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Journal of Extension

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Request For Support: A Tool For Strengthening Network Capacity, Jamie Bain, Noelle Harden, Stephanie Heim Dec 2017

Request For Support: A Tool For Strengthening Network Capacity, Jamie Bain, Noelle Harden, Stephanie Heim

Journal of Extension

A request for support (RFS) is a tool that is used to strengthen network capacity by prioritizing needs and optimizing learning opportunities. Within University of Minnesota Extension, we implemented an RFS process through an online survey designed to help leaders of food networks identify and rank learning and capacity-building needs and indicate their preferred methods for partnering with us to meet those needs. The tool was effective in enabling us to systematize teaching and engagement and tailor efforts to the needs and assets identified through the survey. Other Extension professionals can adapt the tool to guide their work with networks.


Mobilizing Rural Communities To Prevent Childhood Obesity: A Tool Kit, Carol A. Smathers, Jennifer M. Lobb Dec 2017

Mobilizing Rural Communities To Prevent Childhood Obesity: A Tool Kit, Carol A. Smathers, Jennifer M. Lobb

Journal of Extension

The tool kit Mobilizing Rural Communities to Prevent Childhood Obesity is the product of a seven-state multidisciplinary research project focused on enhancing obesity prevention efforts by integrating community coaching into the work of rural community coalitions. The interactive tool kit is available at no cost both in print form and online, and it consists of five tutorials that present best practices and lessons learned throughout the research project. Extension professionals working within health promotion coalitions may wish to use or promote the tool kit. Coalition members can complete the activities contained in the tool kit individually or as a group.


Pioneering Extension Nutrition Education With Ipad Apps: A Development Story, Sondra M. Parmer, Barb Struempler, Katie Funderburk, Greg Parmer Dec 2017

Pioneering Extension Nutrition Education With Ipad Apps: A Development Story, Sondra M. Parmer, Barb Struempler, Katie Funderburk, Greg Parmer

Journal of Extension

Technology can be an effective vehicle for Extension nutrition education. Body Quest: Food of the Warrior is a childhood obesity prevention initiative of the Alabama Cooperative Extension System that successfully incorporates technology in the classroom. With Body Quest, students learn about healthful eating through blended learning involving both classroom instruction and self-directed e-learning via apps. Seven iPad apps excite students and engage them in the learning process. Extension professionals can benefit from our lessons learned for creating a successful app.


Examining Consumer Attitudes And Cultural Indicators Surrounding Local Food, Joy N. Rumble, Lisa K. Lundy Dec 2017

Examining Consumer Attitudes And Cultural Indicators Surrounding Local Food, Joy N. Rumble, Lisa K. Lundy

Journal of Extension

Many consumers are committed to buying local. With the study reported here, we aimed to advance understanding of the influence of culture in the local food movement. The study addressed the presence of cultural indicators in discussions about local food among a sample of Florida residents interested in local food. The influence of culture on participants' thoughts about local food was examined for the purpose of guiding communication and Extension programming surrounding local food. A qualitative thematic analysis revealed the influence of culture through the themes of tradition/ritual, family, local economy, trust, health and quality, experience with local food, and …


Establishing A Common Language: The Meaning Of Research-Based And Evidence-Based Programming (In The Human Sciences), Debra M. Sellers, Lisa M. Schainker, Peggy Lockhart, Hsiu Chen Yeh Dec 2017

Establishing A Common Language: The Meaning Of Research-Based And Evidence-Based Programming (In The Human Sciences), Debra M. Sellers, Lisa M. Schainker, Peggy Lockhart, Hsiu Chen Yeh

Journal of Extension

This article describes the development, implementation, and exploratory evaluation of a professional development series that addressed educators' knowledge and use of the terms research-based and evidence-based within Human Sciences Extension and Outreach at one university. Respondents to a follow-up survey were more likely to select correctly the commonly accepted standard for each term, and they reported asking more questions, talking with others, examining programs' evidence bases, and placing more value on fidelity and evaluation following participation in the professional development series. Educator reactions to the series were generally positive, although researchers interested in designing like programs might consider engaging educators …


Usefulness Of Delivery Methods For Climate Change Programming: Perspectives Of Extension And Research Faculty, Kaila Thorn, Daniel Tobin, Rama Radhakrishna, Allison Chatchyan, Joana Chan, Shorna Allred Oct 2017

Usefulness Of Delivery Methods For Climate Change Programming: Perspectives Of Extension And Research Faculty, Kaila Thorn, Daniel Tobin, Rama Radhakrishna, Allison Chatchyan, Joana Chan, Shorna Allred

Journal of Extension

Extension is responding to climate change through programming intended to encourage adaptation and mitigation in agricultural production and natural resources management. However, effectively engaging target audiences requires identifying appropriate delivery methods. We conducted a study to identify delivery methods researchers and Extension professionals at land-grant universities in the northeastern United States perceive as useful for climate change outreach. Respondents viewed all delivery methods as only slightly useful, though traditional options, including face-to-face interactions and the use of videos and websites, were perceived as slightly more useful than other delivery methods. Therefore, we in Extension must experiment with various delivery methods …


Drawing Together: Using Sketchbooks To Gain Insight On A Program's Effectiveness, Richard Alomar Oct 2017

Drawing Together: Using Sketchbooks To Gain Insight On A Program's Effectiveness, Richard Alomar

Journal of Extension

Drawing Together is an activity based on work in Extension and other fields that involves drawing as way of delivering information or collecting participant impressions about a program. It was used as part of the Healthy Garden and Healthy Living program in New Jersey and produced impressions about the program that were candid, reflective, and useful. A simple set of instructions can be used to collect information in sketchbooks, and the content can be analyzed in a variety of ways. This flexible activity can be easily incorporated as part of an existing Extension program or an interdisciplinary collaboration.


Perceptions Of Crop Consultants And Crop Producers On Grazing Corn Residue In Nebraska, Jordan L. Cox-O'Neill, Kristen M. Ulmer, Manbir Rakkar, Lisa Franzen-Castle, Humberto Blanco-Canqui, Mary E. Drewnoski, James C. Macdonald, Richard J. Rasby Oct 2017

Perceptions Of Crop Consultants And Crop Producers On Grazing Corn Residue In Nebraska, Jordan L. Cox-O'Neill, Kristen M. Ulmer, Manbir Rakkar, Lisa Franzen-Castle, Humberto Blanco-Canqui, Mary E. Drewnoski, James C. Macdonald, Richard J. Rasby

Journal of Extension

We conducted a survey to evaluate factors influencing consultant recommendations on grazing and producer grazing practices in Nebraska. Producers who did not graze cited soil compaction, inconvenience (lack of watering and fencing), and lack of access to livestock as major reasons for not grazing. Producers who allowed grazing and consultants who recommended grazing were more likely than those who did not favor grazing to perceive that grazing increased subsequent grain yields. Most consultants and producers reported making decisions on the basis of their personal observations. Findings from the survey can be used for enhanced Extension dissemination and research activities regarding …


Using Gamification To Teach Livestock Management Skills, Ryan Reuter Oct 2017

Using Gamification To Teach Livestock Management Skills, Ryan Reuter

Journal of Extension

This article describes a game that is based around estimating body weights of live cows and is used for teaching ranchers about the importance of monitoring the body weights of their animals. Ranchers viewed four cows and then used their smartphones to submit an estimate of each cow's weight. Results were accumulated and analyzed through use of a custom software script and then were shared with the ranchers during a training session. Following training, the ranchers evaluated four additional cows. Participating in and engaging with the game and training significantly improved ranchers' skill at estimating weight. Gamification can be a …


Maximizing Use Of An Extension Beef Cattle Data Set: Part 3—Weights And Growth, Jennifer M. Ramsay, Lauren L. Hulsman Hanna, Kris A. Ringwall Oct 2017

Maximizing Use Of An Extension Beef Cattle Data Set: Part 3—Weights And Growth, Jennifer M. Ramsay, Lauren L. Hulsman Hanna, Kris A. Ringwall

Journal of Extension

Previously, we described calving distribution and reproductive rates from CHAPS20Y, an Extension beef cattle data set. In this article, we describe CHAPS20Y data on birth weight, weaning weight, pounds weaned per cow exposed, calf age at weaning/weighing, average daily gain, weight per day age, frame score, and cow age, weight, and condition. Yearly mean weights and growth are consistent over the 20-year period, with variation among herds. Breed, management, and environmental differences may explain some of the variation. Our analysis of the CHAPS20Y data provides Extension professionals with expanded knowledge of beef cattle weights and growth and, accordingly, improved ability …


Life Skills At A Tribal College: A Culturally Relevant Educational Intervention, Jill F. Keith, Sherri N. Stastny, Wanda Agnew, Ardith Brunt, Pat Aune Oct 2017

Life Skills At A Tribal College: A Culturally Relevant Educational Intervention, Jill F. Keith, Sherri N. Stastny, Wanda Agnew, Ardith Brunt, Pat Aune

Journal of Extension

American Indians, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians (AI/AN/NH) experience the lowest rates of college retention and significant barriers to graduation. In addition, AI/AN/NH individuals face health challenges that include higher rates of obesity, overweight, and type 2 diabetes. We designed a culturally relevant life skills curriculum based on family and consumer science standards to promote educational achievement, self-efficacy, and healthful food choices among tribal college students. The Life Skills at a Tribal College course was delivered by tribal college Extension professionals in a family meal–style environment and involved culturally appropriate, traditional ways of learning to promote positive educational and health …


An Incremental Approach To Improving Evaluation Response Rates For Multiday Events, Robert Goodling, Winifred Mcgee, Coleen Jones Aug 2017

An Incremental Approach To Improving Evaluation Response Rates For Multiday Events, Robert Goodling, Winifred Mcgee, Coleen Jones

Journal of Extension

Online survey systems have improved evaluation costs and efficiencies but tend to result in lower response rates. We developed an incremental approach for online evaluation of multiday events. The incremental approach splits a complete evaluation into smaller sections and provides respondents access to both current and past sections. We selected two annual events (one national and one state-level) at which to evaluate the approach. Overall, evaluation response rates with the incremental approach averaged 45.9%, nearly double the 25.3% response rate that is typical with traditional online evaluations. Use of this incremental approach for online evaluation resulted in improved assessment of …


Maximizing Use Of An Extension Beef Cattle Data Set: Part 2—Reproductive Rates, Jennifer M. Ramsay, Lauren L. Hulsman Hanna, Kris A. Ringwall Aug 2017

Maximizing Use Of An Extension Beef Cattle Data Set: Part 2—Reproductive Rates, Jennifer M. Ramsay, Lauren L. Hulsman Hanna, Kris A. Ringwall

Journal of Extension

Previously, we described CHAPS20Y, a historical data set, and trends in CHAPS20Y calving distributions. In this article, we describe reproductive rates, including total females exposed to bull(s), pregnancy, pregnancy loss, calving, calf death loss, weaning, culling, and replacement percentages. Yearly mean exposed females increased from 1994 through 2013, consistent with a greater replacement percentage versus culling percentage. Yearly mean reproductive percentages varied over time. Factors such as weather, body condition, temperament, nutrition, and health likely contributed to this variation. CHAPS20Y is a tool Extension professionals can use to understand beef reproductive rates and help producers set and achieve their herd …


Kansas Dairy Producers' Needs Survey: Reproductive Management On Kansas Dairy Farms, Benjamin E. Voelz, Caleigh E. Payne, Lindsey Hulbert, Jeffrey S. Stevenson, Michael Brouk, Luis G.D. Mendonça Aug 2017

Kansas Dairy Producers' Needs Survey: Reproductive Management On Kansas Dairy Farms, Benjamin E. Voelz, Caleigh E. Payne, Lindsey Hulbert, Jeffrey S. Stevenson, Michael Brouk, Luis G.D. Mendonça

Journal of Extension

A section of the Kansas Dairy Producers' Needs Survey evaluated needs related to education on reproductive management and the most common reproductive management practices used on Kansas dairy farms. Of the 312 surveys mailed to dairy producers, 70 were returned fully completed. Results indicate that producers need education on the topic of reproduction and that reproductive management practices and herd sizes are related to where farms are located in the state. Consequently, future Extension reproductive management programming should reflect the diversity of Kansas's dairy industry. Moreover, the results presented align with earlier data from a nationwide survey and therefore may …


Exploring Options For Local Foods Campaigns, Stacey Stearns Aug 2017

Exploring Options For Local Foods Campaigns, Stacey Stearns

Journal of Extension

"Buy local" campaigns educate consumers about local foods opportunities and have the potential to change consumer behavior by encouraging increased purchasing of local products. Initiatives nationwide strengthen communities through entrepreneurship. An analysis of buy local initiatives conducted through Extension, departments of agriculture and economic development, and nonprofit organizations around the country shed light on the structures of those initiatives and best management practices for communicating with target audiences. Program staff use a variety of communication tools, including social media, advertising, and events, to reach diverse community groups. Findings stimulate consideration of how Extension might build capacity of buy local programs …


Older Adults' Perceptions Of Nutrition As Protective Against Detrimental Effects Of Environmental Pollution, Kristina Dunn, Lisa Gaetke, Tammy Stephenson, Dawn Brewer Aug 2017

Older Adults' Perceptions Of Nutrition As Protective Against Detrimental Effects Of Environmental Pollution, Kristina Dunn, Lisa Gaetke, Tammy Stephenson, Dawn Brewer

Journal of Extension

The aging process makes older adults vulnerable to the detrimental health effects of environmental contaminants. Our study assessed older adults' perceptions regarding diet as protective against environmental contaminants, levels of concern about exposure to environmental contaminants, and interest in learning about protective food-related strategies. A needs assessment to collect such information had not been conducted among older adults. Health fair survey results showed that respondents perceived diet as beneficial against contaminants, were concerned about health implications of exposure, and were interested in learning how to protect health through diet-related strategies. Results suggest that a nutrition-focused curriculum addressing how dietary strategies …


Food Safety Risks Of Leafy Greens From Small-Acreage Farms In Minnesota, Cindy Tong, Michele Schermann, Francisco Diez-Gonzalez, Jonathan Rossbach Aug 2017

Food Safety Risks Of Leafy Greens From Small-Acreage Farms In Minnesota, Cindy Tong, Michele Schermann, Francisco Diez-Gonzalez, Jonathan Rossbach

Journal of Extension

To focus future good agricultural practices (GAP) educational efforts, we surveyed leafy greens growers about their farming practices and measured microbial load on greens. Most survey respondents used potable water without added sanitizer for washing. Pathogenic bacterial levels were undetectable or low on farm and farmers' market samples. Coliform counts were in the normal range and were similar across farms and treatments. The microbial food safety risk from locally grown leafy greens appeared to be low. Therefore, future outreach efforts can focus on worker hygiene and cleanliness of farming operations, making GAP training less onerous for growers.


Preparing Students For Extension Careers And Expanding U.S. Extension Reach Through International Service Learning, Paul Ebner, Alina Constantinescu, Florian Borlea, Alexandra Indrea, Mark Russell Aug 2017

Preparing Students For Extension Careers And Expanding U.S. Extension Reach Through International Service Learning, Paul Ebner, Alina Constantinescu, Florian Borlea, Alexandra Indrea, Mark Russell

Journal of Extension

As U.S. Extension broadens its reach around the globe, an increased need exists for Extension professionals who have not only technical knowledge but also the cultural competencies to apply that knowledge in international settings. We describe a course that provides students with the opportunity to develop skills needed for potential careers in Extension, especially those involving international focuses, while advancing U.S. Extension's international efforts. The course also may serve as a model for instructors wishing to integrate Extension concepts into their teaching of undergraduates, thereby preparing individuals to make immediate impacts in Extension careers.


The Great Lakes School Of Turfgrass Science: A Nine-State Online Collaboration To Improve The Turfgrass Short Course, Paul L. Koch, Douglas J. Soldat, Brian P. Horgan, Samuel J. Bauer Jun 2017

The Great Lakes School Of Turfgrass Science: A Nine-State Online Collaboration To Improve The Turfgrass Short Course, Paul L. Koch, Douglas J. Soldat, Brian P. Horgan, Samuel J. Bauer

Journal of Extension

Increasing costs and decreasing numbers of university Extension faculty have made it difficult to provide quality turfgrass short course education. In response, faculty from nine institutions collaborated to develop the Great Lakes School of Turfgrass Science. This 12-week online course provides students with unique learning experiences through a combination of assigned readings, quizzes, lectures, and live instructor discussion. Student attendance increased and costs decreased relative to traditional in-person short courses. Additionally, student feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. These results demonstrate that online courses such as this can provide an effective and flexible source of knowledge that meets the busy schedules …


Usertesting.Com: A Tool For Usability Testing Of Online Resources, Vikram Koundinya, Jenna Klink, Melissa Widhalm Jun 2017

Usertesting.Com: A Tool For Usability Testing Of Online Resources, Vikram Koundinya, Jenna Klink, Melissa Widhalm

Journal of Extension

Extension educators are increasingly using online resources in their program design and delivery. Usability testing is essential for ensuring that these resources are relevant and useful to learners. On the basis of our experiences with iteratively developing products using a testing service called UserTesting, we promote the use of fee-based online usability testing services as an easy and efficient method for improving online resources. We present steps for conducting usability testing and recommendations for best practices. This approach has implications for Extension educators, administrators, and program evaluators who design and evaluate educational programming that involves web or online resources.


Engagement Of Health Volunteers: A Promising Approach For Meeting Community Needs, Lisa T. Washburn Jun 2017

Engagement Of Health Volunteers: A Promising Approach For Meeting Community Needs, Lisa T. Washburn

Journal of Extension

Extension has entered an era of unprecedented opportunity to affect family and community health. Taking action will challenge Extension to shift the way programs are delivered, engage a volunteer corps as partners, and value empowering others to address community challenges with their own solutions. This article describes a promising approach for expanding Extension's reach by engaging health-focused volunteers through the Extension Wellness Ambassador Program, where volunteers direct their efforts toward community projects they feel inspired by and compelled to address. Additionally, the article includes recommendations for building a health-focused volunteer corps within Extension.


Maximizing Use Of An Extension Beef Cattle Data Set: Part 1—Calving Distribution, Jennifer M. Ramsay, Lauren L. Hulsman, Kris A. Ringwall Jun 2017

Maximizing Use Of An Extension Beef Cattle Data Set: Part 1—Calving Distribution, Jennifer M. Ramsay, Lauren L. Hulsman, Kris A. Ringwall

Journal of Extension

Previously, we created a 20-year data set, CHAPS20Y, from historical data generated by Cow Herd Appraisal Performance Software, a beef management program. In this article, we describe CHAPS20Y calving distributions, including yearly means and 20-year averages. Yearly mean calving distributions are consistent over the 20-year period, but yearly herd minimum and maximum values vary greatly. Herd-to-herd differences in nutrition, breed, environment, and management may explain this variation. We used CHAPS20Y as a tool for understanding calving distribution and increasing the Extension knowledge base. Extension professionals can use this knowledge to help beef producers set and achieve their herd management goals.


A Conversation Tool For Assessing A Food Pantry's Readiness To Address Diet-Related Chronic Diseases, Dan Remley Jun 2017

A Conversation Tool For Assessing A Food Pantry's Readiness To Address Diet-Related Chronic Diseases, Dan Remley

Journal of Extension

Food insecurity is associated with diabetes and other chronic diseases. Individuals who experience food insecurity may use coping skills to avoid hunger, including eating unhealthful foods and binging when food is abundant, two practices that are often detrimental to prevention or management of chronic diseases. Food pantries, especially those using the Rainbow of Colors Choice Food Pantry System, are potential settings for providing nutrition education, healthful foods, and screenings to help individuals prevent or manage their chronic diseases. This article describes a conversation guide Extension professionals can use to assist food pantry personnel in identifying and implementing strategies for addressing …


Different Definitions And Great Expectations: Farmers' Market Consumers And Local Foods, Christopher T. Sneed, Ann Fairhurst Jun 2017

Different Definitions And Great Expectations: Farmers' Market Consumers And Local Foods, Christopher T. Sneed, Ann Fairhurst

Journal of Extension

Farmers' markets and local foods are popular among today's consumers. Despite this popularity, researchers have only begun to fully understand the farmers' market consumer. The study discussed in this article involved a sample of 485 farmers' market consumers from across the United States and was designed to provide a better understanding of how farmers' market consumers define the term local food and what characteristics these consumers expect from local foods. Differences among the definitions and characteristics relative to demographic variables were explored. The article concludes with marketing considerations for producers and market managers and implications for Extension professionals.


Small-Scale Farmers Supplying Produce Commercially: Five Issues And Associated Buyer Questions And Implications For Extension, Barrett Vaughan, Miles Robinson Jun 2017

Small-Scale Farmers Supplying Produce Commercially: Five Issues And Associated Buyer Questions And Implications For Extension, Barrett Vaughan, Miles Robinson

Journal of Extension

To assist a cooperative of small-scale farmers in selling produce to a commercial buyer, Extension personnel translated industry standards for supply into practices suitable for such producers. This multiyear effort led to identification of five relevant issues: capability, quality, food safety, consistency, and sustainability. The commercial buyer questions behind these issues are presented, and the implications for Extension assistance in terms of training, technical support, and resources used are discussed.


The Seed To Supper Program And Its Effect On Low-Income Beginning Gardeners In Oregon, Brooke A. Edmunds, Christine Hadekel, Pamela Monnette Jun 2017

The Seed To Supper Program And Its Effect On Low-Income Beginning Gardeners In Oregon, Brooke A. Edmunds, Christine Hadekel, Pamela Monnette

Journal of Extension

Extension and community partner organizations work together to address complex problems such as food insecurity. One effort showing high levels of success in Oregon is the Seed to Supper program. This classroom-based beginning gardening curriculum targets low-income adults. Program participants indicated reducing their grocery bills as a result of growing their own food and eating more fruits and vegetables than usual during the growing season. Additionally, the program has increased participant awareness that Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits can be used to purchase seeds or transplants. The curriculum is available on request for use by other state Extension offices.


Fitbit And Fitabase Technology: Tracking And Evaluating Youth Physical Activity, Lisa Franzen-Castle, Tara Dunker, Weiwen Chai, Michelle Krehbiel Apr 2017

Fitbit And Fitabase Technology: Tracking And Evaluating Youth Physical Activity, Lisa Franzen-Castle, Tara Dunker, Weiwen Chai, Michelle Krehbiel

Journal of Extension

With the health of today's youth a national priority, professionals need tools for accurately assessing activity patterns and motivating behavior change. Fitness technology may be a promising tool for promoting positive behavior change. The afterschool program WeCook: Fun with Food and Fitness focused on improving food preparation skills, nutrition knowledge, and physical activity levels of youths. As part of the program assessment, each participant wore a Fitbit near the beginning and end of the program. Fitabase, an online research platform, was used for aggregating and analyzing data. We discuss a model for incorporating these technologies.


Strengthening Families Through A Re-Envisioned Approach To Fatherhood Education, James S. Bates, Deanna L. Wilkinson, Jason Paul Mccartan, Daniel T. Remley, Mark D. Light, David C. Crawford, Jami Dellifield Apr 2017

Strengthening Families Through A Re-Envisioned Approach To Fatherhood Education, James S. Bates, Deanna L. Wilkinson, Jason Paul Mccartan, Daniel T. Remley, Mark D. Light, David C. Crawford, Jami Dellifield

Journal of Extension

Fatherhood education has the potential to affect not only fathers' nurturant behaviors but also multiple dimensions of family life. The weGrill program blends fatherhood, youth development, and nutrition education, with food grilling as the focal activity. Grounded in multiple learning theories, the program helps fathers and their adolescent children learn broadly about family life topics, planning for the future, and nutrition and healthful food behaviors. The program represents a re-envisioned approach to fatherhood education.


Empirical Questionnaire Methods For Fund-Raising Campaign Preparedness In Extension, Catherine Comley Adams, Douglass A. Butler, Kaleb Esplin Apr 2017

Empirical Questionnaire Methods For Fund-Raising Campaign Preparedness In Extension, Catherine Comley Adams, Douglass A. Butler, Kaleb Esplin

Journal of Extension

Amid waning public financial support for Extension program offerings, highly strategic and professional fund-raising practices are necessary for gaining momentum among private philanthropists and closing the fiscal gap. University of Missouri Extension conducted a precampaign survey that invited feedback from stakeholders to inform Extension leadership on how to execute fund-raising initiatives tailored to the audience. As a result, University of Missouri Extension is better positioned to serve the needs of its constituents by recruiting significant private financial support according to donors' unique interests.


Improving The Impact Of Extension Through The Use Of Anticipation Guides, Rebecca C. Smith, Stephanie M. Lemley Apr 2017

Improving The Impact Of Extension Through The Use Of Anticipation Guides, Rebecca C. Smith, Stephanie M. Lemley

Journal of Extension

In this article, we present the anticipation guide as a tool for preparing Extension audiences to learn the main points of Extension materials. Anticipation guides improve learner comprehension by appealing to an individual's natural curiosity and helping the individual focus on key ideas. Anticipation guides can be used with all types of Extension materials and across all Extension programs. We describe how to create anticipation guides for use with Extension materials and explain how to use them effectively and easily. We also provide examples of anticipation guides based on various Extension topics.