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Time, Money, Or Knowledge: What Factors Are Associated With Implementing Youth Cooking Programs?, Alison C. Berg, Nancy O. Taylor, Courtney S. Brown, Silvia Q. Giraudo
Time, Money, Or Knowledge: What Factors Are Associated With Implementing Youth Cooking Programs?, Alison C. Berg, Nancy O. Taylor, Courtney S. Brown, Silvia Q. Giraudo
The Journal of Extension
Research suggests participating in youth hands-on cooking programs, like those offered by Extension and 4-H, can improve nutrition behaviors and reduce the risk for obesity. We surveyed [STATE] Extension professionals (n = 127) to explore factors (e.g., employee characteristics, resources, county demographics) related to offering youth hands-on cooking programs and curricula used. Over 2/3 of participants offer programs and reported creating their own curriculum. More years of experience, having received Extension Specialist training, and increased confidence were positively related to offering these programs. Results suggest training could increase confidence and program implementation and standard curricula may be needed.
Critical Competencies Of 4-H Camp Staff For Achieving High Performance, Laura S. Jeuck, K. S. U. Jayaratne, Mitzi Stumpf-Downing, Harriett Edwards, Katherine Mckee
Critical Competencies Of 4-H Camp Staff For Achieving High Performance, Laura S. Jeuck, K. S. U. Jayaratne, Mitzi Stumpf-Downing, Harriett Edwards, Katherine Mckee
The Journal of Extension
Camps provide a substantial opportunity for youth to develop important life skills. Identifying and training staff on critical competencies are essential to achieving the desired outcomes for camp participants. The purpose of this study was to determine the most critical competencies of the 4-H residential camp staff for achieving high staff performance. The modified Delphi technique was used to achieve study objectives. The Delphi panel of this study consisted of 23 4-H camping experts from across the United States. This three-round Delphi study led to identify 15 critical competencies that will be useful in standardizing 4-H camp staff training programs.
Skill Up Tennessee: Job Training That Works, Christopher T. Sneed, Sreedhar Upendram, Clint Cummings, Janet E. Fox
Skill Up Tennessee: Job Training That Works, Christopher T. Sneed, Sreedhar Upendram, Clint Cummings, Janet E. Fox
The Journal of Extension
Employment and training services offered through Extension are part of and continue a long tradition of policy-focused employment and job training. This paper chronicles the successes of UT Extension’s work as a third-party partner in the delivery of workforce development programming geared toward individuals receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. The paper begins with an overview of the federal program and a discussion of how Tennessee forged a state-level partnership for the delivery of workforce services. Data showing program success including number of participants served, supportive services offered, and economic impact are highlighted. Finally, lessons learned are outlined.
Challenges Experienced By Aquaponic Hobbyists, Producers, And Educators, D Allen Pattillo, David J. Cline, Janelle V. Hager, Luke A. Roy, Terrill R. Hanson
Challenges Experienced By Aquaponic Hobbyists, Producers, And Educators, D Allen Pattillo, David J. Cline, Janelle V. Hager, Luke A. Roy, Terrill R. Hanson
The Journal of Extension
We used an online survey to document challenges experienced by aquaponic hobbyists (n = 81), producers (n = 117), and educators (n = 75). Responses were distilled into the following categories: 1) operations and management; 2) facilities, location, and system design; 3) knowledge and educational resources; 4) funding; 5) economic viability; 6) plant culture; 7) marketing and distribution; 8) fish culture; 9) human factors; 10) regulations and certifications. Training and research in these areas are needed to advance the aquaponics industry.
Development And Assessment Of A Food Safety Training Program For Farmers’ Market Vendors, Joshua Scheinberg, Rama Radhakrishna, Catherine Cutter
Development And Assessment Of A Food Safety Training Program For Farmers’ Market Vendors, Joshua Scheinberg, Rama Radhakrishna, Catherine Cutter
The Journal of Extension
Based on results collected through a comprehensive needs assessment of farmers market (FM) vendors in Pennsylvania, the purpose of this study was to develop and pilot-test a customized, food safety training program for FM vendors. A customized 3-hour, in-person, training program was developed and pilot tested. Using pre- and post-test assessment tests through piloted training, the results found participants scores on knowledge questions increased significantly by ~20% (p
Preparing Extension Educators For Community-Based Research And Grant Partnerships, Cheryl Eschbach, Holly Tiret, Erin Carter, Cathy Newkirk
Preparing Extension Educators For Community-Based Research And Grant Partnerships, Cheryl Eschbach, Holly Tiret, Erin Carter, Cathy Newkirk
The Journal of Extension
Two trainings to prepare Extension educators for research and grant partnerships were designed, implemented, and evaluated. These trainings further national goals to address health disparities, gain partnerships in the health care sector, and support health extension. The workshop Are You Research Ready? prepares Extension educators to participate in community-based human health research. Evaluations indicated that attendees gained a self-assessment of research readiness and felt more confident to position themselves for grants. Program evaluations also showed that educators needed additional training on how to create partnerships. A second workshop, Are You Partnership Ready?, addresses this need, increasing participants' confidence and skills …
Food Safety Needs Assessment For Georgia Specialty Crops, Camila Rodrigues, Beth Oleson, Laurel L. Dunn
Food Safety Needs Assessment For Georgia Specialty Crops, Camila Rodrigues, Beth Oleson, Laurel L. Dunn
The Journal of Extension
We conducted a needs assessment to determine food safety resources required by produce growers in Georgia. Most respondents were farm owners (52.5%), food safety managers (48.3%), and/or farm managers (34.2%). The most requested topics for training included how to improve food safety management skills and how to manage a food safety program. Of 120 respondents, 25 were unsure whether their operations were required to comply with the Produce Safety Rule. This information will guide Georgia food safety educators in developing materials and curricula for growers throughout Georgia. Additionally, our survey and findings may be of use to Extension professionals elsewhere …
Impact Of A Language And Literacy Training And Coaching Intervention On Early Childhood Outcomes In Low-Income Communities, Teresa A. Byington, Yaebin Kim
Impact Of A Language And Literacy Training And Coaching Intervention On Early Childhood Outcomes In Low-Income Communities, Teresa A. Byington, Yaebin Kim
The Journal of Extension
We implemented an Extension-led language and literacy training and coaching intervention targeting preschool teachers and children in low-income communities in Nevada. Participation in the intervention had a positive influence on the language and literacy instruction skills of preschool teachers and language and literacy skills of children. Analysis of 40 preschool classrooms and 199 preschoolers over 3 years of data collection identified improvements in general classroom environments and teachers' language and literacy practices. Preschoolers demonstrated improvements in alphabet knowledge, comprehension, phonological awareness, vocabulary, and oral language. Extension professionals elsewhere may use a similar approach to positively affect the achievement gap of …
Action Steps And Tools For Managing A Statewide Curriculum Development Process, Hannah K. Epley
Action Steps And Tools For Managing A Statewide Curriculum Development Process, Hannah K. Epley
The Journal of Extension
Practical aspects of curriculum development, especially that involving multiple authors, often are overlooked, but they are critical to moving a curriculum from concept to finished product. The Ohio 4-H Camping Design Team developed a competency-model-based curriculum for training the state's 4-H teen camp counselors. The team incorporated action steps and associated management tools to facilitate the curriculum development process. Action steps included establishing a timeline, using a template, tracking progress, and conducting an internal review. The action steps and tools the team used can be replicated by others developing curricula, training programs, and other resources for Extension audiences.
Dairy Cattle Handling Extension Programs: Training Workers And Cattle, Amber L. Adams, Michaela Kristula, Meggan V. Hain
Dairy Cattle Handling Extension Programs: Training Workers And Cattle, Amber L. Adams, Michaela Kristula, Meggan V. Hain
The Journal of Extension
Cattle handling Extension program educators often overlook the animal training component of efficient handling. The objectives of the study described in this article were to measure young dairy heifer behavioral responses toward handlers who received different types of training and to document whether repeated handling or time of day of handling affected heifer behavioral responses to handlers. Six handlers received training through a lecture, hands-on workshop, or video. An observer recorded heifer behavior during handling tests. The day and time of heifer training were most influential on heifer behavior, but heifer handling ease was improved when handlers had participated in …
Collaborating Across State Lines To Leverage Cultural Competency Expertise, Celina G. Wille, Zuri Garcia, José L. Garcia
Collaborating Across State Lines To Leverage Cultural Competency Expertise, Celina G. Wille, Zuri Garcia, José L. Garcia
The Journal of Extension
A statewide need for Latino cultural competency training for Utah State University (USU) Extension personnel was identified. The solution involved the collaborative efforts of our team of two USU Extension faculty members and one Washington State University (WSU) Extension faculty member on adaption and customization of a needs assessment tool and a training program originated at WSU. Our collaboration leveraged important limited resources such as subject-matter expertise, training materials, time, and funding while providing a venue for feedback and ideas to improve, update, and enhance an existing program. Garnering administrative support from the start is key to successful cross-state collaborative …
Making Extreme Counselors: A State 4-H Camp Counselor Workshop, Hannah K. Epley, Jo Williams, Katherine Feldhues, Larry Hall
Making Extreme Counselors: A State 4-H Camp Counselor Workshop, Hannah K. Epley, Jo Williams, Katherine Feldhues, Larry Hall
The Journal of Extension
Making eXtreme Counselors (MXC) is a statewide 4-H camp counselor training workshop. This training brings teens throughout Ohio together to help prepare them to serve as camp counselors in their own counties. Specific competencies are targeted each year on a rotational basis. The training allows youths to learn not only from a variety of 4-H professionals but also through peer-to-peer sharing and interactions. Evaluation results from participants and the professionals who work with them include high ratings of the program and positive comments. In addition, the results indicate that participants transfer their learning from the training to their performance as …
Online Leadership Short Course For County Extension Directors, Matt Benge, Matthew Sowcik
Online Leadership Short Course For County Extension Directors, Matt Benge, Matthew Sowcik
The Journal of Extension
Engaging the Extension workforce in professional development is critical for learning, behavior change, and continued development. However, county Extension directors find it difficult to juggle the various demands on their time, including the need to develop the leadership competencies required to be successful in their roles. Online leadership training is one option that can be used to address this time demand faced by Extension leaders and provide an avenue for developing leadership capacity. We discuss the design and implementation of the 10-week online Leadership Short Course for county Extension directors and the reactions of participants.
Preparing Future Professionals For Holistic Family And Consumer Sciences Programming, Karen Franck, Dena Wise, Allisen Penn, Ann A. Berry
Preparing Future Professionals For Holistic Family And Consumer Sciences Programming, Karen Franck, Dena Wise, Allisen Penn, Ann A. Berry
The Journal of Extension
It is critical that the value of Extension family and consumer sciences as a broadly focused profession be recognized both in and out of Extension. Establishing universally recognized competencies and assuring that agents possess those capabilities are vital steps to securing and maintaining the integrity of the profession and its value to those it serves. University of Tennessee Extension has developed a process for assessing basic competencies of newly hired agents and responding to their competency gaps with targeted training.
Local Food Systems Course For Extension Educators In North Carolina: Summary Of An Innovative Program, J. Dara Bloom, Joanna Massey Lelekacs, Rebecca Dunning, Abbey Piner, Emma Brinkmeyer
Local Food Systems Course For Extension Educators In North Carolina: Summary Of An Innovative Program, J. Dara Bloom, Joanna Massey Lelekacs, Rebecca Dunning, Abbey Piner, Emma Brinkmeyer
The Journal of Extension
Interest in local foods began in the early 2000s and has grown substantially over the past decade and a half. Although Extension is addressing local food systems in many states, training and materials in this program area are nascent. To address this circumstance, we developed a graduate course on local food systems for Extension educators. Post-course evaluations indicate increased confidence and knowledge related to local food system facilitation, implementation, and evaluation. Students cited site tours and panel presentations as the most effective course aspects and suggested improving the course by adjusting content to account for varying levels of familiarity with …
Preferred Knowledge Sources For Beginning Farmers: The Case Of Kentucky, Lilian Brislen, Keiko Tanaka, Krista Jacobsen
Preferred Knowledge Sources For Beginning Farmers: The Case Of Kentucky, Lilian Brislen, Keiko Tanaka, Krista Jacobsen
The Journal of Extension
This article presents an analysis of preferred knowledge sources for beginning farmers and differences in knowledge networks between "heritage" and "nonheritage" farmers. The purpose of the analysis is to support the reassessment of training, technical assistance, and other needs of beginning farmers to be able to develop more precisely targeted training and educational programming for them. Data were drawn from a series of six listening sessions conducted across Kentucky from January through July 2013. We present three concluding recommendations for enhancing the relevance of Cooperative Extension by emphasizing its role as a "connector" of available resources to beginning farmers.
From Kickoff To Handoff: Coaching Teens To Tackle Stem Literacy, Chad Ripberger, Lydia B. Blalock
From Kickoff To Handoff: Coaching Teens To Tackle Stem Literacy, Chad Ripberger, Lydia B. Blalock
The Journal of Extension
This article discusses how intensive, content-rich, multiple-day conferences for teams of youth and their adult coaches can be used to initiate the training and planning needed for teens to successfully serve as STEM teachers. The concepts are based on three 4-H "teens as teachers" projects that included 29-36.5 hour initial training conferences. Teenagers (173) completed pre/post surveys on STEM knowledge, skills, careers, resources, and teaching ability. The teenagers exhibited increases in these areas for all three conferences. The authors discuss the common elements of these conferences, provide implementation examples and suggest resources that support this type of training.
Developing A Contemporary Dairy Foods Extension Program: A Training And Technical Resource Needs Assessment Of Pennsylvania Dairy Foods Processors, Joseph Syrko, Kerry E. Kaylegian
Developing A Contemporary Dairy Foods Extension Program: A Training And Technical Resource Needs Assessment Of Pennsylvania Dairy Foods Processors, Joseph Syrko, Kerry E. Kaylegian
The Journal of Extension
Growth in the dairy industry and the passage of the Food Safety Modernization Act have renewed interest in dairy foods processing extension positions. A needs assessment survey was sent to Pennsylvania dairy processors and raw milk providers to guide priorities for a dairy foods extension program. The successful development and delivery of technical resources will require tailoring to specific segments of the industry. Priority training topics are good manufacturing practices, sanitation, and food safety regulations. Larger processors preferred on-line resources and other processors preferred face-to-face workshops. An informational newsletter and website were also of great interest.
The New Agent: A Qualitative Study To Strategically Adapt New Agent Professional Development, Lauri M. Baker, Gregg Hadley
The New Agent: A Qualitative Study To Strategically Adapt New Agent Professional Development, Lauri M. Baker, Gregg Hadley
The Journal of Extension
The qualitative study reported here assessed the needs of agents related to new agent professional development to improve the current model. Agents who participated in new agent professional development within the last 5 years were selected to participate in focus groups to determine concerns and continued needs. Agents enjoyed networking and struggled with the time away from their home counties. Recommendations for improvement include integrating the idea of pre-entry competencies, developing online new agent professional development sessions, introducing new agents to existing communities of practice, developing new communities of practice, and developing more resources for new agents.
Over The Hurdles: Barriers To Social Media Use In Extension Offices, Elizabeth Newbury, Lee Humphreys, Lucas Guess
Over The Hurdles: Barriers To Social Media Use In Extension Offices, Elizabeth Newbury, Lee Humphreys, Lucas Guess
The Journal of Extension
The research reported here explored the perceived barriers to social media use by Extension educators. Using a sequential mixed method approach, the research was composed of two parts. The qualitative study used interview data (n=27) from Wisconsin and New York Extension educators. The quantitative study gathered data from surveying Extension offices in New York State (n=42). We argue that key barriers to adoption of social media as an outreach platform include perceptions around time and control. Ultimately, we recommend that Extension educators receive focused, hands-on training to more efficiently and effectively use social media for education and outreach efforts.
Using Role-Play To Enhance Foodborne Illness Crisis Management Capacity In The Produce Industry, Audrey Kreske, Diane Ducharme, Chris Gunter, Trevor Phister, Benjamin Chapman
Using Role-Play To Enhance Foodborne Illness Crisis Management Capacity In The Produce Industry, Audrey Kreske, Diane Ducharme, Chris Gunter, Trevor Phister, Benjamin Chapman
The Journal of Extension
Foodborne illness outbreaks have measurable public health effects and often lead to negative produce industry impacts. Reducing loss following a crisis event requires a management plan, although many fresh produce industry members don't have one. Evidence-based workshops using a role-play simulated outbreak were delivered to impact crisis management preparation. A self-reported pre-assessment demonstrated that 21% of participants had a crisis management plan in place prior to attendance, with 79% who employed GAPs. Following the role-play scenario, there was a significant increase in participants' perception of the likelihood of microbial contamination with their product and an increase in crisis planning activities.
Increasing Your Productivity With Web-Based Surveys, Mary Wissman, Brittney Stone, Ellen Schuster
Increasing Your Productivity With Web-Based Surveys, Mary Wissman, Brittney Stone, Ellen Schuster
The Journal of Extension
Web-based survey tools such as Survey Monkey can be used in many ways to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of Extension professionals. This article describes how Survey Monkey has been used at the state and county levels to collect community and internal staff information for the purposes of program planning, administration, evaluation and planning effective training.
The Changing Interest In Organic Agriculture In Texas And Its Implications For Texas Agrilife Extension Service, Patrick T. Lillard, James R. Lindner
The Changing Interest In Organic Agriculture In Texas And Its Implications For Texas Agrilife Extension Service, Patrick T. Lillard, James R. Lindner
The Journal of Extension
The study reported here sought to determine the level of demand Texas AgriLife Extension agents are receiving for information on organic agriculture and their interest in training on organic agriculture. A majority of agents perceived the interest in organic agriculture was low to moderate in their respective counties, but was increasing. Agents indicated they had not received much formal training in organic agriculture but expressed an interest in training and noted traditional information resources and Extension workshops would be the most useful.
Using A Training Video To Improve Agricultural Workers' Knowledge Of On-Farm Food Safety, Lisa Mathiasen, Katija Morley, Benjamin Chapman, Douglas Powell
Using A Training Video To Improve Agricultural Workers' Knowledge Of On-Farm Food Safety, Lisa Mathiasen, Katija Morley, Benjamin Chapman, Douglas Powell
The Journal of Extension
A training video was produced and evaluated to assess its impact on the food safety knowledge of agricultural workers. Increasing food safety knowledge on the farm may help to improve the safety of fresh produce. Surveys were used to measure workers' food safety knowledge before and after viewing the video. Focus groups were used to determine workers' views of the video and identify areas that could be improved. Results indicated a high level of food safety knowledge, but some significant improvements were observed. The project provides a framework for assessing videos as training tools and suggestions for further research.
Training Organizations In Use Of A Modified Stream Visual Assessment Protocol, Christopher C. Obropta, Steven E. Yergeau, Katie Giacalone
Training Organizations In Use Of A Modified Stream Visual Assessment Protocol, Christopher C. Obropta, Steven E. Yergeau, Katie Giacalone
The Journal of Extension
The Stream Visual Assessment Protocol (SVAP) was evaluated as a means to increase watershed surveys in New Jersey. Groups were trained in an SVAP modified for New Jersey streams. Participants in three training workshops were surveyed to determine the usefulness of SVAP as a cost-effective method to evaluate watershed health. Many respondents found that the workshops were helpful due to the "hands-on" aspect and the combination of classroom and field components to the training. Additional technical support and follow up to the trainings was essential to achieve the program's objective of getting additional groups collecting information on watershed health.
Quick And Easy: Use Screen Capture Software To Train And Communicate, Ellen Schuster
Quick And Easy: Use Screen Capture Software To Train And Communicate, Ellen Schuster
The Journal of Extension
Screen capture (screen cast) software can be used to develop short videos for training purposes. Developing videos is quick and easy. This article describes how these videos are used as tools to reinforce face-to-face and interactive TV curriculum training in a nutrition education program. Advantages of developing these videos are shared. Suggestions for how these videos can be used in other ways are offered.
A Survey Of Educational Needs And Online Training Perceptions In The Wood Products Industry, Henry J. Quesada-Pineda, Samuel S. Conn, L Scarlett Sanchez
A Survey Of Educational Needs And Online Training Perceptions In The Wood Products Industry, Henry J. Quesada-Pineda, Samuel S. Conn, L Scarlett Sanchez
The Journal of Extension
A sample of 651 wood products industries were surveyed to determine their educational needs and quantify their interest in receiving continuing education via an online format. In the survey, respondents were asked to rank, in order of priority, their educational needs. With a 15.2% response rate, survey respondents (n=99) indicated that an online course in Marketing is the primary need, followed by an online course in Business Strategy Development, given a list of 26 distinct subject areas. Moreover, 88% of members indicated that they are highly interested in receiving continuous education in a Web-based online format.
Professional Preparation Systems For Parenting Educators: Identification, Perceived Value, And Demand For A National Credential, Heidi E. Stolz, Teri M. Henke, Denise J. Brandon, Juli M. Sams
Professional Preparation Systems For Parenting Educators: Identification, Perceived Value, And Demand For A National Credential, Heidi E. Stolz, Teri M. Henke, Denise J. Brandon, Juli M. Sams
The Journal of Extension
The study reported here examined professional preparation systems (PPS) for parenting educators via an online survey of 324 Extension Specialists and members of the National Parenting Education Network (NPEN) and Certified Family Life Educator (CFLE) listservs. Eighty-one PPS of six general types were identified. Curriculum-specific training and university degrees were perceived as contributing more to parenting educator knowledge and skills than to professional identity, but the reverse was true for state-based credentials/certificates, state-based licenses, and a national parenting education credential. Eighty-six percent of respondents were somewhat likely or highly likely to pursue a national parenting education credential if one were …
Extension Mentoring: Steps Leading To Greater Program Effectiveness, Nick T. Place, Ashley Bailey
Extension Mentoring: Steps Leading To Greater Program Effectiveness, Nick T. Place, Ashley Bailey
The Journal of Extension
Mentoring is frequently used by many Extension programs as an ongoing methodology for helping new educators better understand their roles and responsibilities. This article is based upon a longitudinal mentoring study to determine value, benefit, and steps towards greater effectiveness. The population included mentors, mentees, and immediate supervisors, and the methodology is based upon focus group research conducted over an 18-month mentoring period. The results of the study reported here are focused on the areas of mentor selection, training, pairing, interaction, and recognition. Recommendations are widely applicable to other Extension programs looking to improve their mentoring programs.
The Sky's The Limit: Integrating Geospatial Tools With Pre-College Youth Education, John Mcgee, Jeff Kirwan
The Sky's The Limit: Integrating Geospatial Tools With Pre-College Youth Education, John Mcgee, Jeff Kirwan
The Journal of Extension
Geospatial tools, which include global positioning systems (GPS), geographic information systems (GIS), and remote sensing, are increasingly driving a variety of applications. Local governments and private industry are embracing these tools, and the public is beginning to demand geospatial services. The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) reported that the pool of geospatial professionals is unable keep up with demand. It is important that pre-college educators begin implementing these tools in the classroom to stimulate the educational pipeline. Twenty-four teachers from Fairfax, Virginia were involved in an educational approach that integrates GIS with civic and environmental education.