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Journal of Extension

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An Email Model To Answer Consumer Questions During Times Of Staff Shortages, Alan Majka, Beth Calder, Jane Conroy, Louise Kirkland Jun 2010

An Email Model To Answer Consumer Questions During Times Of Staff Shortages, Alan Majka, Beth Calder, Jane Conroy, Louise Kirkland

Journal of Extension

UMaine Extension has increased the capacity of county offices to respond to consumer questions about nutrition, food safety, and food preservation by using an email group. Faculty, support staff, and clients reported high levels of satisfaction. Eighty-two percent reported the information received influenced their actions, while 50% believed the information helped reduce their risk for food borne illness. Those looking for ways to rapidly address consumer questions from counties where there is lack of expertise in specific program areas may want to consider using this model.

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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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Participants' Attitudes, Opinions, And Beliefs Of A Physical Activity Program In West Virginia, Mia Erickson, Krista Hodgkiss, Jennifer Key, Guen Brown Jun 2010

Participants' Attitudes, Opinions, And Beliefs Of A Physical Activity Program In West Virginia, Mia Erickson, Krista Hodgkiss, Jennifer Key, Guen Brown

Journal of Extension

The qualitative study reported here assessed participants' attitudes, opinions, and beliefs concerning the West Virginia University Extension Service Active for Life Program (AfLP). Three focus groups were conducted to elicit participants' perceptions of the AfLP. Key themes identified by 19 participants included motivating factors, inhibiting factors, and change recommendations. With the qualitative evaluation, we verified the positive influence of the AfLP on community-dwelling adults in West Virginia. Our findings were consistent with those of other studies on community-based exercise programs. Other Extension Services may use this information to adopt the AfLP and increase access to physical activity programs for older …

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A Formative Evaluation Of The Cooking With A Chef Program, Margaret D. Condrasky, Sara G. Griffin, Patricia Michaud Catalano, Christine Clark Apr 2010

A Formative Evaluation Of The Cooking With A Chef Program, Margaret D. Condrasky, Sara G. Griffin, Patricia Michaud Catalano, Christine Clark

Journal of Extension

The Cooking with a Chef a culinary nutrition education series teams a chef and nutrition educator during cooking sessions with parents. Pilot program results were shared in the Journal of Extension in 2006. This formative evaluation presents data collected through focus groups and individual interviews examining program implementation, participant impressions, and program objectives during four subsequent program trials. Findings indicate high level of potential for the program building self-efficacy and change within home environment, thus increasing participant motivation to cook. Lessons learned contribute to refinement of the program, and quantitative data is forthcoming as pilot testing continues with ongoing groups.

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Explore Your World: Professional Development In An International Context, Amy Harder, Alexa Lamm, Pete Vergot Iii Apr 2010

Explore Your World: Professional Development In An International Context, Amy Harder, Alexa Lamm, Pete Vergot Iii

Journal of Extension

International travel is a proven method of developing cross-cultural competencies. The study reported here sought to uncover Extension agents' interests and preferences for international travel and barriers preventing participation. A census of county faculty in Florida was conducted using an online survey. The majority of agents expressed interest in international travel, particularly hands-on, group experiences with other Extension professionals. Barriers such as financial cost, time commitment, and work obligations were perceived to negatively influence an agent's ability to travel internationally. Extension agents can take advantage of opportunities at home and abroad to increase their cross-cultural competencies.

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Terminology Revisited: Effective Communications For The Agricultural Community, Kenneth E. Turner, David P. Belesky Apr 2010

Terminology Revisited: Effective Communications For The Agricultural Community, Kenneth E. Turner, David P. Belesky

Journal of Extension

In 1862 (when USDA established) about 60% of the U.S. population were farmers, but in 2000 it was around 2%. Many people from a diversity of backgrounds are returning to small acreages and are newcomers to agriculture. Pasture-based production systems for meat goats, sheep, and cattle are growing rapidly in the eastern U.S., especially on smaller-scale farms. Increasing demand for U.S.-grown agricultural products, including pasture-raised meat and dairy products, requires renewed efforts to relay practical production agriculture information as effectively as possible. We emphasize the need to return to use of standardized terminology when explaining soil, plant, and livestock management …

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How Culinary Nutrition Can Save The Health Of A Nation, Margaret D. Condrasky, Marie Hegler Apr 2010

How Culinary Nutrition Can Save The Health Of A Nation, Margaret D. Condrasky, Marie Hegler

Journal of Extension

Culinary nutrition is the practicality needed to make a difference in our nation's health. With rates of obesity and overweight rising and some of the top causes of American deaths being related to poor diet, the nation needs nutrition intervention that stretches across many of the barriers that prevent healthy eating practices. However, making nutrition principles easily accessible is useless without also making them applicable. Therefore, hands-on culinary nutrition outreach programs focused on producing sustainable healthy eating behavior through culinary confidence and nutrition alertness are a successful approach to begin the restoration of our nation's health.

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Perceptions Of Polycom Programming For Delivery Of Continuing Education To Florida's Licensed Pesticide Applicators, Fred Fishel, Jason Ferrell, Gary Vallad, Jim Price Apr 2010

Perceptions Of Polycom Programming For Delivery Of Continuing Education To Florida's Licensed Pesticide Applicators, Fred Fishel, Jason Ferrell, Gary Vallad, Jim Price

Journal of Extension

Polycom technology has potential for efficient use of program delivery by Extension educators. A survey of licensed pesticide applicators attending a 1-day event at one of 20 host polycom sites revealed that polycom distance learning is effective for presenting information and learning. Responses also indicated that most of this audience is comfortable with the format of the polycom environment and would attend a similar type event in the future.

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Practical Application Of Aspiration As An Outcome Indicator In Extension Evaluation, Ksu Jayaratne Apr 2010

Practical Application Of Aspiration As An Outcome Indicator In Extension Evaluation, Ksu Jayaratne

Journal of Extension

Extension educators need simple and accurate evaluation tools for program evaluation. This article explains how to use aspiration as an outcome indicator in Extension evaluation and introduces a practical evaluation tool. Aspiration can be described as the readiness for change. By recording participants' levels of aspiration, we will be able to determine whether the program is effective in achieving desired results. This aspiration-recording tool is easy to use in terms of data collection, analysis, and interpretation. Evaluation data collected from this tool can be used to document accountability and make decisions for program modifications.

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How To Target Extension Resources To Different Age Groups: Segmenting The Public According To Interests And Information Search Strategies, Cäzilia Loibl, Florian Diekmann, Marvin T. Battle Feb 2010

How To Target Extension Resources To Different Age Groups: Segmenting The Public According To Interests And Information Search Strategies, Cäzilia Loibl, Florian Diekmann, Marvin T. Battle

Journal of Extension

This article suggests targeting Extension resources according to consumers' interests and information search strategies of different age groups. Survey data were used to describe topics of interest to consumers in a Midwestern state, to group consumers according to their involvement in information search, and to assess the influence of age on the information search of consumers. Respondents exhibited four intensity levels in their search for consumer information, which differed by age. Nutrition and health topics emerged as the most important consumer topics across age groups.

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Applying New Diabetes Teaching Tools In Health-Related Extension Programming, Alexandra Grenci Feb 2010

Applying New Diabetes Teaching Tools In Health-Related Extension Programming, Alexandra Grenci

Journal of Extension

In response to the emerging global diabetes epidemic, health educators are searching for new and better education tools to help people make positive behavior changes to successfully prevent or manage diabetes. Conversation Maps® are new learner-driven education tools that have been developed to empower individuals to improve their health outcomes. While the tools were originally developed for clinical settings, this article describes a model Extension health outreach program that uses Conversation Map techniques to teach diabetes awareness and healthy eating in community group settings. These techniques can be used as a model for teaching other health topics to adult learners.

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Eat Smart, Move More, Weigh Less: A Weight Management Program For Adults, Carolyn Dunn, Kathryn M. Kolasa, Sheree Vodicka, Lori Schneider, Cathy Thomas, Christine Smith, Carolyn Lackey Feb 2010

Eat Smart, Move More, Weigh Less: A Weight Management Program For Adults, 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 19-week weight-management program that is delivered by local educators. Published research data were used to identify strategies that would lead to weight loss and/or weight maintenance. The program uses the Theory of Planned Behavior, 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 eating and physical activity behaviors. ESMMWL is offered at worksites and at other sites for people interested in eating smart, moving more, and achieving a healthy weight.

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Working Smart: Increasing The Reach Of Extension Programming Through Media Advertising, Marsha Lockard, Barbara Petty, Joey Peutz, Marnie Spencer, Rhea Lanting, Harriet Shaklee Feb 2010

Working Smart: Increasing The Reach Of Extension Programming Through Media Advertising, Marsha Lockard, Barbara Petty, Joey Peutz, Marnie Spencer, Rhea Lanting, Harriet Shaklee

Journal of Extension

A successful Extension program requires effective marketing strategies. Extension educators commit extensive time and resources to prepare an educational program, but who will attend the event? A well prepared program with poor attendance frustrates the presenter and wastes precious Extension resources. As county programs work within the financial constraints of lean economic times, ineffective program marketing is unaffordable. This article shares the results of a study conducted to compare the enrollment numbers for FCS education programs that were promoted using either free and then paid advertising methods. Paid advertizing resulted in sizeable increases in enrollment for FCS Extension programs.

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A Powerful Teaching Tool: Self-Produced Videos, Patty Case, Jeff Hino Feb 2010

A Powerful Teaching Tool: Self-Produced Videos, Patty Case, Jeff Hino

Journal of Extension

Video—once complex and expensive to create with high distribution costs—has become more affordable and highly accessible in addition to being a powerful teaching tool. Self-produced videos are one way educators can connect with a growing number of on-line learners. The authors describe a pilot project in which a series of video clips were produced on home gardening and cooking. Tips are offered on how educators can prepare themselves to produce their own videos.

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Using Education, Exposure, And Environments To Increase Preschool Children's Knowledge About Fruit And Vegetables, Brandi S. Niemeier, Desiree L. Tande, Joyce Hwang, Sherri Stastny, Joel M. Hektner Feb 2010

Using Education, Exposure, And Environments To Increase Preschool Children's Knowledge About Fruit And Vegetables, Brandi S. Niemeier, Desiree L. Tande, Joyce Hwang, Sherri Stastny, Joel M. Hektner

Journal of Extension

Because children's eating habits predict their adult eating habits, educating children about healthy foods is essential (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2000). A Midwest Extension Service created and delivered an educational experience for preschool children to increase knowledge of fruits and vegetables. The knowledge assessment scores (range of 0 to 7) increased from 3.5 (± 1.8) to 5.9 (± 1.9) (p < 0.001, n = 19) following the program. Analysis concluded that the children learned about fruits and vegetables through this experience. Other educators can readily adapted the program for a range of age groups and settings.

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Community Strategic Visioning As A Method To Define And Address Poverty: An Analysis From Select Rural Montana Communities, Paul Lachapelle, Eric Austin, Daniel Clark Feb 2010

Community Strategic Visioning As A Method To Define And Address Poverty: An Analysis From Select Rural Montana Communities, Paul Lachapelle, Eric Austin, Daniel Clark

Journal of Extension

Community strategic visioning is a citizen-based planning process in which diverse sectors of a community collectively determine a future state and coordinate a plan of action. Twenty-one communities in rural Montana participated in a multi-phase poverty reduction program that culminated in a community strategic vision process. Research on this process was guided by alternative definitions of poverty and place attachment literature. Results from the qualitative survey data show many descriptions of poverty outside of traditional economic definitions and illustrations on the significance of place. Implications and recommendations on the use of visioning in other contexts in Extension are discussed.

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Examining Information Search Strategies Of Ohio Farmers, Florian Diekmann, Marvin T. Batte Dec 2009

Examining Information Search Strategies Of Ohio Farmers, Florian Diekmann, Marvin T. Batte

Journal of Extension

As information becomes more ubiquitous than ever before, understanding the what, how, and why of farmers' information search strategies becomes more important to Extension professionals. Based on a mail survey of farmers in Ohio, the study reported here examined farmers' informational needs and identified factors that influence farmers' information choices. Specifically, the results highlight the differences in farmers' search strategies regarding type, amount, and sources of information. Findings show farmers practiced high-, moderate-, and low-search strategies to stay current on topics important to their farm business. The implications for Extension professionals are discussed.

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Program Update: Multi-State Extension Conference Addresses Food Diversity From Farm To Table, Daniel Thomas Remley, Gae Broadwater, James Jordan, Rosie Allen, Peggy Ehlers Dec 2009

Program Update: Multi-State Extension Conference Addresses Food Diversity From Farm To Table, Daniel Thomas Remley, Gae Broadwater, James Jordan, Rosie Allen, Peggy Ehlers

Journal of Extension

In 2005 and 2006, The Ohio State University Extension, University of Kentucky, Kentucky State University, and Purdue University Cooperative Extension Services developed and coordinated two conferences addressing food diversity from farm to table. The overall goal of the conferences was to foster a tri-state network of multi-disciplinary approaches to meet the needs of diverse audiences related to food. Self-reported email evaluation surveys suggested that conference goals and objectives were achieved. Future diversity trainings should continue to be multidisciplinary and should seek to attract others working in non-extension roles.

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Challenges, Alternatives, And Educational Strategies In Reaching Limited Income Audiences, Lisa M. Benavente, Ksu Jayaratne, Lorelei Jones Dec 2009

Challenges, Alternatives, And Educational Strategies In Reaching Limited Income Audiences, Lisa M. Benavente, Ksu Jayaratne, Lorelei Jones

Journal of Extension

Delivering effective Extension programs to limited income audiences is a challenging task because of the many barriers associated with their living conditions. This study explored how EFNEP program assistants reach this audience effectively. A focus group interview was conducted with a selected group of experienced program assistants to identify challenges, alternatives, and effective educational strategies they use to reach limited income audiences. Findings of the study revealed that there are unique challenges, alternatives, and educational strategies in reaching limited audiences effectively. The recommendations in this article should be helpful in designing and delivering Effective extension programs for limited income audiences.

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Promoting Alternative Enterprises: Assessing Farmers' Needs In Research, Education, And Extension, Safdar Muhammad, Omoanghe S. Isiskhuemhen, Aydin Basarir Dec 2009

Promoting Alternative Enterprises: Assessing Farmers' Needs In Research, Education, And Extension, Safdar Muhammad, Omoanghe S. Isiskhuemhen, Aydin Basarir

Journal of Extension

Small farms represent a significant proportion of the total U.S farms, and current trends in agriculture pose new challenges for their viability and survival. To meet such challenges, there is a need for introducing high-value non-traditional alternative enterprises. The study reported here explored goat, organic, and mushroom farming as potential alternative enterprises. Several focus group meetings were conducted in Tennessee and North Carolina to identify priority areas for future research, education, and outreach activities. The results from the study should contribute significantly to promoting and creating niche markets for proposed alternative enterprises among small farmers.

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Expanded Information Delivery Using The World Wide Web, Steven B. Johnson Dec 2009

Expanded Information Delivery Using The World Wide Web, Steven B. Johnson

Journal of Extension

Web posting of program agendas and presentations has proven successful for increasing contacts and providing timely information. Web posting of program agendas can aid clients in forward planning and encourage attendance. Web posting of conference presentations can help clients who were not able to attend the program and increase exposure to a wider audience. Software for tracking Web page activity provides data for reporting and a measure of value to clients.

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City Fresh: A Local Collaboration For Food Equity, Punam Ohri-Vachaspati, Brad Masi, Morgan Taggart, Joe Konen, Jack Kerrigan Dec 2009

City Fresh: A Local Collaboration For Food Equity, Punam Ohri-Vachaspati, Brad Masi, Morgan Taggart, Joe Konen, Jack Kerrigan

Journal of Extension

To address limited access to fresh fruits and vegetables in urban neighborhoods, a collaborative of grass-roots organizations designed City Fresh—a sustainable local food system creating new market opportunities for urban and rural growers and promoting access to and consumption of healthy foods by low-income Cleveland residents. Fresh produce is marketed through a network of Fresh Stops that obtain produce from farmers within a 70-mile radius of the city and from urban growers who are trained through the program. Evaluation results indicate increase in participation rates; growth in urban agriculture; and increase in consumption of fruits and vegetables by participants.

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Creating The Extension Family Caregiving Community Of Practice, Debra M. Sellers, Andrew B. Crocker, Allison Nichols, Sarah D. Kirby, Mary Brintnall-Peterson Oct 2009

Creating The Extension Family Caregiving Community Of Practice, Debra M. Sellers, Andrew B. Crocker, Allison Nichols, Sarah D. Kirby, Mary Brintnall-Peterson

Journal of Extension

The Family Caregiving Community of Practice, part of eXtension, provides a national one-stop site for Extension's caregiving educational resources. The developmental process of this community's creation is discussed within the "expansive learning" framework. Negatively, community members found too much emphasis on process and a lack of criteria for academic credit. Positively, they experienced increased knowledge, improved networking, and innovation. Recommendations for others creating communities are to: 1) promote the benefits of networking; 2) seek out others with similar passions; 3) provide graduated opportunities for learning; 4) help members transition from an individual perspective; and 5) provide systems for academic recognition.

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Building Public Issues Education Capacity To Address Health And Wellness: Recommendations From A Survey Of Extension Professionals, Shirley Gerrior, Leslie Beckstrom, Bonnie Braun, Helen Chipman, Amanda Drescher, Linda Drake, Thomas Fungwe, Deborah Young Oct 2009

Building Public Issues Education Capacity To Address Health And Wellness: Recommendations From A Survey Of Extension Professionals, Shirley Gerrior, Leslie Beckstrom, Bonnie Braun, Helen Chipman, Amanda Drescher, Linda Drake, Thomas Fungwe, Deborah Young

Journal of Extension

A national Web-based survey administered through the University of Maryland assessed Cooperative Extension's involvement in public policy education specific to health and wellness. Respondents included Family Consumer Sciences administrators, faculty, and staff. The majority of respondents agreed that public policy education was within the scope of their responsibilities, critical to their programs, and helpful in raising citizens' interest and commitment to healthier communities. However, public policy education efforts would benefit from a more integrated approach across the national Extension system in terms of policy focus and Extension professionals' roles and level of involvement.

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Activities That Promote Wellness For Older Adults In Rural Communities, Mihyun Kang, Randall Russ Oct 2009

Activities That Promote Wellness For Older Adults In Rural Communities, Mihyun Kang, Randall Russ

Journal of Extension

Growing interest in healthier aging coincides with the comprehensive whole person wellness model that includes physical, emotional, spiritual, intellectual, occupational, and social dimensions. The study reported here examined current activities for older adults in rural community centers via a mail survey sent to the directors of Oklahoma community centers. To follow up, site visits to the centers and interviews with the directors were conducted. Findings indicated that 16% of the centers offered activities for all six dimensions and that older adults generated many activities. To accommodate activities in a rural community center, programs for these diverse activities must be addressed.

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Training Teenagers As Food And Fitness Ambassadors For Out-Of-School Programs, Chad Ripberger, Annette Devitt, Sharon Gore Oct 2009

Training Teenagers As Food And Fitness Ambassadors For Out-Of-School Programs, Chad Ripberger, Annette Devitt, Sharon Gore

Journal of Extension

Using the Get Moving — Get Healthy with New Jersey 4-H (GMGH) curriculum, Mercer County 4-H recruited, trained, and supported 20 teenagers as Food and Fitness Ambassadors for out-of-school time programs. This article outlines the GMGH curriculum, the 13-hour Food and Fitness Ambassador training retreat, and the implementation of six GMGH events for collaborating after-school and summer day camp programs in Trenton, New Jersey.

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Take Care Of Your Health! An Extension Program To Prevent Diabetes, Lucia L. Kaiser, Anna C. Martin, Diane L. Mertz, Mary L. Blackburn, Dorothy Elizabeth Smith, Susan Donohue, Constance L. Garrett, Francene M. Steinberg Aug 2009

Take Care Of Your Health! An Extension Program To Prevent Diabetes, Lucia L. Kaiser, Anna C. Martin, Diane L. Mertz, Mary L. Blackburn, Dorothy Elizabeth Smith, Susan Donohue, Constance L. Garrett, Francene M. Steinberg

Journal of Extension

Although the prevalence of diabetes has risen in the general population, ethnic disparities in health are also increasing. The University of California Cooperative Extension worked with Latino and African American adults to develop diabetes prevention programs that motivate people to be proactive about their health, improve cooking practices and eating patterns, and be more physically active. The program, team-taught by Extension and health care professionals, involved three, 2-hour sessions with hands-on cooking. Participants (n=60) reported significant changes in food-related barriers and behaviors. Extension and health entities can complement each other in diabetes prevention efforts that target high-risk communities.

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Qualitative Tools To Examine Efnep Curriculum Delivery, Justine R. Hoover, Peggy A. Martin, Ruth E. Litchfield Jun 2009

Qualitative Tools To Examine Efnep Curriculum Delivery, Justine R. Hoover, Peggy A. Martin, Ruth E. Litchfield

Journal of Extension

Use of qualitative research methods to evaluate nutrition education programs is limited. Structured observations and focus groups, qualitative research methods, were conducted to examine use of theory-based learning strategies and participant experiences in a nutrition education program. Theory-based learning strategies included use of open-ended questions, visual aids, and experiential learning activities. Open-ended questioning and some experiential activities were used less often than desired. Language of lesson delivery and instructional setting appear to influence the use of learning strategies. Lesson delivery and instructional setting may be relevant for preferred learning styles of different cultures.

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The Efficacy Of Kidquest: A Nutrition And Physical Activity Curriculum For 5th And 6th Grade Youth, Becky Jensen, Kendra Kattelmann, Cuirong Ren, Howard Wey Jun 2009

The Efficacy Of Kidquest: A Nutrition And Physical Activity Curriculum For 5th And 6th Grade Youth, Becky Jensen, Kendra Kattelmann, Cuirong Ren, Howard Wey

Journal of Extension

KidQuest is a nutrition and physical activity curriculum for 5th to 6th grade youth engaging participants in goal setting, self-monitoring, and reinforcement. Evaluation of the program over the 2005-2006 school year involved a nonrandom sample of 98 intervention and 38 control group participants in rural South Dakota using baseline and ending surveys. Self-reported improvements in breakfast frequency, dairy intake, increased frequency of looking at the food label, and increased food label knowledge were observed in the intervention group, with no significant change in the control group.

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Assessing Public Opinion Directly To Keep Current With Changing Community Needs, Raymond K. Yang, Robert J. Fetsch, Thomas M. Mcbride, Janet C. Benavente Jun 2009

Assessing Public Opinion Directly To Keep Current With Changing Community Needs, Raymond K. Yang, Robert J. Fetsch, Thomas M. Mcbride, Janet C. Benavente

Journal of Extension

In communities that are changing, Cooperative Extension's programs should change to meet the needs of community members. Directly assessing community members' needs and concerns is valuable in developing and offering educational programs that will be responsive to community needs and attract audiences. We describe a simple survey method that can efficiently assess community members' concerns. The method is useful in developing broad programs that can address several related issues. A specific example of the process is presented using a county facing well-recognized rural/urban issues.

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