Education Commons^™

Applying A Tri-Learner Model Of Extension Collaboration: Local-State-Campus Partnership, Shannon Lipscomb, Barbara Bromley Brody, Megan Pratt, Toiresa Frazier

The Journal of Extension

The Tri-Learner model of Extension Collaboration offers an innovative approach to address community needs and advance research by convening faculty from academic research, statewide Extension, and community-embedded Extension. This article describes development of a new Tri-Learner Model through an early childhood resilience project, with data from 32 participants. We present four key factors for the model’s success: First, ensure that research and application are responsive to community needs rather than University-driven. Second, establish trusting, reciprocal relationships. Third, equally value each team member’s knowledge and skills. Finally, leverage collaborative University structures and/or funding to foster reciprocal partnerships to maximize research impacts.

Building Gender Equity In Forestry Education: The Benefits Of Oregon’S Women Owning Woodlands Network, Lauren A. Grand, Tiffany Hopkins

The Journal of Extension

The Women Owning Woodlands Network was launched in 2005 as a way to provide collaborative and hands-on peer learning education to women who felt uncomfortable participating in traditional Extension programs. Since its inception the program as grown to provide education and resources for over 300 women. We surveyed these women to identify if the program continues to meet their needs. It is evident that WOWNet has continued to be an important part of OSU FNR’s outreach education program and continues to meet the needs of a historically undeserved group of landowners in ways that traditional programming does not.

Application Of The Theory Of Planned Behavior To Determine Urban And Suburban Homeowners' Fertilizer Management Practices, Natalie Levy, Michael Burnett

The Journal of Extension

A fundamental strategy for reducing nutrient runoff from lawns and landscapes is the implementation of recommended fertilizer management practices (FMPs). Our study evaluated Louisiana urban and suburban homeowners’ current FMPs using the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) constructs. We measured homeowners’ attitude, perceived norm, perceived control, intention, and past behavior regarding 12 salient FMPs. The results of our study identified which recommended FMPs to adopt and which non-recommended practices to change. To effectively modify homeowners’ FMPs, we recommended designing tailored Extension educational programming to target the TPB constructs most strongly related to homeowners’ decision to perform these practices.

Collaborating For Social Change: Promising Practices For Effective Youth-Adult Partnerships, Michael Kokozos, Maru Gonzalez

The Journal of Extension

Youth-adult partnerships are a powerful means to nurture and amplify youths' voices and create social change. Drawing on our own framework, critical positive youth development, and our experience pilot testing the #PassTheMicYouth curriculum, we identified four promising practices to cultivate youth-adult partnerships. 4-H professionals can use these strategies with youths to prepare them to partner with community-based organizations and to maintain enduring and effective relationships.

Adoption Of Podcasting As A Tool For Extension Educators, Samantha Bennett, David Martin, Jason Sawyer, Soren Rodning, Don Mulvaney

The Journal of Extension

The current study fills a gap in the current literature by measuring current CES personnel and stakeholders’ attitudes toward the use of Podcasts as a tool for information dissemination. By identifying perceived barriers to podcasts by CES personnel and how receptive CES stakeholders are to CES-based podcasts, this study helps to identify important barriers to the development of podcasts, as well as how such podcasts can be best positioned to fulfill the needs and expectations of CES stakeholders. Podcasts have the potential to play a key role as an avenue for information exchange between the CES and its stakeholders. Two …

Investigating The Use Of Lesson Study As A Professional Development Model For 4-H Educators At 1890 Land Grant Universities, Cynthia Pierfax, Travella Free, Tiffany Franklin, Manola Erby, Lynn Schmitt-Mcquitty, C L. Meehan, Martin H. Smith

The Journal of Extension

There is a defined need to provide accessible and effective professional development for 4-H educators. Lesson study is a Community of Practice-based approach to educator professional development. Prior research has shown lesson study to be effective with 4-H staff, adult volunteers, and teen volunteers. This inquiry, a multi-site case study, was designed to investigate the application of lesson study in authentic contexts with 4-H county agents from 1890 land-grant universities. Quantitative and qualitative measures revealed improved preparedness, participation, and camaraderie among participating educators. Other benefits to participants included improved lesson planning and implementation.

Incorporating Qpr Suicide Prevention Gatekeeper Training Into The Wsu 4-H Shooting Sports Volunteer Certification Process, Ashley M. Hall

The Journal of Extension

4-H Shooting Sports certification for adult volunteers is a structured and systematic process that allows for the addition of suicide prevention gatekeeper training without added staff burden at the state level. This article outlines how one state incorporated a one-hour QPR suicide prevention gatekeeper training into the certification process for shooting sports volunteers. Preliminary findings indicate that training was well-received by volunteers and that there was an increase in knowledge of suicide prevention by learners at the time of the training. Further research will be needed to study long-term outcomes and applicability outside of shooting sports.

Opportunities For Extension Educators To Support Caregivers Feeding Infants And Toddlers Through Nutrition Education, Elizabeth I. Kielb, Kameron J. Moding, Susan L. Johnson, Barbara A. Beaulieu, Blake A. Connolly, Stephanie J. Faroh, Laura L. Bellows

The Journal of Extension

The 2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans now include recommendations for infants and toddlers. Extension educators can use these expanded guidelines to provide feeding recommendations for caregivers of infants/toddlers. The purpose of this study was to explore 1) the infant and toddler feeding topics that Extension educators discuss with caregivers through formal curricula and informal conversations, 2) educators’ perceived barriers to teaching and discussing topics with caregivers, and 3) the optimal format of resources for educators and the communities they serve. Findings from this study confirmed a need among educators for infant/toddler feeding programs and resources offered through Extension.

Engaging Farmers In Educational Programs To Improve Health And Emotional Outcomes: The Farm Family Health And Wellness Program, Karen L. Franck, Janet Fox, Heather Sedges, Matthew Devereaux

The Journal of Extension

Farmers face unique occupational and interpersonal stressors that increase risk for poor physical and mental health outcomes. To educate farmers and their families about these risks, one state’s Family and Consumer Sciences faculty partnered with Agriculture and Natural Resources faculty with input from county agents to develop a series of online educational programs that were delivered as part of the state Agricultural Enhancement Program. Twenty-eight participants completed the pilot project and feedback surveys. Lessons learned include the need to have speakers from farming backgrounds, incorporate health topics that emphasize the connection with farming, and to include engaging visuals.

Comparing Participant Recruitment Methods For Statewide Needs Assessment Surveys, Amy Harder, Diane D. Craig, Karlibeth Leitheiser

The Journal of Extension

Contracting with a paid survey vendor can be costly; are free and low-cost survey recruitment methods a sound option for Extension? The purpose of our study was to assess the feasibility of using free or low-cost recruitment methods as a substitute for contracting with a paid survey vendor when conducting a statewide needs assessment. The demographic characteristics and responses from paid survey panelists were compared with the same data from participants recruited via Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. Observed differences suggest that Extension professionals should carefully consider whose perspectives are needed for a needs assessment and make survey recruitment decisions accordingly.

Extension Impacts On Onion Ipm: Current Perspectives From The Industry, Gina Greenway, Brian Nault, Silvia Rondon, Stuart Reitz

The Journal of Extension

An assessment was conducted to evaluate perceived risk from the most serious pests and diseases facing the allium industry and to identify practices that would improve adoption of integrated pest management (IPM). The survey was administered to growers attending annual onion production and management meetings in Oregon and New York. Results indicate that thrips and thrips-vectored Iris Yellow Spot Virus were perceived as a high-risk problem by 87% of respondents. Demonstrating the efficacy of IPM on a commercial scale and improving collaborative efforts between universities and growers were identified as high impact practices to improve adoption of IPM.

Adult Teaching Practices Of Exemplary Extension Agents, T. Grady Roberts, Amy Harder, Matt Benge

The Journal of Extension

Teaching is an important part of an Extension agent’s duties; however, little is empirically understood about effective teaching practices in an Extension context. The purpose of this study was to explore the adult teaching practices of exemplary extension agents. Through a nomination process, seven agents in Florida were interviewed. The analysis revealed four themes: (a) approach to teaching adults, (b) awareness of learners, (c) planning, and (d) learning to teach. Each theme had several sub-themes. Recommendations for practice and additional research are provided.

Program Instructional Profile (Pip): A User-Friendly Tool To Support Program Development And Implementation For Extension Professionals, Amy M. Leman, Rebecca Mott, John Tummons

The Journal of Extension

Not all Extension professionals enter the workplace with knowledge and experience in program development. Some may possess extensive expertise in their subject matter but need additional training in teaching-related competencies for adult or youth audiences. Even educators with extensive skill and experience benefit from thoughtful and intentional program planning and implementation design. This article describes the Program Instructional Profile (PIP), created for Extension professionals to design and outline the program delivery processes. We explain how to use the PIP and provide insight into the benefits and challenges of the uses for program development and implementation purposes.

Segmenting Stakeholders For Effective Extension Education: A Case Study Of Sustainable Forestry Practices, Eli Typhina, Omoyemeh Ile, Robert E. Bardom

The Journal of Extension

The article describes a participatory segmentation strategy, called the Actor Diagramming and Tracing Method, that enables Extension agents to tailor education initiatives. Using a case study, the authors demonstrate the method by segmenting North Carolina family forest landowners based on resources needed for sustainable forestry management. Instead of surveying select participants, as previous researchers have, the authors engage a diverse set of stakeholders through interviews, in-situ observations, and diagramming. Three segments emerged with explicit steps to engaging forest owners’ barriers and motivations, as well as a key factor to adoption of sustainable forestry practices: owners’ relationships/social networks.

Mobile Podcast Production: How To Educate And Engage Through Online Audio, Jacqueline V. Aenlle, Whitney Stone, Peyton N. Beattie, Jamie Loizzo

The Journal of Extension

The use of podcasts in Cooperative Extension programs continues to grow. Ongoing research shows the benefits of podcasting for formal education, non-formal education, connecting with distance learning, and reaching a broader audience. This article will provide readers with steps to create an educational podcast. This article will be of interest for Extension agents and Extension programs that are moving to, or can be complemented by, a digital platform. Extension professionals can consider using podcasts and podcast analytics to complement existing programming, impact reporting, and promotion.

Andragogical Tendencies Of Excellent Extension Educators, T. Grady Roberts, Matt Benge, Amy Harder

The Journal of Extension

Extension agents frequently teach adult audiences, who require a different approach than youth audiences. Andragogy has been frequently used to frame research in Extension. However, it is not clear if Extension professionals apply andragogical principles in practice when teaching programs. We used Knowles’ theory of andragogy and the Personal Adult Learning Style Inventory to investigate the andragogical tendencies of Extension agents who were nominated as exceptional teachers in [State]. Our study results suggest that the agents viewed as exceptional teachers in [State] embrace an andragogical philosophy when it does not conflict with their understanding of their job responsibilities.

A Step By Step Shoreline Attribute Analysis For Selected Waterbodies In The Gulf Of Mexico To Promote The Use Of Living Shorelines, Christoper Boyd, Xutong Niu, Taylor R. Horn

The Journal of Extension

Living Shorelines are being promoted by coastal extension professionals as a more resilient nature-based solution to control shoreline erosion. The Virginia Institute of Marine Sciences Living Shorelines Suitability Model was run in selected waterbodies within the Gulf of Mexico.

The locations of the selected water bodies, coastal data sets used, and shoreline protection recommendations generated by the Model are presented. A step-by-step statistical analysis conducted through ArcGIS Pro from these selected coastal shorelines will illustrate how extension professionals with novice GIS experience can use the model output to promote living shorelines to coastal property owners, city managers, and developers.

Cooperative Extension’S Role In Addressing The Opioid Overdose Crisis: Best Practices From The Heart Initiative Model, Hailey Judd, Alise Williams Condie, Ashley C. Yaugher, Mateja R. Savoie-Roskos, Gabriela Murza, Timothy Keady, Sadie Wilde, Rachel Myrer, Maren Wright Voss

The Journal of Extension

Cooperative Extension is in a unique position to address health and wellness concerns across the country, particularly in rural areas with local Extension services. One innovative model, the Health Extension: Advocacy, Research, and Teaching (HEART) Initiative, unites Extension, community organizations, and community members in collaborative activities to address the complex, multifaceted components of substance use disorder. The model utilized a multidisciplinary team and community-based participatory research (CBPR) approach with evidence-based practices to increase Extension’s abilities to guide and tailor programming to local needs and to create significant impacts. Cooperative Extension’s long history of engagement in the community, with state and …

Recentering Community Nutrition Education: A New Framework For Food Insecurity Understanding, Chasity Tompkins

The Journal of Extension

While strategies may differ across geographical regions, FACS Extension professionals work to enhance nutrition education and increase food security in their communities. The four dimensions of food security developed by The Food and Agricultural Organization were reconceptualized to understand food security on an individual or at a community level. Using experiences from a summer internship with two urban counties, the EEUESA Model described here was designed to aid FACS Extension professionals in their efforts for nutrition education and to better understand how programming targets food security in their communities.

Incorporating Subjective Measures Of Problematic Money Issues In Extension Workshops, Lucy M. Delgadillo Ph.D, Luke Erickson

The Journal of Extension

This study highlights the importance of incorporating subjective measures of identifiable problematic money issues in financial education workshops conducted by extension specialists. Addressing problematic money behaviors such as overspending, financial infidelity, and financial enabling empowers individuals to overcome harmful financial habits and improve basic money management practices such as paying bills on time and saving. The distinction between problematic money issues and money disorders, as well as overspending and compulsive buying, is clarified. The study uses empirical testing on problematic money behaviors and their association with fundamental money management practices to inform the development of comprehensive financial training and counseling …

Workshop Wine Wednesdays: Improving Knowledge And Motivations About Local Wines., Aude A. Watrelot, Sarah Al-Mazroa Smith, Sarah L. Francis

The Journal of Extension

The grape and wine industry in Iowa is based on non-Vitis vinifera grapes, which are not well-known by consumers and come with their own set of challenges, such as promotion. The Wine Wednesdays workshop focused on promoting awareness and knowledge of local wines and grapes. Results indicate gain in self-perceived knowledge and intention of behavior changes toward local grapes and wines. These workshops also participate in the development of relationships among wineries, which is overall beneficial for the local grape and wine industry.

Perceived Beef Producer Challenges And Competencies For A Value-Added Beef Extension Program, Sarah J. Al-Mazroa Smith, Greg Miller

The Journal of Extension

As markets are changing in the beef industry, producers are seeking new opportunities for value-added beef production. A select group of beef industry experts and experienced beef producers have come to consensus regarding challenges that producers face in the current marketplace. They identified competencies that would be a positive addition to a value-added beef Extension program. Competencies and challenges were organized to enable Extension specialists to create a new Extension program framework.

Educator Feedback On A Farm Tractor And Machinery Safety Training Program: Implications For Program Content And Success, Linda Fetzer, Brenna Butler, Judd Michael

The Journal of Extension

This article provides results from a survey of instructors who have offered the National Safe Tractor and Machinery Operation Program (NSTMOP) to youth planning to work in agriculture. Youth younger than age 16 who wish to be employed on non-family farms are required to complete an approved safety training program to operate tractors and other powered machinery. A survey of educators who offered the NSTMOP program was conducted to learn more about their successes, challenges, and feedback related to the instructor training course and program materials. Results provide direction to the instructors’ programmatic needs with respect to teaching safety-related topics.

How To Build Community Networks And Resources Necessary For A Successful 4-H Program, Daniel P. Collins, K. S. U. Jayaratne, Shannon Mccollum

The Journal of Extension

The purpose of this research was to explore the strategies effective in building community networks and pooling the resources necessary for laying the foundation to develop a successful county 4-H Extension program in early careers of Extension agents. We conducted this three-round Delphi study with a panel of specially selected 24 successful 4-H Extension agents. The Delphi research process led to identify seven strategies effective in building community networks and six strategies effective in building the necessary resources for the development of an effective county 4-H Extension program. We made practical recommendations based on these findings.

Needs Assessment Tool For A Value-Added Beef Extension Program For Small Farmers, Sarah Al-Mazroa Smith, Greg Miller

The Journal of Extension

As beef industry trends have evolved, beef producers are looking for value-added beef practices and marketing strategies. To ensure that a new value-added beef Extension program framework at [University] aligns with beef producers’ needs, a needs assessment instrument was created. We developed a needs assessment tool focused on program objectives and delivery method preferences. This tool can be used to adapt the program to meet specific needs and preferences of participants.

What Do Extension And Public Health Educators Need To Address Substance Misuse?, Lisa Washburn, Karen Franck

The Journal of Extension

Limited organizational capacity has hindered Extension’s ability to address substance misuse in communities. To inform capacity-building efforts, we obtained Extension educator and health educator feedback on opportunities, challenges and resource needs using the Delphi technique. Opportunities included collaboration and partnerships with local entities. Stigma, inadequate resources, and limited knowledge and skills of educators were challenges. Top resource needs were updated youth curricula, funding, and clear guidance on what educators can do and what should be referred externally. Findings provide insights to educator perceptions and suggest additional training and resources needed to implement evidence-based approaches to address substance misuse.

Relational Dynamics Following Divorce: Evaluation Of An Online Co-Parent Education Program, J. Kale Monk

The Journal of Extension

I sought to investigate the potential efficacy of an online divorce and co-parent education program. Across 9-years of evaluation data for the Focus on Kids online program, participants (N = 6,679) reported a high degree of program satisfaction. According to pre-post test reports, average knowledge of how to support children across the divorce transition increased. Participants also increased in their intention to avoid engaging in behaviors that are distressing for children. Overall, this study provides evidence for the efficacy of online divorce education and provides support for the advancement of online programming as a promising avenue for Extension more …

California 4-H Computer Science Education Pathway, Steven M. Worker, Roshan Nayak, Fe Moncloa

The Journal of Extension

Young people need digital competency and confidence to effectively harness computing power to solve problems and design solutions; a core component is improving young people’s computational thinking. Unfortunately, access to computer science education is lacking for all youth, and in particular for youth who live in lower-income households, who are Black or Latino, or live in rural areas. With funding from Google, through the National 4-H Council, California 4-H embarked on a three-year project to build the capacity of 4-H professionals, volunteers, and teenagers to facilitate computer science education with youth. Our programming was effective as assessed with survey methodology. …

The Key To Coding Qualitative Data: Examples From The 4-H Youth Retention Study, Sarah Hensley, Janet Fox, Missy Cummins, Meggan Franks, Marianne Bird, Cindy Wells, Jolynn Miller

The Journal of Extension

Cooperative Extension professionals utilize proven qualitative techniques to collect and analyze information to make data-driven decisions that guide program direction and determine impact. While the process may not always look the same, it is indeed essential to ensure findings are credible and reflective of the data. A codebook is a valuable tool that promotes interrater reliability among teams and enhances the reliability of findings. This article provides an overview of the process used to analyze qualitative data and the steps followed to create a codebook. Examples of the analysis process and codebook development are provided from the 4-H multi-state Youth …

Assessing Extension Educators' Motivation For Program Evaluation Using Self Determination Theory, Adeola C. Ogunade, Megan Kruger, Oluwafunke Abeleje

The Journal of Extension

Studies have shown the importance of program evaluation in Extension and its value in communicating Extension program successes. This current study was conducted to assess Extension educators’ motivation toward program evaluation using the self-determination theory. Respondents perceived that they were not competent enough to engage in program evaluation but greatly valued program evaluation. Further analysis of our theory-informed survey data revealed that perceived competence and value positively predicted interest in program evaluation. Our findings contribute to Extension professional development discourse.