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Journal of Extension

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Reusable Learning Objects Enhanced Master Goat Producers' Learning, Robert Strong Apr 2012

Reusable Learning Objects Enhanced Master Goat Producers' Learning, Robert Strong

Journal of Extension

Literature suggests Extension agents should be more proficient in delivering educational programs to enhance learning. This article reports on an innovative delivery method with a robust learning theory for constructing learning objectives. The reported here examined an approach used to improve learning in the Master Goat Producer program. The population (N = 96) was four Master Goat Producer classes from two states. Respondents demonstrated they learned and could practically apply the information. If agents attain different approaches to improve clientele learning, it may enhance Extension agents as educators and better assist Extension in accomplishing its organizational objectives.

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Analyzing Likert Data, Harry N. Boone Jr, Deborah A. Boone Apr 2012

Analyzing Likert Data, Harry N. Boone Jr, Deborah A. Boone

Journal of Extension

This article provides information for Extension professionals on the correct analysis of Likert data. The analyses of Likert-type and Likert scale data require unique data analysis procedures, and as a result, misuses and/or mistakes often occur. This article discusses the differences between Likert-type and Likert scale data and provides recommendations for descriptive statistics to be used during the analysis. Once a researcher understands the difference between Likert-type and Likert scale data, the decision on appropriate statistical procedures will be apparent.

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Have It Their Way: Creating Personalized Online Challenges To Motivate Learners, Barbara O’Neil, Karen Ensle Apr 2012

Have It Their Way: Creating Personalized Online Challenges To Motivate Learners, Barbara O’Neil, Karen Ensle

Journal of Extension

This article describes the development and evaluation of an online health and personal finance behavior change challenge that can be adapted for other Extension subject matter areas. The Small Steps to Health and Wealth™ Challenge is a behaviorally focused activity in which registered users self-report health and financial behaviors and receive feedback about their progress compared to other program participants. Ten daily practices are included, with 10 points awarded for each. Findings from two pilot tests in which participants were provided an opportunity to substitute their own daily challenge activities for those that were pre-selected by program sponsors are discussed.

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Experiential Cooking Programs For Low-Income Adults: Strategies For Success, Karen Franck, Michelle Vineyard, Ann Olson, Ashley Peterson Apr 2012

Experiential Cooking Programs For Low-Income Adults: Strategies For Success, Karen Franck, Michelle Vineyard, Ann Olson, Ashley Peterson

Journal of Extension

Experiential cooking classes for low-income adults can help improve healthy nutrition behaviors. However, nutrition educators and Extension professionals can face challenges in successful implementation of these programs such as difficulties recruiting and retaining participants. Drawing upon lessons learned from a cooking intervention with low-income adults, this article highlights three key strategies for educators to increase program success with low-income adults. These strategies focus on the need for adequate time and facilities as well as identifying GED programs as potential partners for recruiting and retaining adult participants.

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Efnep And Snap-Ed Initial Paraprofessional Training Materials And Methods, Charlene Byington, Susan Baker Apr 2012

Efnep And Snap-Ed Initial Paraprofessional Training Materials And Methods, Charlene Byington, Susan Baker

Journal of Extension

Western Region EFNEP coordinators were frustrated by the apparent lack of materials available for training newly hired paraprofessional nutrition educators. An on-line survey was distributed to all EFNEP and SNAP-Ed state coordinators seeking details about initial training and available materials and requesting copies of materials for review. Results indicated diversity in training methodologies reflecting individual states' needs. Using a comprehensive document developed by the Western Region, eight states' initial training materials have been reviewed. Three reviews are posted on the EFNEP Coordinator's website hosted by Purdue University and provide a new training resource for EFNEP and SNAP-Ed program coordinators.

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Vitamin D: How To Translate The Science Of The New Dietary Reference Intakes For This Complex Vitamin—More Is Not Always Better!, Kathleen T. Morgan Apr 2012

Vitamin D: How To Translate The Science Of The New Dietary Reference Intakes For This Complex Vitamin—More Is Not Always Better!, Kathleen T. Morgan

Journal of Extension

Vitamin D has long been known for its role in bone health. Before the recent Institute of Medicine (IOM) guidelines, there were conflicting messages about its other benefits. The IOM experts' exhaustive review of the evidence maintained the importance of calcium and vitamin D in promoting bone growth and maintenance. New Daily Reference Intakes were recommended. The report indicated that individuals seem to get meaningful amounts of vitamin D from sun exposure. Higher levels were not shown to provide a greater benefit. Extension professionals have the capacity to train professionals and consumers about the new vitamin D reference intakes.

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County Clustering For The California 4-H Youth Development Program: Impacts And Lessons Learned, Aarti Subramaniam, Harry Steve Dasher, Jane Chin Young Apr 2012

County Clustering For The California 4-H Youth Development Program: Impacts And Lessons Learned, Aarti Subramaniam, Harry Steve Dasher, Jane Chin Young

Journal of Extension

In response to budgetary constraints, a new staffing structure, the Pilot Leadership Plan, was proposed for California's 4-H Youth Development Program. County clusters were formed, each led by a coordinator. The plan was piloted for 2 years to provide insight into how county clustering could support Extension staff to increase and enhance program consistency and administrative efficiency. This article highlights key activities and innovations, impacts for staff and programming, and lessons learned in piloting a new staffing structure.

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Diabetes Cooking Schools Improve Knowledge And Skills In Making Healthful Food Choices, Martha Archuleta, Dawn Vanleeuwen, Karen Halderson, Linda Wells, Margaret Ann Bock Apr 2012

Diabetes Cooking Schools Improve Knowledge And Skills In Making Healthful Food Choices, Martha Archuleta, Dawn Vanleeuwen, Karen Halderson, Linda Wells, Margaret Ann Bock

Journal of Extension

Rates of type 2 diabetes are increasing nationally and in New Mexico, particularly in ethnic minorities. A key self-care area with challenging barriers is healthy eating. The New Mexico Cooperative Extension Service conducts diabetes cooking schools statewide together with community health providers. The study reported here determined if this education was effective in people with type 2 diabetes and their family members. Self-report surveys showed that knowledge and behaviors significantly improved (p

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Local Foods In Maryland Schools And Implications For Extension: Findings From Schools And Farmers, Lydia Oberholtzer, James C. Hanson, Gerald Brust, Carolyn Dimitri, Nessa Richman Apr 2012

Local Foods In Maryland Schools And Implications For Extension: Findings From Schools And Farmers, Lydia Oberholtzer, James C. Hanson, Gerald Brust, Carolyn Dimitri, Nessa Richman

Journal of Extension

This article describes results from a study examining the supply chain for local foods in Maryland school meals, the barriers and opportunities for increasing local foods in schools, and the development of Extension efforts to meet the needs identified. Interviews and surveys were administered with stakeholders, including farmers and food service directors. The results suggest that outreach regarding public schools should focus on the farm level, while efforts for private schools should focus on both the schools and the farm level and facilitating networking between the two.

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Increasing Income For Rangeland Cattle Ranchers: The San Juan Ranch Horse Series, James D. Keyes Apr 2012

Increasing Income For Rangeland Cattle Ranchers: The San Juan Ranch Horse Series, James D. Keyes

Journal of Extension

The San Juan Ranch Horse Series (SJRHS) is a program that was implemented in rural Utah to help ranchers with a downward spiraling horse market, provide education about equine management, and economically benefit local communities. The SJRHS has been successful in all three components of its mission.

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Produce Your Own: A Community Gardening Program, Jolynn Miller, Shannon Arnold Apr 2012

Produce Your Own: A Community Gardening Program, Jolynn Miller, Shannon Arnold

Journal of Extension

Many County Extension offices offer an adult Master Gardener Program, which includes advanced gardening training, short courses, newsletters, and conferences. However, with the comprehensive training provided comes a large time commitment. The Produce Your Own program was created to introduce adults to gardening in a similar manner, but with shorter, less demanding, and less technical sessions. The outreach program consisted of a series of four interactive sessions focused on plot design, crop selection, garden maintenance, harvesting, and preserving. The content can be adapted in many ways for adults, seniors, youth, and other audiences, which allows Extension to reach larger audiences.

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Use Of Visuals For Food Safety Education Of Spanish-Speaking Foodservice Workers: A Case Study In Iowa, Lakshman Rajagopal Apr 2012

Use Of Visuals For Food Safety Education Of Spanish-Speaking Foodservice Workers: A Case Study In Iowa, Lakshman Rajagopal

Journal of Extension

Providing food safety training to an audience whose native language is not English is always a challenge. In the study reported here, minimal-text visuals in Spanish were used to train Hispanic foodservice workers about proper handwashing technique and glove use based on the 2005 Food Code requirements. Overall, results indicated that visuals influenced participant knowledge about proper handwashing and proper glove use as evidenced by increased knowledge scores. Extension personnel can use visuals to train a wide variety of audiences about food safety, nutrition, occupational safety, and other topics.

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Successful Statewide Walking Program Websites, Bianca Maria Terrain, Nobuko Hongu Feb 2012

Successful Statewide Walking Program Websites, Bianca Maria Terrain, Nobuko Hongu

Journal of Extension

Statewide Extension walking programs are making an effort to increase physical activity levels in America. An investigation of all 20 of these programs revealed that 14 use websites as marketing and educational tools, which could prove useful as the popularity of Internet communities continues to grow. Website usability information and an analysis of all 14 sites were combined to determine characteristics that may enhance the efficacy of these sites. Application of these findings could allow Extension professionals to more efficiently communicate with the public about exercise, nutrition, and state walking programs.

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The Development Of A Food Safety Brochure For Families: The Use Of Formative Evaluation And Plain Language Strategies, Christina Perry, Julie Albrecht, Ruth Litchfield, Rebecca L. Meysenburg Feb 2012

The Development Of A Food Safety Brochure For Families: The Use Of Formative Evaluation And Plain Language Strategies, Christina Perry, Julie Albrecht, Ruth Litchfield, Rebecca L. Meysenburg

Journal of Extension

Printed materials have been used extensively as an educational tool to increase food safety awareness. Few educational materials have been designed to target families with young children for food safety education. This article reports the use of the formative evaluation process to develop a brochure designed to enhance awareness about food safety among primary food handlers of families with children 10 years and under. Quantitative and qualitative evaluation included the use of plain language principles and two focus groups with target audience members. Application of systematic formative evaluation can help health practitioners develop more effective consumer-centered educational materials.

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Leveraging Partnerships To Achieve High Impact: Lessons From Wildlife Field Days, Holly K. Ober, William M. Giulano, William Sheftall, Rj Byrne Feb 2012

Leveraging Partnerships To Achieve High Impact: Lessons From Wildlife Field Days, Holly K. Ober, William M. Giulano, William Sheftall, Rj Byrne

Journal of Extension

Effective wildlife management on private lands can supplement and diversify income by providing opportunities for hunting, fishing, and ecotourism. We offered a workshop series that covered a comprehensive set of issues pertaining to this topic. In the process, we found that using a large, multi-state, multi-agency planning committee enabled us to tap into numerous clientele networks, reach many people new to Extension, recruit expert speakers from many organizations, and spread tasks so that individual burdens were reduced. This mutually beneficial collaboration is a model for future Extension programming that may become increasingly useful as Extension budgets continue to decline.

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The Forgotten Half Of Program Evaluation: A Focus On The Translation Of Rating Scales For Use With Hispanic Populations, Shannon J. Dogan, Stephanie L. Sitnick, Lenna L. Ontai Feb 2012

The Forgotten Half Of Program Evaluation: A Focus On The Translation Of Rating Scales For Use With Hispanic Populations, Shannon J. Dogan, Stephanie L. Sitnick, Lenna L. Ontai

Journal of Extension

tools have been developed and validated with English-speaking samples. There is little research and practical guidance on the cultural adaptation and translation of rating scales. The purpose of this article is to summarize the methodological work in this area as it relates to evaluation in Extension, specifically with Spanish-speaking, Hispanic populations of Mexican origin. General practices are reviewed and recommendations outlined. Inferences about program outcomes and impacts depend, in large part, on the rating scale; therefore, inattention to these issues could lead to misleading results and interpretations.

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Assessment Of Native Languages For Food Safety Training Programs For Meat Industry Employees, Sherrlyn S. Olsen, Joseph C. Cordray, Stephen Sapp, Joseph G. Sebranek Feb 2012

Assessment Of Native Languages For Food Safety Training Programs For Meat Industry Employees, Sherrlyn S. Olsen, Joseph C. Cordray, Stephen Sapp, Joseph G. Sebranek

Journal of Extension

Challenges arise when teaching food safety to culturally diverse employees working in meatpacking and food manufacturing industries. A food safety training program was developed in English, translated into Spanish, and administered to 1,265 adult learners. Assessments were conducted by comparing scores before and immediately following training. Scores concerning food safety knowledge and food handling behavior improved dramatically when training was conducted in the native language. Impressive gains were noted for Spanish-speaking participants who averaged 96.60% on post-training scores, demonstrating that identical food safety training programs are most successful with both English- and Spanish-speaking individuals when presented in their native languages.

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Diabetes Awareness Of Low-Income Middle School Students Participating In The Help A Friend, Help Yourself Youth Diabetes Awareness Education Program, Kathryn Wroten, Elizabeth S. Reames, Georgiana Tuuri Feb 2012

Diabetes Awareness Of Low-Income Middle School Students Participating In The Help A Friend, Help Yourself Youth Diabetes Awareness Education Program, Kathryn Wroten, Elizabeth S. Reames, Georgiana Tuuri

Journal of Extension

The study reported here investigated the effectiveness of the LSU AgCenter Help a Friend, Help Yourself youth diabetes education curriculum to increase knowledge and awareness of diabetes and its symptoms in low-income middle school students participating in the Boys and Girls Club after-school program. The curriculum includes four lessons with multimedia presentations, art projects, and demonstrations designed to teach children about diabetes, with a specific focus on the signs and symptoms. Results indicated that students' knowledge of diabetes and its symptoms increased following participation in the four-session series.

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Efnep Reaches Refugee Youth Using A Mobile Van, Linda S. Gossett Feb 2012

Efnep Reaches Refugee Youth Using A Mobile Van, Linda S. Gossett

Journal of Extension

New groups of refugees settled in apartments far from city services. Their children lacked access to organized after-school activities and the opportunity to practice English. The Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) wanted to reach and teach the young refugees but lacked the staff and budget to do so. This article discusses how the EFNEP formed a partnership with a city parks and recreation department to reach refugee youth while providing organized activities and nutrition education. Educators should learn: what new groups live in their county, where they live, what schools their children attend, and other agencies assisting them.

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Using A Training Video To Improve Agricultural Workers' Knowledge Of On-Farm Food Safety, Lisa Mathiasen, Katija Morley, Benjamin Chapman, Douglas Powell Feb 2012

Using A Training Video To Improve Agricultural Workers' Knowledge Of On-Farm Food Safety, Lisa Mathiasen, Katija Morley, Benjamin Chapman, Douglas Powell

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.

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Formative Assessment Of Assistance Needed With Grocery Shopping And Preparing Food Among Rural Community-Dwelling Older Adults, Janice R. Hermann, Whitney A. Brosi, Ja.N H. Johnston, Linda Jaco Feb 2012

Formative Assessment Of Assistance Needed With Grocery Shopping And Preparing Food Among Rural Community-Dwelling Older Adults, Janice R. Hermann, Whitney A. Brosi, Ja.N H. Johnston, Linda Jaco

Journal of Extension

The study reported here assessed assistance needed with grocery shopping and food preparation among 369 rural community-dwelling older adults. Needing assistance with grocery shopping and food preparation was reported by 21% and 16% of participants, respectively. Among participants needing assistance with grocery shopping and food preparation; 25% and 33%, respectively, reported they never or rarely received the needed assistance. Approximately two-thirds of participants reported they were most likely to receive assistance from their spouse or children. Education on assistive technology designed to facility independent living could assist with many physical limitations community-dwelling older adults experience with grocery shopping and food …

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Revising An Extension Education Website For Limited Resource Audiences Using Social Marketing Theory, Sarah L. Francis, Peggy Martin, Kristin Taylor Dec 2011

Revising An Extension Education Website For Limited Resource Audiences Using Social Marketing Theory, Sarah L. Francis, Peggy Martin, Kristin Taylor

Journal of Extension

Spend Smart Eat Smart (SSES), a unique website combining nutrition and food buying education for limited resource audiences (LRAs), was revised using social marketing theory to make it more appealing and relevant to LRAs (25-40 years). Focus groups and surveys identified the needs and preferences of LRAs. Needs were cooking, basic health, and budget-friendly nutrition ideas. Preferences were limited text, more videos, graphics, and color. Usability testing of the revised site indicated users perceived the information valuable and the design appealing. By incorporating the needs and preferences of LRAs, SSES is now perceived as appealing as well as relevant.

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Eat Smart, Move More, Weigh Less A Weight Management Program For Adults—Revision Of Curriculum Based On First-Year Pilot, Carolyn Dunn, Kathryn M. Kolasa, Sheree Vodicka, Lori Schneider, Cathy Thomas, Christine Smith, Carolyn Lackey Dec 2011

Eat Smart, Move More, Weigh Less A Weight Management Program For Adults—Revision Of Curriculum Based On First-Year Pilot, Carolyn Dunn, Kathryn M. Kolasa, Sheree Vodicka, Lori Schneider, Cathy Thomas, Christine Smith, Carolyn Lackey

Journal of Extension

Eat Smart, Move More, Weigh Less (ESMMWL) is a 15-week weight-management program that is delivered by local educators. Published research data were used to identify strategies that lead to weight loss and/or weight maintenance. The program uses the Theory of Planned Behavior by informing, empowering, and motivating participants to live mindfully as they make choices about eating and physical activity. The program provides opportunities for participants to keep a journal of healthy behaviors. ESMMWL is offered in worksites, faith communities, and county extension offices. The program was pilot tested and revisions were made. This article updates the earlier description.

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Mapping Extension's Networks: Using Social Network Analysis To Explore Extension's Outreach, Tom Bartholomay, Scott Chazdon, Mary S. Marczak, Kathrin C. Walker Dec 2011

Mapping Extension's Networks: Using Social Network Analysis To Explore Extension's Outreach, Tom Bartholomay, Scott Chazdon, Mary S. Marczak, Kathrin C. Walker

Journal of Extension

The University of Minnesota Extension conducted a social network analysis (SNA) to examine its outreach to organizations external to the University of Minnesota. The study found that its outreach network was both broad in its reach and strong in its connections. The study found that SNA offers a unique method for describing and measuring Extension outreach and that SNA can be effectively used to examine internal patterns around outreach while informing strategies toward improved alignment and greater leveraging of institutional knowledge. The findings indicate that SNA has great potential for improving reporting, developing internal collaboration, and conducting system-wide impact evaluations.

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Promoting Healthy Eating And Exercise Through Online Messages: A Pilot Study, Helen Nyquist, Yeong Rhee, Ardith Brunt, Julie Garden-Robinson Dec 2011

Promoting Healthy Eating And Exercise Through Online Messages: A Pilot Study, Helen Nyquist, Yeong Rhee, Ardith Brunt, Julie Garden-Robinson

Journal of Extension

The effectiveness of online messages to change dietary intake and level of physical activity was assessed. Thirty-six volunteers completed a 26-item pre- and post-intervention online survey and received a total of 36 email messages about MyPyramid, food labels, healthier lifestyles, and physical activity. Participants reported increased fiber intake, decreased fat intake, and increased physical activity. Overweight/obese participants lost an average of 8.0 lbs. during the 12-week period. Online messages can contribute to an increase in healthy food consumption and level of physical activity and is a desirable intervention tool for Extension nutrition and health practitioners.

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Multi-Level Partnerships Support A Comprehensive Faith-Based Health Promotion Program, Annie Hardison-Moody, Carolyn Dunn, David Hall, Lorelei Jones, Jimmy Newkirk, Cathy Thomas Dec 2011

Multi-Level Partnerships Support A Comprehensive Faith-Based Health Promotion Program, Annie Hardison-Moody, Carolyn Dunn, David Hall, Lorelei Jones, Jimmy Newkirk, Cathy Thomas

Journal of Extension

This article examines the role of multi-level partnerships in implementing Faithful Families Eating Smart and Moving More, a faith-based health promotion program that works with low-resource faith communities in North Carolina. This program incorporates a nine-lesson individual behavior change program in concert with policy and environmental change. We offer an overview of the program, an evaluation of its effects on individual behavior changes and policy, and environment and practice changes and provide suggestions on lessons learned for Extension professionals who wish to partner with faith communities to promote nutrition and physical activity.

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Online Nutrition Education: Enhancing Opportunities For Limited-Resource Learners, Patty Case, Mary Cluskey, Jeff Hino Dec 2011

Online Nutrition Education: Enhancing Opportunities For Limited-Resource Learners, Patty Case, Mary Cluskey, Jeff Hino

Journal of Extension

Delivering nutrition education using the Internet could allow educators to reach larger audiences at lower cost. Low-income adults living in a rural community participated in focus groups to examine their interest in, experience with, and motivators to accessing nutrition education online. This audience described limited motivation in seeking formal nutrition education. However, they were interested in relevant, compelling tools emphasizing cooking and saving money. The likelihood of using the Internet for food/nutrition information was influenced by website characteristics. The insights from the study will help educators design online tools that capture and sustain the interest of low-income clientele.

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An Assessment Of Current Feeding Practices In Louisiana Dairy Farms, C Leonardi, Vr Moreira, Rd Bardwell, Me Mccormick, M. Autin, B. Perez, M. C. Martinez Dec 2011

An Assessment Of Current Feeding Practices In Louisiana Dairy Farms, C Leonardi, Vr Moreira, Rd Bardwell, Me Mccormick, M. Autin, B. Perez, M. C. Martinez

Journal of Extension

A survey of producers was conducted to determine feeding practices on Louisiana dairy farms. A 38.5% response rate among dairy farmers was obtained. Declared herd size averaged 108 Holstein milking cows producing 15,613 lbs/cow/year. Most producers relied on pastures as primary forage source for the cows. Pastures were supplemented with concentrates offered twice daily. Most farmers formulated rations and reported knowing dietary protein, but less than 20% of the respondents acknowledged dietary P content. Producers and company nutritionists should be targeted by Extension programs intended to inform about P feeding recommendations and environmental effects of excess P.

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Intention To Consume Fruits And Vegetables Is Not A Proxy For Intake In Low-Income Women From Pennsylvania, Barbara Lohse, Denise Wall, Judy Gromis Oct 2011

Intention To Consume Fruits And Vegetables Is Not A Proxy For Intake In Low-Income Women From Pennsylvania, Barbara Lohse, Denise Wall, Judy Gromis

Journal of Extension

Intention as an outcome measure for fruit and vegetable nutrition education interventions in low-income women was assessed through dietary assessment 3 weeks after a fruit and vegetable intervention in a federally funded program. Amount and variety of intake were compared to intentions expressed immediately following intervention. Findings suggested intentions did not approximate self-reported intake. For example, of 85 women indicating little baseline fruit variety, 47 intended to increase variety following the intervention; only two met the anticipated improvement. In all, only 25 participants met one or more intentions to improve intake. Implications for measuring intention and assessing outcomes are discussed.

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Herd-Health Programs For Limited-Resource Farmers: Prevention Versus Treatment, Renita W. Marshall Oct 2011

Herd-Health Programs For Limited-Resource Farmers: Prevention Versus Treatment, Renita W. Marshall

Journal of Extension

In recognition of the changing influences on animal health, Extension professionals are charged with the responsibility of delivering educational programs to our limited resources farmers on the importance of herd health. Herd-health programs must be designed and implemented with the help of an Extension veterinarian to provide routine, planned procedures that will prevent or minimize on farm diseases. There is a necessity for Extension professionals to get involved in educating our small farmers on the importance of animal health to enable them to maximize opportunities to participate in new markets for agriculture products.

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