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Farmer, Agent, And Specialist Perspectives On Preferences For Learning Among Today's Farmers, Nancy K. Franz, Fred Piercy, Joseph Donaldson, Johnnie Westbrook Jun 2010

Farmer, Agent, And Specialist Perspectives On Preferences For Learning Among Today's Farmers, Nancy K. Franz, Fred Piercy, Joseph Donaldson, Johnnie Westbrook

Journal of Extension

Few studies have examined the types of educational delivery methods preferred by farmers (Eckert & Bell, 2005; Eckert & Bell, 2006). The research project reported here explored the preferred learning methods of farmers in Louisiana, Tennessee, and Virginia. Data on learning methods collected directly from farmers were compared with preferred teaching methods of Extension agents and specialists. The findings should shape agent and specialist perspectives on appropriate educational delivery methods when educating farmers and working towards farmer adoption of new practices.

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Stewardship As A Means To Create Organizational Reform: A View Into Minnesota 4-H Youth Development, Jennifer A. Skuza, Dorothy M. Freeman, Tamara J. Bremseth, Shirley A. Doering Apr 2010

Stewardship As A Means To Create Organizational Reform: A View Into Minnesota 4-H Youth Development, Jennifer A. Skuza, Dorothy M. Freeman, Tamara J. Bremseth, Shirley A. Doering

Journal of Extension

Minnesota 4-H Youth Development (MN 4-H) used stewardship as a means to create organizational reform to address the public use of the 4-H name and emblem in terms of risk management, real estate and equipment, and finances. A task force implemented a participatory process with colleagues and stakeholders to build and implement the reform effort. In result, MN 4-H strengthened its public value by identifying and creating policies and practices to better steward its resources. The operating principles identified in this article will guide future stewardship agendas in Minnesota and may be replicated by other states interested in similar improvements.

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A Conceptual Model For Retaining County Extension Program Professionals, R Dale Safrit, Mitchell B. Owen Apr 2010

A Conceptual Model For Retaining County Extension Program Professionals, R Dale Safrit, Mitchell B. Owen

Journal of Extension

Retaining county program professionals in their positions continues to challenge Cooperative Extension systems. Turnover among program professionals results in unmet citizen needs, disrupted educational programs, low morale among remaining Extension professionals, and wasted financial and material resources. Using a qualitative methodology and content analysis, the authors developed the R.E.T.A.I.N.S. conceptual model for retaining county Extension program professionals, and suggest practical implications of the model: Recruit authentically; Expand on new employees' experiences and abilities; Train, train, train; Advocate for both the employee and the position; Inspire, invest in, and empower employees; Nurture connectivity among employees; and Show appreciation through effective recognition.

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Change, Who... Me?, Kirk Bloir, Jeff King Feb 2010

Change, Who... Me?, Kirk Bloir, Jeff King

Journal of Extension

As we approach our 100th birthday in 2014 as a National Cooperative Extension Service, we would like to spark discourse around our collective identity as agents of change. We present an argument in the spirit of promoting a self-reflective debate to move our organization—and ourselves—forward. As all agents of change know, awareness is one of the first steps in the change process (Rogers, 1963).

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An Examination Of The Impact Of Organizational Restructuring On Identification Within Extension, Cynthia B. Torppa, Keith L. Smith Dec 2009

An Examination Of The Impact Of Organizational Restructuring On Identification Within Extension, Cynthia B. Torppa, Keith L. Smith

Journal of Extension

Many Extension organizations enjoy strong Organizational Identification (OI) among personnel. But organizational change may negatively influence identification, and many Extension organizations have been changing the way they serve their publics. To examine the impact of change on OI, we compared Extension personnel's OI scores following a major restructuring to OI scores gathered during a period of relative stability reported in previous research from another Extension organization. Findings indicated that OI scores were slightly lower following restructuring; however, the pattern of scores across four targets (Extension, program area, counties, and centers) remained constant, suggesting personnel will rarely identify with mid-level targets.

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Program Integrity: A Powerful Organizing Construct Or Just More Jargon?, Michael W. Duttweiler, Sarah F. Dayton Oct 2009

Program Integrity: A Powerful Organizing Construct Or Just More Jargon?, Michael W. Duttweiler, Sarah F. Dayton

Journal of Extension

This article describes the conception and application of program integrity as a framework for communicating and reinforcing the importance of intentional program development and as an integrating theme for program development curricula. We suggest it provides a motivational factor often missing from curricula. The working definition of program integrity was developed drawing elements from instructional design, ethics, and public accountability.

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Agricultural And Natural Resources Awareness Programming: Barriers And Benefits As Perceived By County Extension Agents, Roslynn G. Brain, Tracy A. Irani, Alan W. Hodges, Nicholas E. Fuhrman Apr 2009

Agricultural And Natural Resources Awareness Programming: Barriers And Benefits As Perceived By County Extension Agents, Roslynn G. Brain, Tracy A. Irani, Alan W. Hodges, Nicholas E. Fuhrman

Journal of Extension

The study described here assessed Extension agents' perceived barriers and benefits concerning a new Florida agricultural and natural resources awareness initiative and Web site. A total of 186 agents responded to a statewide Web-based needs assessment, for an overall response rate of 58%. Results highlighted several barriers to communicating about agriculture and natural resources, including (a) a lack of interest, knowledge, and awareness among the general public, government, clientele, and media, (b) a lack of agent access to resources/contacts, and (c) inconsistent/ineffective message delivery methods. Concerning the Web site, most respondents wanted information to be presented via fact sheets, economic …

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Organizational Restructuring And Its Effect On Agricultural Extension Educator Satisfaction And Effectiveness, Michael A. Schmitt, Tom Bartholomay Apr 2009

Organizational Restructuring And Its Effect On Agricultural Extension Educator Satisfaction And Effectiveness, Michael A. Schmitt, Tom Bartholomay

Journal of Extension

As the Cooperative Extension Service faces mounting pressure to meet the challenges of change, there is growing concern about the negative impact changes will have on employee satisfaction and performance. Many studies look at the impact of Extension restructuring on employee satisfaction and performance. However, these studies primarily offer a formative view of employee change. New research, focused on the effects of substantial restructuring at the University of Minnesota in 2004, offers a more summative view-indicating that Regional Extension Educators gained significantly in 13 of 16 related satisfaction and performance related variables while Local Extension Educators gained in five.

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Building A Multi-Generational Volunteer Base: Understanding How Human Development Impacts Volunteer Service, Ken Culp Iii Feb 2009

Building A Multi-Generational Volunteer Base: Understanding How Human Development Impacts Volunteer Service, Ken Culp Iii

Journal of Extension

Extension professionals seeking to recruit multi-generational volunteers face several challenges, including understanding human development across the life span, recruiting different age groups for volunteer roles, and developing volunteer roles for people with different developmental needs. Engaging an age-diverse volunteer pool will benefit the organization, its clientele and volunteers. Extension professionals should consider creating specific roles for multi-generational volunteers. This should yield a broader cadre of recruits who are likely to be retained as they move through different developmental stages across the life span.

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Using Focus Groups To Evaluate Youth Development Program Direction, David J. White, Mary E. Arnold, Marilyn Lesmeister Dec 2008

Using Focus Groups To Evaluate Youth Development Program Direction, David J. White, Mary E. Arnold, Marilyn Lesmeister

Journal of Extension

Focus groups are an efficient and effective assessment tool for youth development practitioners with limited time and resources. This article examines the practical use and limitations of focus groups to assess a county 4-H program's response to a changing demographic profile. A complete description of the process is followed by a report of results and implications for program direction.

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Adapting Publications For Local Audiences: Learning From Focus Groups And Community Experts, Loriena A. Yancura Oct 2008

Adapting Publications For Local Audiences: Learning From Focus Groups And Community Experts, Loriena A. Yancura

Journal of Extension

Many Extension professional rely on publications such as brochures and fact sheets to communicate with members of unique populations. This article describes the process of adapting existing publications for local audiences, with examples from a project adapting brochures for custodial grandparents in Hawaii. Benefits of this process include more effective publications that have been tailored to local populations as well as increased communication with such populations.

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Managing Performance In Extension: Redesigning The Performance Evaluation System At Illinois, K Peter Kuchinke, Gerald Correthers, Kyle Cecil Aug 2008

Managing Performance In Extension: Redesigning The Performance Evaluation System At Illinois, K Peter Kuchinke, Gerald Correthers, Kyle Cecil

Journal of Extension

This article describes the initiative of a large Extension system to improve its performance management system. Information on the utility of the present system was sought from a wide range of stakeholders, and key strengths and weaknesses were identified. The revision focused on updating and simplifying the performance dimensions, creating a single set of requirements for all levels of staff, and moving towards an electronic submission, storage, and retrieval system for evaluative information. The article concludes with implementation and evaluation strategies and lessons learned along the continuous improvement path of performance management at Illinois.

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Indicators Of Success For Teamwork: What Extension Professionals Need To Excel As Team Members, Beverly M. Kelbaugh, Garee W. Earnest Aug 2008

Indicators Of Success For Teamwork: What Extension Professionals Need To Excel As Team Members, Beverly M. Kelbaugh, Garee W. Earnest

Journal of Extension

he study reported here identified Extension team behaviors, outcomes, and impacts that are appropriate to use as indicators of team success. A Modified Delphi technique was used with a purposeful sample of Extension professionals identified as experts. Twenty-five indicators of success were identified for Extension program teams. Ten indicators of success related to team outcomes and impacts, external team deliverables. The remaining items related to team member behaviors, interactions, and processes, which affect how team members work together. Implications and recommendations for the Extension System are based on organizational readiness and support of teams, organizational expectations of teams, and teamwork …

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Improving The Reputation Of Cooperative Extension As A Source Of Prevention Education For Youth And Families: The Effects Of The Prosper Model, Claudia Mincemoyer, Daniel Perkins, Patrica Mei-Mei Ang, Mark T. Greenberg Feb 2008

Improving The Reputation Of Cooperative Extension As A Source Of Prevention Education For Youth And Families: The Effects Of The Prosper Model, Claudia Mincemoyer, Daniel Perkins, Patrica Mei-Mei Ang, Mark T. Greenberg

Journal of Extension

Has the reputation of the Cooperative Extension Service (CES) changed over time as a result of its involvement in PROSPER, a community-based partnership designed to provide evidence-based prevention education programs? With deficits facing federal and state governments, budget cuts continue to threaten the viability and growth of CES. Moreover, changing legislative priorities make it easy for CES youth and family programs to be forgotten by policy makers. Thus, increasing the positive reputation of CES as an important and effective force in making the lives of youth and families better is essential for growing CES's stakeholder advocate base.

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How Integrated Extension Programming Helps Market Cooperative Extension: The North Carolina Recommendation, Karen Debord Oct 2007

How Integrated Extension Programming Helps Market Cooperative Extension: The North Carolina Recommendation, Karen Debord

Journal of Extension

In a contemporary society, Extension educational programming must consider the multiple community systems affected by identified issues. Recommendations based on a 2-year study process in North Carolina demonstrate how integrated educational programming is connected to marketing Extension. Two figures provide a visual of the concepts described.

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Academic Health Centers And Cooperative Extension Service: A Model For A Working Partnership, F Douglas Scutchfield, Torrie T. Harris, Bonnie Tanner, Deborah Murray Feb 2007

Academic Health Centers And Cooperative Extension Service: A Model For A Working Partnership, F Douglas Scutchfield, Torrie T. Harris, Bonnie Tanner, Deborah Murray

Journal of Extension

The University of Kentucky realized its state health needs and combined resources. The Colleges of Agriculture (COA) and Public Health along with the university Academic Health Center (AHC) partnered to develop the Health Education through Extension Leadership Project (HEEL). As a model for future program development for other states, the process of collaboration is described in detail to inform and promote the creation of new effective health programs. Successful examples of the created partnership are described as well as the process to program planning, program development, and implementation.

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Adult Education Theories: Informing Cooperative Extension's Transformation, Nancy Franz Feb 2007

Adult Education Theories: Informing Cooperative Extension's Transformation, Nancy Franz

Journal of Extension

As the largest adult education institution in America, Cooperative Extension should ground organizational operations in adult education theory. This connection with theory is especially important as Extension systems work towards organizational transformation to create more participatory and democratic learning. Adult education theories of transformative learning and critical reflection from a critical theory perspective are especially pertinent to inform this type of transformation. This requires that Extension create opportunities for learners to experience disorienting dilemmas, critically reflect on their assumptions, and facilitate how to learn not just what to learn.

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Generating Self-Organizing Capacity: Leadership Practices And Training Needs In Non-Profits, Beverlyn Lundy Allen, Lois Wright Morton Dec 2006

Generating Self-Organizing Capacity: Leadership Practices And Training Needs In Non-Profits, Beverlyn Lundy Allen, Lois Wright Morton

Journal of Extension

Capacity building is a major goal of today's organizations (Senge, 1990). The complex problems that organizations face along with conditions of uncertainty require increased capacity to effectively respond. We propose a self-organizing capacity framework (organizational identity, information flows, and interdependent relationships) and link it to 18 leadership and organizational practices. We find that visioning, mobilizing resources, technology, and building teamwork are self-identified key training needs. Visioning and mobilizing resources are central to organizational identity; technology is necessary for information flows; and building teamwork contributes to interdependent relationships. These are shared leadership skills that build capacity within the organization.

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The Change Agent States For Diversity Project: The Catalyst Team Approach, Patreese D. Ingram Oct 2006

The Change Agent States For Diversity Project: The Catalyst Team Approach, Patreese D. Ingram

Journal of Extension

The Change Agent States for Diversity is a consortium of several states dedicated to supporting greater cultural diversity in land-grant universities. The overall goal is to build the capacity of land-grant universities to function inclusively and effectively in a multicultural world. This study reported here evaluated the progress of the project. This article reports findings from interviews with project coordinators in each state and focuses on the value of the Catalyst Team approach. Conclusions suggest that efforts of the Catalyst Teams are strengthening the capacity of the individual state organizations to create change around issues of diversity.

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Program Assessment And Improvement Through Youth-Adult Partnership: The Yalpe Resource Kit, Cailin O’Connor, Shepherd Zeldin Oct 2005

Program Assessment And Improvement Through Youth-Adult Partnership: The Yalpe Resource Kit, Cailin O’Connor, Shepherd Zeldin

Journal of Extension

Youth and Adult Leaders for Program Excellence (YALPE) is a resource kit for youth programs seeking to engage youth in generating assessment data for action planning, communicating to stakeholders, and training volunteers and community partners. The research-based, user-friendly resource kit outlines a structured process of planning, assessment, and improvement to be carried out by a team of youth and adults. The kit includes a guide to the assessment process; four assessment tools to choose from; templates for data entry, analysis, and reporting; and four research briefs that detail the empirical basis for the YALPE tools and the processes.

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Invisible Force: Farmers' Mental Models And How They Influence Learning And Actions, Eileen Eckert, Alexandra Bell Jun 2005

Invisible Force: Farmers' Mental Models And How They Influence Learning And Actions, Eileen Eckert, Alexandra Bell

Journal of Extension

The ways in which farmers put their visions into action are indicative of their mental models of farming. This qualitative study explored the nature of mental models of farming and their role in farming practices among a sample of small farm operators. Three themes emerged in the data indicating that farmers' mental models of farming are influenced by prior values and knowledge, serve as guides in learning and decision-making, and are unique to each farmer. Educators who consider the mental models of farmers are more likely to succeed in supporting farmers' development of new knowledge and skills.

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The View From County Partners--Extension In Southwest Washington, Douglas M. Stienbarger Apr 2005

The View From County Partners--Extension In Southwest Washington, Douglas M. Stienbarger

Journal of Extension

Given increasing urbanization and economic transformation, how well does Extension serve its clientele? Using personal interviews, the study described here gauged the perceived accountability and relevance of Extension programs to county governments in southwest Washington State. The study has implications for other regions utilizing significant discretionary funding from county partners. County commissioners like Extension programming but express little ownership in programming often seen as antiquated. Commissioners do not see Extension meeting community needs and invest little time in the partnership. While closer alignment with county priorities will help improve the relationship with Extension, institutional constraints may also play an important …

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Rethinking Extension Communications: Is Issues Programming The Key?, Larae M. Donnellan, Florita S. Montgomery Apr 2005

Rethinking Extension Communications: Is Issues Programming The Key?, Larae M. Donnellan, Florita S. Montgomery

Journal of Extension

Extension's internal and external publics are increasing their demands for greater program accountability. At the same time, researchers have documented that many Extension communicators have been unhappy with being left out of the program-development process. This article examines the evolution of the role of communicators and shows how it is relevant to the current discussions of issues programming. The authors recommend administrators and communications units adopt a public relations model to better meet Extension's objectives.

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Systematic Assessment Of Resistance To Extension Organizational Change: Evidence From The Alabama Cooperative Extension System, Rynetta R. Washington, Samuel R. Fowler Apr 2005

Systematic Assessment Of Resistance To Extension Organizational Change: Evidence From The Alabama Cooperative Extension System, Rynetta R. Washington, Samuel R. Fowler

Journal of Extension

This article provides a case-study example of how Extension administrators may help their organizations advance toward institutionalization of change and restructuring through systematic participation of agents and specialists in change assessments. Citing two change assessments in the Alabama Cooperative Extension System, this article offers a framework Extension administrators can adopt to decrease resistance to organizational changes. Action steps are discussed in terms of identifying specific changes resisted and embraced by Extension stakeholders. Though this participative approach does not guarantee complete acceptance of changes by organizational stakeholders, the approach can help evolving Extension organizations advance toward sound institutionalization of changes.

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A Snapshot Of The Change Agent States For Diversity Project, Patreese D. Ingram Feb 2005

A Snapshot Of The Change Agent States For Diversity Project, Patreese D. Ingram

Journal of Extension

The Change Agent States For Diversity is a consortium of seven states dedicated to supporting greater cultural diversity in land-grant universities. The overall goal of the project is to build the capacity of land-grant universities to function inclusively and effectively in a multicultural world. The purpose of the study described here was to evaluate the progress of the project. This article reports selected findings from key administrator interviews and offers implications for increasing the movement of Extension toward a more inclusive system.

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Joe By The Numbers 2004, Laura Hoelscher Feb 2005

Joe By The Numbers 2004, Laura Hoelscher

Journal of Extension

"JOE by the Numbers" reports on the 2004 acceptance rate, submission rate, and readership rate and announces a new kind of JOE number--the article number. "February JOE" points to two themes that seem to run through a number of the articles: the need for leadership and tradition as a possible constraint.

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Extension As A Delivery System For Prevention Programming: Capacity, Barriers, And Opportunities, Laura Griner Hill, Louise A. Parker Feb 2005

Extension As A Delivery System For Prevention Programming: Capacity, Barriers, And Opportunities, Laura Griner Hill, Louise A. Parker

Journal of Extension

Implementation of programs that have demonstrated effects on risk and protective factors offers the best chance for documenting long-term program impacts and, in turn, for obtaining sustained funding. Our study explored the capacity of Extension to serve as a delivery system for best practice programs. In a statewide survey of Family Living and 4-H personnel, we assessed perceptions about such programs and Extension's role in delivering them. Results indicate that Extension has significant strengths as a delivery system for best practice programs. Capacity will be enhanced by reducing the perceived dichotomy between "prevention" programming and "traditional" Extension programming.

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Extension Staff Response To Increased Programming For At-Risk Audiences, Diane Klemme, Cheryl O. Hausafus, Karen Shirer Feb 2005

Extension Staff Response To Increased Programming For At-Risk Audiences, Diane Klemme, Cheryl O. Hausafus, Karen Shirer

Journal of Extension

The study described here examined individual and organizational assumptions that contribute to or inhibit Extension staff's work with at-risk audiences. Three focus group interview sessions were conducted with Extension staff. Analysis of emerging themes identified a number of individual and organizational assumptions that inhibit the organization's ability to change. For example, the study showed that staff lacked clarity about the meaning of the term "at-risk" and staff questioned if the organization valued at-risk programs efforts. The study demonstrated that to create meaningful and sustained change in an organization, individual and organizational assumptions need to be exposed and alternative scenarios developed.

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Perceptions Of The Cooperative Extension Service: A Community Resource For Youth And Family Programs, Claudia Mincemoyer, Daniel Perkins, Catherine Lillehoj Oct 2004

Perceptions Of The Cooperative Extension Service: A Community Resource For Youth And Family Programs, Claudia Mincemoyer, Daniel Perkins, Catherine Lillehoj

Journal of Extension

PROSPER (PROmoting School-community-university Partnerships to Enhance Resilience) is a prevention partnership involving the Cooperative Extension Service (CES), local schools, and community agencies. PROSPER collaborative teams were formed in 14 communities in Iowa and 14 in Pennsylvania to address risk reduction, competence-building, and positive youth development. The study discussed here examined perceptions of CES personnel compared to other PROPSER team members regarding the CES: as a source of youth and family programming; its commitment to fostering school and community-based prevention programs; and as a leading force in improving the lives of youth and families.

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Supporting The Critical Administrative Leadership Role Of County Directors, David Campbell, Jim Grieshop, Al Sokolow, Joan Wright Apr 2004

Supporting The Critical Administrative Leadership Role Of County Directors, David Campbell, Jim Grieshop, Al Sokolow, Joan Wright

Journal of Extension

With a foot in both the university and local communities, Cooperative Extension county directors have unique opportunities to network, scan opportunities, identify assets, design and market programs, build public support, and solve problems. A survey of the administrative workload, satisfactions, and frustrations of California county directors finds these leadership roles are insufficiently supported. The data suggest the need to 1) alter merit review policies to reward community connections and networking, 2) reinvent university support bureaucracies to treat county directors as valued customers, and 3) reassert a robust vision of county-based Extension at the highest levels of the organization.

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