott R. Cummings, Kevin B. Andrews, Katy M. Weber, Brittney Postert
Developing Extension Professionals To Develop Extension Programs: A Case Study For The Changing Face Of Extension, Scott R. Cummings, Kevin B. Andrews, Katy M. Weber, Brittney Postert
Journal of Human Sciences and Extension
Development of Cooperative Extension programs depends upon the skills and abilities of competent Extension professionals. The most effective manner of building program development competencies in these Extension professionals is through professional development. A wide variety of competencies are necessary for Extension professionals to develop programs, including strong interpersonal skills. Differences exist between the professional development efforts of Extension institutions and are highlighted herein. Major challenges to delivery of professional development include time and budget, but these can be overcome through planning and innovation and use of online or hybrid methods. Professional development for program development is essential to furthering Extension’s …
Using Social Marketing Principles To Understand An Extension Audience’S Landscape Water Conservation Practices, Laura A. Warner, William L. Schall
Using Social Marketing Principles To Understand An Extension Audience’S Landscape Water Conservation Practices, Laura A. Warner, William L. Schall
Journal of Human Sciences and Extension
A substantial amount of water is applied to Florida landscapes, and encouraging water conservation through irrigation practices has been identified as a priority programming area where there is great opportunity to positively affect the state’s water resources. Florida Extension addresses this priority area through educational programming. Social marketing has been identified as a promising approach to changing behaviors that influence environmental issues, such as water-saving irrigation technologies and practices. This approach recognizes that there are barriers that prevent individuals from engaging in positive behavior changes. This study evaluated an irrigation seminar using a retrospective pretest-posttest design that incorporated elements of …
Identification Of Current Proficiency Level Of Extension Competencies And The Competencies Needed For Extension Agents To Be Successful In The 21st Century, Dona Lakai, K. S. U. Jayaratne, Gary E. Moore, Mark J. Kistler
Identification Of Current Proficiency Level Of Extension Competencies And The Competencies Needed For Extension Agents To Be Successful In The 21st Century, Dona Lakai, K. S. U. Jayaratne, Gary E. Moore, Mark J. Kistler
Journal of Human Sciences and Extension
In this era of globalization, competency is an issue of concern to any field of professionals and their clients. Competency is an integrated set of skills, knowledge, and attitudes that allow one to effectively carry out the activities of a given work to the standards expected in the employment context. The purpose of this descriptive survey study was to determine the current proficiency level of North Carolina Cooperative Extension agents’ competencies and the other competencies they need to develop to be successful in Cooperative Extension. Findings indicate that the current proficiency level of competency for Extension agents in North Carolina …
A National Examination Of Extension Professionals’ Use Of Evaluation: Does Intended Use Improve Effort?, Alexa J. Lamm, Glenn D. Israel
A National Examination Of Extension Professionals’ Use Of Evaluation: Does Intended Use Improve Effort?, Alexa J. Lamm, Glenn D. Israel
Journal of Human Sciences and Extension
As state and federal budgets tighten, Extension must be accountable for the use of public funds if it wants to maintain current funding levels. While those working within Extension know the long-term successes of Extension programs, data detailing these are limited. High quality evaluations must be developed to collect the data needed to exhibit public value. One way to encourage the collection of rigorous data is through the use of evaluation. Evaluation use creates an environment that encourages organizational thinking that can result in accountability reports adequate for funding decisions. This study examined how Extension professionals’ engagement in evaluation is …