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Assessment And Evaluationin Labs For Public Service Interpreting Training, Carmen Valero Garcés, Denis Socarrás-Estrada
Assessment And Evaluationin Labs For Public Service Interpreting Training, Carmen Valero Garcés, Denis Socarrás-Estrada
International Journal of Interpreter Education
This study reports on the development and application of two bilingual interpreting tests given to master’s students during three academic years (2009–2012) at the University of Alcalá, Madrid, Spain. Its main objective is to compare trainees’ test performance at two different points in time. The study analyzes the degree of accuracy and the speed of response, considering the variables of mother tongue, gender, age, and undergraduate education. Our customized tests drew upon two aptitude tests developed by Pöchhacker (2009) and Russo (2009) and combine oral-aural exercises with tasks requiring listening skills, expressional fluency, and public-service-setting terminology. The tests are administered …
Women Farmers: Pulling Up Their Own Educational Boot Straps With Extension, Nancy Ellen Kiernan, Mary Barbercheck, Kathryn J. Brasier, Carolyn Sachs, Anna Terman
Women Farmers: Pulling Up Their Own Educational Boot Straps With Extension, Nancy Ellen Kiernan, Mary Barbercheck, Kathryn J. Brasier, Carolyn Sachs, Anna Terman
The Journal of Extension
Women comprise a rapidly growing segment in agriculture. In this article, we examine how a network of women farmers, Extension educators, and researchers responded to the significant increase in women farmers in one state by creating a membership organization that draws on the expertise and resources of the land-grant university and Extension in Pennsylvania to create educational events with networking opportunities. We report 4 years of evaluation data for 37 events indicating educational impact, expansion and enhancement of the network, and marketing strategies for Extension to improve participation of women.
Testing A New Generation: Implementing Clickers As An Extension Data Collection Tool, Sondra M. Parmer, Greg Parmer, Barb Struempler
Testing A New Generation: Implementing Clickers As An Extension Data Collection Tool, Sondra M. Parmer, Greg Parmer, Barb Struempler
The Journal of Extension
Using clickers to gauge student understanding in large classrooms is well documented. Less well known is the effectiveness of using clickers with youth for test taking in large-scale Extension programs. This article describes the benefits and challenges of collecting evaluation data using clickers with a third-grade population participating in a childhood obesity prevention program.
Ripple Effect Mapping: A "Radiant" Way To Capture Program Impacts, Debra Hansen Kollock, Lynette Flage, Scott Chazdon, Nathan Paine, Lorie Higgins
Ripple Effect Mapping: A "Radiant" Way To Capture Program Impacts, Debra Hansen Kollock, Lynette Flage, Scott Chazdon, Nathan Paine, Lorie Higgins
The Journal of Extension
Learn more about a promising follow-up, participatory group process designed to document the results of Extension educational efforts within complex, real-life settings. The method, known as Ripple Effect Mapping, uses elements of Appreciative Inquiry, mind mapping, and qualitative data analysis to engage program participants and other community stakeholders to reflect upon and visually map the intended and unintended changes produced by Extension programming. The result is not only a powerful technique to document impacts, but a way to engage and re-energize program participants.
Taxonomy For Assessing Evaluation Competencies In Extension, Michelle S. Rodgers, Barbara D. Hillaker, Bruce E. Haas, Cheryl Peters
Taxonomy For Assessing Evaluation Competencies In Extension, Michelle S. Rodgers, Barbara D. Hillaker, Bruce E. Haas, Cheryl Peters
The Journal of Extension
Evaluation of public service programming is becoming increasingly important with current funding realities. The taxonomy of evaluation competencies compiled by Ghere et al. (2006) provided the starting place for Taxonomy for Assessing Evaluation Competencies in Extension. The Michigan State University Extension case study described here presents a field-tested and reliable survey to measure evaluation competencies of Extension professionals in three domains (situational analysis, systematic inquiry, and project management) as well as indicates opportunities for professional development training themes to enhance the evaluation competencies of Extension academic professionals.
Landowners' Knowledge, Attitudes, And Aspirations Towards Woody Biomass Markets In North Carolina
Landowners' Knowledge, Attitudes, And Aspirations Towards Woody Biomass Markets In North Carolina
The Journal of Extension
Non-industrial private forest (NIPF) landowners are often not included in discussions of emerging woody biomass markets for energy, yet they will likely be principal suppliers of the resource. Surveys administered to 475 forest landowners before and after an Extension Forestry education program in 10 counties across North Carolina indicated that landowners have low knowledge levels of woody biomass. However, as a result of participating in the training, landowners increased knowledge, had more positive attitudes, and developed aspirations to harvest woody biomass on their land. Extension professionals can use our training model to develop similar woody biomass educational programs.
Content Appraisal As A Method For Measuring The Effectiveness & Usability Of Online Content, Jenifer Nadeau, Neely Heidorn, Nick Broady, Jennifer Whittle
Content Appraisal As A Method For Measuring The Effectiveness & Usability Of Online Content, Jenifer Nadeau, Neely Heidorn, Nick Broady, Jennifer Whittle
The Journal of Extension
Content appraisal is a simple, qualitative system to identify modifications to make website material more useful to clientele. This system provides a comprehensive evaluation of content, focuses on content strategy, identifies weaknesses, and provides recommendations for improvement. The criteria examined included knowledge level, interrelatedness, relevance, usability, actionability, and differentiation. HorseQuest, a pioneer Community of Practice (CoP) for eXtension, was the first to apply a content appraisal process in an attempt to document the efficacy and impact of their web content. This appraisal system can be effectively used by other groups to help improve a website's usefulness to clientele.
Using Common Evaluation Instruments Across Multi-State Community Programs: A Pilot Study, Pamela B. Payne, Daniel A. Mcdonald
Using Common Evaluation Instruments Across Multi-State Community Programs: A Pilot Study, Pamela B. Payne, Daniel A. Mcdonald
The Journal of Extension
In times of diminishing resources to support community programs, it is critical that Extension make every effort to show impact as collectively as possible for the variety of programs being delivered in individual counties and communities. The pilot study reported here (funded by CYFAR, NIFA, USDA award #2008-41520-04810), focused on outcomes in youth citizenship programs in four states. Key factors to consider in the selection of common instruments include length, scope, and validation of instruments. The importance of dosage, specifically intensity and duration, are highlighted in relation to program outcomes.
Landowners' Knowledge, Attitudes, And Aspirations Towards Woody Biomass Markets In North Carolina, Jasmine Shaw, Dennis Hazel, Robert Bardon, Jay S. Jayaratne
Landowners' Knowledge, Attitudes, And Aspirations Towards Woody Biomass Markets In North Carolina, Jasmine Shaw, Dennis Hazel, Robert Bardon, Jay S. Jayaratne
The Journal of Extension
Non-industrial private forest (NIPF) landowners are often not included in discussions of emerging woody biomass markets for energy, yet they will likely be principal suppliers of the resource. Surveys administered to 475 forest landowners before and after an Extension Forestry education program in 10 counties across North Carolina indicated that landowners have low knowledge levels of woody biomass. However, as a result of participating in the training, landowners increased knowledge, had more positive attitudes, and developed aspirations to harvest woody biomass on their land. Extension professionals can use our training model to develop similar woody biomass educational programs.
Evaluation Of A Sustainable Green Living Expo Event: Attendees' Reports Of Satisfaction, Learning, And Behavior Change, David Diehl, Shelley E. Swenson, Jessica N. Wente
Evaluation Of A Sustainable Green Living Expo Event: Attendees' Reports Of Satisfaction, Learning, And Behavior Change, David Diehl, Shelley E. Swenson, Jessica N. Wente
The Journal of Extension
This article presents the evaluation of the Sustainable Big Bend Green Living Expo and Education Fair, which targets participants with a variety of learning opportunities. Evaluation was carried out using onsite surveys along with follow-up surveys and phone interviews. Results indicate that a 1-day sustainability event is a meaningful way to reach individuals and that they have high levels of satisfaction, learning, and self-reported behavior change. The study concludes that Extension has a critical role to play in sustainable living issues and that systematic evaluation can be valuable for program improvement as well as documentation of outcomes.
Extension Professionals' Strengths And Needs Related To Nutrition And Health Programs, Ninfa Pena-Purcell, Elaine Bowen, Virginie Zoumenou, Ellen R. Schuster
Extension Professionals' Strengths And Needs Related To Nutrition And Health Programs, Ninfa Pena-Purcell, Elaine Bowen, Virginie Zoumenou, Ellen R. Schuster
The Journal of Extension
We report results of a Web-based nationwide survey of nutrition and health Extension specialists representing 42 states. Survey items (n = 36) assessed five areas: curriculum review, nutrition and physical activity, professional training, communication, and evaluation. An internal curriculum review was common, but few states shared their criteria or process on-line. The majority of respondents reported discussing physical activity, and over half lead physical activities. Most favored on-line professional development training and a one-stop website for sharing information and resources. Evaluation data were most commonly collected for food safety, healthy eating and physical activity, and food resource management.
Emergency Exercise Participation And Evaluation, Julie Smith, Lynette Black, Linda Williams
Emergency Exercise Participation And Evaluation, Julie Smith, Lynette Black, Linda Williams
The Journal of Extension
Extension is uniquely positioned to participate in emergency exercises, formally or informally, with the goal of engaging community members in emergency and disaster preparedness. With their knowledge of community needs, Extension personnel are valuable resources and can assist emergency managers in the process of identifying local risks and vulnerabilities as well as identifying capabilities that should be tested and strengthened through the process of exercises. By facilitating, participating in, or evaluating exercises, Extension professionals can help communities better prepare for, prevent, respond to, and recover from disasters.
The Impact Of The Government Performance And Results Act (Gpra) On Two State Cooperative Extension Systems, Sarah Baughman, Heather H. Boyd, Kathleen D. Kelsey
The Impact Of The Government Performance And Results Act (Gpra) On Two State Cooperative Extension Systems, Sarah Baughman, Heather H. Boyd, Kathleen D. Kelsey
The Journal of Extension
The research reported here examined the impact of the Government Performance and Results Act on accountability and evaluation activities in two state Cooperative Extension Systems. Accountability was examined using five dimensions from Koppell's (2005) framework. Findings indicated both Extension systems transferred accountability activities to county-level educators through increased reporting expectations. There was not a strong connection between GPRA and changes in program evaluation practice or understanding in either state. Clear definitions of accountability within Extension and close examination of the role of evaluation may enhance accountability efforts and result in not only using evaluation for accountability but also for organizational …
The "Ballot Approach" To End-Of-Event Evaluation In Indian Country And Beyond, David S. Wilsey
The "Ballot Approach" To End-Of-Event Evaluation In Indian Country And Beyond, David S. Wilsey
The Journal of Extension
This article presents the "ballot approach" to end-of-event evaluation, an approach developed in response to frustration with existing surveys and inadequate quantity and quality of feedback to my programming in Indian country. The ballot approach is grounded in the participatory development theory and methods popularized by Robert Chambers and others. Adoption of the ballot approach coincided with a year-to-year trebling of response rate and a dramatic increase in total responses. Two open-ended questions generated 157 written comments compared to three comments the year prior. Although causality cannot be established, the approach appeared effective and appropriate, supporting creativity and adaptation in …