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Journal of Extension

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Influence Of 4-H Horse Project Involvement On Development Of Life Skills, Kp Anderson, L Karr-Lillienthal Oct 2011

Influence Of 4-H Horse Project Involvement On Development Of Life Skills, Kp Anderson, L Karr-Lillienthal

Journal of Extension

Four-H horse project members who competed in non-riding horse contests were surveyed to evaluate the influence of their horse project participation on life-skill development. Contests in which youth competed included Horse Bowl, Demonstrations, Public Speaking, and Art. Youth indicated a positive influence on both life-skill development and horse knowledge. Eighty-six percent indicated they strongly to moderately agreed their life skills were enhanced. Youth participating in these types of projects utilized the horse as a tool to increase their science-based knowledge combined with life-skill enhancement to make them more productive young people.

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The Impact Of Social Support On Perceived Control Among Older Adults: Building Blocks Of Empowerment, Jan. H. Johnston, Whitney A. Brosi, Janice R. Hermann, Linda Jaco Oct 2011

The Impact Of Social Support On Perceived Control Among Older Adults: Building Blocks Of Empowerment, Jan. H. Johnston, Whitney A. Brosi, Janice R. Hermann, Linda Jaco

Journal of Extension

This article examines the impact of social support on older adults' perceived sense of control and resultant feelings of empowerment. A consistent theme of empowerment is the idea of personal control. Using hierarchical multiple regression, results of a randomly dialed telephone survey of rural older adults (n=404) revealed that social support was a significant predictor of perceived sense of control. Other factors, including health, functional abilities, and resources were not significant predictors. Community educational programming that focuses on ways to engage elder support networks may also foster a perceived sense of control, further facilitating feelings of empowerment among older adults.

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Interactive Whiteboards: A New Tool For Extension Education, Mary M. Schroeder, Connie S. Burns, Marla M. Reicks Oct 2011

Interactive Whiteboards: A New Tool For Extension Education, Mary M. Schroeder, Connie S. Burns, Marla M. Reicks

Journal of Extension

Use of interactive whiteboards (IWBs) in school classrooms and conference rooms is increasing. To evaluate the effectiveness of IWBs as a tool for Extension education, two groups of 3rd and 4th grade Minnesota students (n=325) were taught nutrition using traditional methods or IWBs. Significant increases in knowledge and behavior were observed in both groups after the lessons, with no differences observed between groups. Teachers and Extension staff were generally positive about using IWBs to teach nutrition. The results indicate IWBs can be effective when used for Extension nutrition education in schools.

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Building Community-University Partnerships By Listening, Learning, And Responding, Diana M. Martenson, Dawn A. Newman, Deborah M. Zak Oct 2011

Building Community-University Partnerships By Listening, Learning, And Responding, Diana M. Martenson, Dawn A. Newman, Deborah M. Zak

Journal of Extension

University of Minnesota Extension is expanding work in Indian country by building community-university partnerships through a methodology of listening by gathering data in Indian country; learning by creating opportunities for professional development; and responding by building trusting relationships, resulting in more educators working in partnership with Indian communities. Extension educators who seek a mutually beneficial exchange of knowledge and resources with community partners are more likely to address the interests of the community in an appropriate and sustainable manner. Outcomes achieved are attributed to mutual respect for the strengths of each partner and the joint identification of opportunities, solutions, and …

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Snacks In The Stacks: Teaching Youth Nutrition In A Public Library, Mary Concannon, Elizabeth Rafferty, Cynthia Swanson-Farmarco Oct 2011

Snacks In The Stacks: Teaching Youth Nutrition In A Public Library, Mary Concannon, Elizabeth Rafferty, Cynthia Swanson-Farmarco

Journal of Extension

Teens in limited-resource communities face challenges to healthy eating. Many youths lack food preparation skills and have limited access to ingredients needed to prepare healthy foods at home. University of Maryland Extension offered healthy food preparation lessons to teen participants of a popular weekly electronic gaming program in a Baltimore County public library. Teens reported asking their caregivers to purchase the ingredients and have prepared the Fun Food Fest recipes at home. The recipes do not use an oven or stove top and can be readily used by Extension professionals in a variety of nontraditional educational settings.

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Assessing Face Validity Of A Physical Activity Questionnaire For Spanish-Speaking Women In California, Jinan C. Banna, Nancy L. Keim, Marilyn S. Townsend Oct 2011

Assessing Face Validity Of A Physical Activity Questionnaire For Spanish-Speaking Women In California, Jinan C. Banna, Nancy L. Keim, Marilyn S. Townsend

Journal of Extension

To create a culturally appropriate assessment, the study reported here developed and evaluated the face validity of a visually enhanced Spanish-language physical activity questionnaire. A professional translated the English version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), and an expert panel subsequently reviewed it. Photos of individuals engaged in physical activity behaviors were added. Cognitive interviews were completed with low-income Spanish-speaking women in California (n=20). Questionnaire text was modified and then reviewed by translation experts (n=7). With a high readability score of 98, the questionnaire demonstrates adequate face validity and is ready for further validation.

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Developing Gap Training For Growers: Perspectives From Pennsylvania Supermarkets, Daniel Tobin, Joan Thomson, Luke F. Laborde, Jessica Bagdonis Oct 2011

Developing Gap Training For Growers: Perspectives From Pennsylvania Supermarkets, Daniel Tobin, Joan Thomson, Luke F. Laborde, Jessica Bagdonis

Journal of Extension

Major supermarket chains increasingly are requiring their produce suppliers to provide evidence of compliance with on-farm food safety standards, known as Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs). To develop a relevant GAP training curriculum that meets the needs of Pennsylvania growers, supermarkets that operate in the state were surveyed to determine their food safety policies and practices that will impact local produce growers. As supermarket food safety policies become more stringent, Extension can serve a valuable role in helping growers meet new food safety documentation challenges and in facilitating communication about the needs and interests of growers, supermarkets, and consumers.

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Website Usage Information For Evaluating Beef Cattle Extension Programming, Jane A. Parish Oct 2011

Website Usage Information For Evaluating Beef Cattle Extension Programming, Jane A. Parish

Journal of Extension

A beef cattle Extension website was evaluated over a 4-year period using Web analytics software to determine usage trends, assess website quality and areas where improvements were needed, and identify beef cattle Extension programming interest among clientele. Website pageviews peaked at times when the website was an integral component of an Extension program, and seasonal trends in viewing were observed. Indicators of website quality were favorable relative to the entire Extension website for the state. The information obtained from this analysis was utilized to improve the website and beef cattle Extension programming efforts.

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Improving Measurement Of The Efnep Outcomes Using Factor Analysis Of The Behavior Checklist, Sharon L. Hoerr, Abdullahi O. Abdulkadri, Steven Miller, Christine Waltersdorf, Margaret Lashore, Karen Martin, Cathy Newkirk Aug 2011

Improving Measurement Of The Efnep Outcomes Using Factor Analysis Of The Behavior Checklist, Sharon L. Hoerr, Abdullahi O. Abdulkadri, Steven Miller, Christine Waltersdorf, Margaret Lashore, Karen Martin, Cathy Newkirk

Journal of Extension

This article advances the literature on assessment of EFNEP's effectiveness. Factor analysis of Behavior Checklist items were performed to arrive at a parsimonious set of constructs used to assess the effects of program attributes on participants' behavior change. Based on the data from Michigan EFNEP, the use of constructs demonstrated a robust method of assessing program effectiveness. The greatest behavior changes were with participants taught by program assistants with fewer than 2, 2-5, or more than 15 years of experience. Hispanic participants reported higher levels of behavior changes, as did participants who received EFNEP curriculum in a one-on-one setting.

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Making Youth Gardens Grow With Captured Rainwater . . . And Video, Darcy Tessman, Kimberly Gressley Aug 2011

Making Youth Gardens Grow With Captured Rainwater . . . And Video, Darcy Tessman, Kimberly Gressley

Journal of Extension

In the arid Southwest, water is a limiting resource. Rainwater harvesting is garnering favor, but many are unaware of the myriad uses for that water. Access to fresh, healthy food is also limited in many rural counties because the arid climate makes farming conditions difficult. Teaching youth gardening with rainwater increases the accessibility of local food and the importance of capturing water that might go unused. A series of videos made in youth and adult partnerships provides a tutorial for project duplication worldwide.

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Extension Educators' Perceptions Of The Local Food System, Joan S. Thomson, Rama Radhakrishna, Jessica Bagdonis Aug 2011

Extension Educators' Perceptions Of The Local Food System, Joan S. Thomson, Rama Radhakrishna, Jessica Bagdonis

Journal of Extension

Extension educators in three Northeastern states were surveyed about their perspectives on 21 LFS topics. Educators identified all 21 topics to be important. Principal factor analysis was carried out to identify factors that underlie the importance of these issues. Five factors—food access, food system viability, localization of food systems, food safety and land use—accounted for 60.61% of the total variance. Educators' areas of primary program responsibility, gender, and previous participation in LFS activities revealed significant differences across the importance placed on the factors, suggesting that individual perspectives and professional responsibilities influence an educator's commitment to LFS engagement.

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Information Needs Of Agricultural Consultants In Ohio, Florian Diekmann, Marvin T. Battle Aug 2011

Information Needs Of Agricultural Consultants In Ohio, Florian Diekmann, Marvin T. Battle

Journal of Extension

The research reported here aimed to better further a better understanding of Ohio agricultural consultants' information needs and use. Our sample represented private consultants from organizations of different sizes and types servicing various segments of the agricultural sector. Findings of an online survey show that a high demand exists for information related to crops and environment/conservation subject-matter areas. Agribusiness/economics information also ranked high in importance. Respondents were familiar with the services Ohio State University Extension provided and reported to frequently use Extension information. Most popular were print publications and electronic newsletters followed by visits to Extension websites.

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Review Of Healthy, Happy Families, Christine M. Helfrich, Robert J. Fetsch, Gisele Jefferson Aug 2011

Review Of Healthy, Happy Families, Christine M. Helfrich, Robert J. Fetsch, Gisele Jefferson

Journal of Extension

The number of obese children has nearly tripled in the past 30 years. Research has identified a clear connection between parental income, education, ethnicity, and the risk for obesity. Recent research demonstrates that parenting style may also impact the ability to establish healthy eating environments. This article reviews a program, currently being piloted, that integrates parenting and nutrition—Healthy, Happy Families.

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Quick And Easy: Use Screen Capture Software To Train And Communicate, Ellen Schuster Aug 2011

Quick And Easy: Use Screen Capture Software To Train And Communicate, Ellen Schuster

Journal of Extension

Screen capture (screen cast) software can be used to develop short videos for training purposes. Developing videos is quick and easy. This article describes how these videos are used as tools to reinforce face-to-face and interactive TV curriculum training in a nutrition education program. Advantages of developing these videos are shared. Suggestions for how these videos can be used in other ways are offered.

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Bringing Carnaval Drum And Dance Traditions Into 4-H Programming For Latino Youth, Evelyn Conklin-Ginop, Marc T. Braverman, Robyn Caruso, Dennis Bone Aug 2011

Bringing Carnaval Drum And Dance Traditions Into 4-H Programming For Latino Youth, Evelyn Conklin-Ginop, Marc T. Braverman, Robyn Caruso, Dennis Bone

Journal of Extension

4-H Bloco Drum and Dance is an afterschool program that teaches adolescents drumming, dancing, and theater arts in the rich traditions of Brazilian Carnaval. Teens learn to express themselves in a variety of modalities and perform at community events. The program was developed by a community coalition that included 4-H, other youth programs, and the school district. Most program participants are Latino, high-risk youth. Program evaluation revealed that 4-H Bloco has positive impacts with regard to cultural appreciation, gang-related attitudes and awareness, health awareness, exercise, and nutrition. Bloco demonstrates the value of culturally relevant arts education in Extension youth programming.

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Designing Nutrition Education Programs For Somali Audiences: The Role Of Cultural And Religious Practices, Sara Van Offelen, Shelley Sherman, Jill 2021-05-01, Felisha Rhodes Jun 2011

Designing Nutrition Education Programs For Somali Audiences: The Role Of Cultural And Religious Practices, Sara Van Offelen, Shelley Sherman, Jill 2021-05-01, Felisha Rhodes

Journal of Extension

A focus group of Somali immigrants was conducted as part of a larger study of underserved communities in Minnesota. The goal was to capture Somali women's personal experiences and views on nutrition. This understanding assists Health and Nutrition educators in assessing the quality and effectiveness of current programming efforts and making recommendations for future efforts. Study results indicate that Somali cultural and religious practices define family meal structure, food preparation, and food choices. One important finding was that participants were eager to learn about nutrition and asked specific questions about the nutritional value of foods they eat.

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Ozzie And Harriet Never Were: A Century Review Of Family And Consumer Sciences And The Changing American Family, Kimberly I. Allen, Carolyn Dunn, Sandra Zaslow Jun 2011

Ozzie And Harriet Never Were: A Century Review Of Family And Consumer Sciences And The Changing American Family, Kimberly I. Allen, Carolyn Dunn, Sandra Zaslow

Journal of Extension

As North Carolina FCS celebrates its 100-year centennial, it is time to reflect. For a century, FCS professionals have helped families apply research-based knowledge and principles. This article describes how American families have changed and how we have met those changes in our Extension roles. We also challenge FCS professionals to view the changing trends without bias. Ozzie and Harriet never were a fair representation of family norms, and we must accept the variety of family forms and functions so that our services can be of use to all families, especially those that may not fit the ideal American family.

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Developing A Farmers' Market Volunteer Team In Lieu Of A Paid Manager, Phil Meeks, Ken Culp Iii Jun 2011

Developing A Farmers' Market Volunteer Team In Lieu Of A Paid Manager, Phil Meeks, Ken Culp Iii

Journal of Extension

Rural farmers' markets unable to justify a paid manager may benefit from the development of a farmers' market volunteer team. This articles looks at sources of farmers' market volunteers, specific duties of such a team, and education and orientation requirements to ensure the success of these volunteers.

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Psychosocial Impact Of Training And Work Experience On Efnep Paraprofessionals, Judy Hibbs, Lorilee Sandmann Jun 2011

Psychosocial Impact Of Training And Work Experience On Efnep Paraprofessionals, Judy Hibbs, Lorilee Sandmann

Journal of Extension

Although considerable data has been gathered documenting impact of local EFNEP programs on enrolled participants, little documentation exists concerning the effect of EFNEP on paraprofessionals conducting these programs. The qualitative study reported here identifies types of psychosocial change in paraprofessionals resulting from EFNEP training and work experience. Identified areas of change include skill development, community status, relationships with family/community, ways of viewing others, increased caring for others, and increased self-esteem. Factors contributing to change include paraprofessionals' indigenous status, personal identification with work, training, support, and work experiences. These findings have implications for the hiring, training, and support of paraprofessionals.

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What Do Schools Want? Assessing Elementary School Administrator And Teacher Preferences Related To Nutrition Education Program Scheduling, Janice Hermann, Stephany Parker, Josh Phelps, Barbara Brown Jun 2011

What Do Schools Want? Assessing Elementary School Administrator And Teacher Preferences Related To Nutrition Education Program Scheduling, Janice Hermann, Stephany Parker, Josh Phelps, Barbara Brown

Journal of Extension

Extension is positioned to provide school-based nutrition education programs as required by the 2004 Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act. To enhance program acceptance and sustainability, it is important to consider school administrators' and teachers' interests and preferences regarding nutrition education programming. The project described here assessed interest in nutrition education, scheduling, and implementation format preferences among 34 elementary school administrators and 45 elementary school teachers. Among administrators and teachers interested in Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service's county educators providing nutrition education programs, the general trend was for in-school student education, consisting of four weekly programs, 30 minutes in length.

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Pasture-Based Dairying In Michigan: Farmer Practices And Needs, Mat Haan, David Conner, Phil Taylor Jun 2011

Pasture-Based Dairying In Michigan: Farmer Practices And Needs, Mat Haan, David Conner, Phil Taylor

Journal of Extension

We report results of a survey designed to assess the information needs of Michigan dairy farmers currently using pasture as part of their management system. Differences were found among farmers in the extent to which they use conserved feed to supplement pasture. Similarities existed among farmers in challenges, information needs, and information sources. Findings suggest several initiatives, including website development, pasture walks, and workshops, that can be used by educators to reach this target audience.

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An Evaluation Of Nutrition Education Program For Low-Income Youth, Olive Mk Kemirembe, Rama B. Radhakrishna, Elise Gurgevich, Edgar P. Yoder, Patreese D. Ingram Jun 2011

An Evaluation Of Nutrition Education Program For Low-Income Youth, Olive Mk Kemirembe, Rama B. Radhakrishna, Elise Gurgevich, Edgar P. Yoder, Patreese D. Ingram

Journal of Extension

A quasi-experimental design consisting of pretest, posttest, and delayed posttest comparison control group was used. Nutrition knowledge and behaviors were measured at pretest (time 1) posttest (time 2) and delayed posttest (time 3). General Linear Model (GLM) repeated measure ANCOVA results showed that youth who received nutrition education lessons significantly improved their nutrition knowledge and nutrition behaviors compared to those who did not participate in the lessons.

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Functional Foods Programs Serve As A Vehicle To Provide Nutrition Education To Groups, Sherri M. Cirignnano Apr 2011

Functional Foods Programs Serve As A Vehicle To Provide Nutrition Education To Groups, Sherri M. Cirignnano

Journal of Extension

An increase in consumer interest in functional foods provides an opportunity for FCS educators to use this topic in Extension programming to promote current nutrition recommendations. The Functional Foods for Life Educational Programs (FFL) are a curriculum of six evidence-based mini-seminars that highlight specific functional foods that have the potential to benefit health. Program participants are introduced to a variety of facts about each food, including research findings and consumption recommendations. FFL has reached a large and varied audience and ha generated preliminary positive outcomes. This article explores the FFL model as an option for providing nutrition education to groups.

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Weight-Control Practices Reported By Students In A Maine Middle School, Alan Maijka Apr 2011

Weight-Control Practices Reported By Students In A Maine Middle School, Alan Maijka

Journal of Extension

Extension professionals who work with youth are often faced with issues of body weight, diet and/or body image. How we handle these topics has the potential to either help or harm. The goal of the study reported here was to explore the prevalence and types of weight-control methods practiced by middle school students. The majority of students reported practices that have been previously associated with increased risk for becoming overweight. Those who work with children should be careful to avoid contributing to the tendency for children to begin weight-control practices that may paradoxically increase their risk for becoming overweight.

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Program Review: Raising Healthy Eaters, Christine M. Helfrich, Robert J. Fetsch, Janet C. Benavente Apr 2011

Program Review: Raising Healthy Eaters, Christine M. Helfrich, Robert J. Fetsch, Janet C. Benavente

Journal of Extension

The prevalence of overweight children and adults has been increasing steadily over the past three decades. Behaviors related to diet and nutrition are often established in early childhood. Toddlers most often develop healthy eating habits through parent modeling. Due to the steady increase in obesity in children, there is a clear need for nutrition and parenting programming that helps parents gain a better understanding of nutrition and feeding habits of children. In this article we review the curriculum Raising Healthy Eaters, a program that integrates parenting and nutrition.

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Attitudinal Survey Of Producers Involved In A Meat Goat Artificial Insemination Clinic, El Walker, Cr Vaught, Wd Walker, Sr Nusz Apr 2011

Attitudinal Survey Of Producers Involved In A Meat Goat Artificial Insemination Clinic, El Walker, Cr Vaught, Wd Walker, Sr Nusz

Journal of Extension

To quantify intrinsic learning processes, the Intrinsic Motivation Inventory (IMI) was established and incorporated into a questionnaire provided to participants in two meat goat artificial insemination clinics. Pre-test and post-test results on meat goat knowledge, motivation constraints, and confidence in livestock management skills were compared to assess the impact of the instructional clinics. In both months, participants increased their examination scores and improved confidence in their livestock management skills. Understanding of key aspects of the IMI may be of importance when planning educational programs for agricultural producers coming from a variety of different backgrounds and experiences.

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Rural Community Members' Perspectives On Mental Health And Aging: An Ecological Approach To Interpreting And Applying Focus Group Results, Tina Kruger, Deborah Murray, Faika Zanjani Apr 2011

Rural Community Members' Perspectives On Mental Health And Aging: An Ecological Approach To Interpreting And Applying Focus Group Results, Tina Kruger, Deborah Murray, Faika Zanjani

Journal of Extension

The Mental Healthiness and Aging Initiative was created to develop resources addressing the mental health needs of older adults, particularly those in rural areas. Community members participated in focus groups discussing mental health and aging. Themes that emerged included the desire to maintain independence, the importance of emotional health and intergenerational activities, the value of sharing one's life history, remaining active and engaged, being respected, and educating younger community members about aging. The results are discussed in terms of ecological applications. Extension agents should find this data useful for developing programs and materials to promote mental healthiness in their communities

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Best Practices For Extension Curricula Review, Gayle Coleman, Carol Byrd-Bredbenner, Susan Baker, Elaine Bowen Apr 2011

Best Practices For Extension Curricula Review, Gayle Coleman, Carol Byrd-Bredbenner, Susan Baker, Elaine Bowen

Journal of Extension

Effective curricula are a cornerstone of successful Extension programming. The National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) Nutrition and Health Planning and Guidance Committee (NGPGC) developed a set of recommendations for a curriculum review system and created a curriculum review checklist. The checklist describes components of an effective curriculum as well as specific items reviewers should access related to content, readability, and utility.

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Goal Setting: A Strategy For Reducing Health Disparities, Tara D. Young, Gloria J. Barrett, Anna C. Martin, Diane L. Metz Apr 2011

Goal Setting: A Strategy For Reducing Health Disparities, Tara D. Young, Gloria J. Barrett, Anna C. Martin, Diane L. Metz

Journal of Extension

The Healthy Rewards study tested the effectiveness of goal setting to encourage behavior change in Latino and African American adults in three northern California counties. Four groups of adults were alternately assigned to receive either 1) basic health promotion and nutrition education without goal setting (control) or 2) the same education with personal goal setting. Participants (n=31) attended four 2-hour weekly sessions over 1 month. While the community-based education was effective in promoting participant behavior change overall, the goal-setting groups reported even greater change than groups who did not engage in goal setting.

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Go Wild With Fruits And Veggies: Engaging Children In Nutrition Education And Physical Activity With Animal Characters, Sara J. Van Ofelen, Mary M. Schroeder, Deeann R. Leines, Lori Roth-Yousey Apr 2011

Go Wild With Fruits And Veggies: Engaging Children In Nutrition Education And Physical Activity With Animal Characters, Sara J. Van Ofelen, Mary M. Schroeder, Deeann R. Leines, Lori Roth-Yousey

Journal of Extension

The Go Wild with Fruits and Veggies! curriculum incorporates wild animal characters to motivate 3rd-5th grade children to increase fruit and vegetable intake and physical activity. Positive findings from a rural setting regarding a self-reported increase in intake of vegetables (n=1,285) were verified by more intensive evaluation of vegetable intake in an urban setting (n=140) that compared treatment and control groups. No differences in changes in physical activity were noted between groups. These results demonstrate the effectiveness of the curriculum based on the use of animal characters to role model positive behaviors and different evaluation methods to corroborate findings.

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