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Journal of Extension

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Diabetes Stepping Up To The Plate: An Education Curriculum Focused On Food Portioning Skills, D Pauline Williams, Heidi Leblanc, Nedra K. Christensen Jun 2004

Diabetes Stepping Up To The Plate: An Education Curriculum Focused On Food Portioning Skills, D Pauline Williams, Heidi Leblanc, Nedra K. Christensen

Journal of Extension

The Diabetes Stepping up to the Plate program was developed to determine the effectiveness of food portion based diabetes education. One hundred fifty-one individuals enrolled in the diabetes series. Food portion knowledge and skills tests, height, weight, and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) were measured pre- and post-program. Data was analyzed through paired t-tests and correlations. Evaluation showed a decrease in HbA1C, waist/hip circumference, WHR, and BMI, and an improvement in food portion knowledge and skills. Seventy-five participants completed pre- and post-data collection parameters, although more participants completed all classes in the series. Extension can play a role in successful diabetes education.

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Teaching Complex, In-Depth Programs, John B. Hall, Bill R. Mckinnon, Scott P. Greiner, William D. Whittier Jun 2004

Teaching Complex, In-Depth Programs, John B. Hall, Bill R. Mckinnon, Scott P. Greiner, William D. Whittier

Journal of Extension

Changing demographics of rural Extension audiences create challenges to program delivery, and multiple delivery methods may be needed to effectively improve skills and knowledge of clients. We examined the effectiveness of different delivery methods and changes in client skills, knowledge and abilities as a result of a complex, in-depth program, the Virginia Cow/Calf Management Course. Almost 500 producers took the 5-month course. Changes were measured from pre- and post-course surveys. Skills easily employed by the producers were readily adopted. Experiential learning opportunities and written materials had the greatest impact on producers, while Web-based information and discussion groups were marginally effective.

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Increasing African-American Participation In Nutrition Education Programs For Low-Income Consumers, Nicelma J. King, Barbara Turner Jun 2004

Increasing African-American Participation In Nutrition Education Programs For Low-Income Consumers, Nicelma J. King, Barbara Turner

Journal of Extension

This article documents the dramatic decline in African American participation in the EFNEP and FSNEP programs offered by Los Angeles County Cooperative Extension, although nutrition-related health concerns among this population have increased. The authors conducted a series of key informant interviews and focus groups in African American communities throughout L.A. County to gain insight on how to increase the participation of African-Americans in nutrition education classes. Study findings suggest that specific marketing strategies for African-Americans, including cultural relevance, support teams, food demonstrations, and de-emphasizing the "low income" focus, would help facilitate this goal.

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Gathering Wisdom From 4-H Youth Development Clubs, Hélène Gregoire Jun 2004

Gathering Wisdom From 4-H Youth Development Clubs, Hélène Gregoire

Journal of Extension

The article proposes a series of elements that are essential to a positive 4-H Club experience. It builds on a list previously elaborated by the National 4-H Impact Design Implementation Team but complements and illustrates it with the testimonies of 4-H members, volunteer leaders, and parents. The qualitative inquiry was conducted in New York State to draw out the voices of young people and the wisdom of the adults who work with them. The lessons learned can be used to stimulate discussion and reflection in other states so as to improve the quality of clubs everywhere.

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Parents' Perceptions Of Life Skills Development In The 4-H Cloverbud Program, Theresa M. Ferrari, Carrie A. Hogue, Scott D. Scheer Jun 2004

Parents' Perceptions Of Life Skills Development In The 4-H Cloverbud Program, Theresa M. Ferrari, Carrie A. Hogue, Scott D. Scheer

Journal of Extension

Life skills are an important component of 4-H Youth Development programs. The study reported addresses life skill development of 4-H members who are 5 to 8 years old (also known as 4-H Cloverbuds). The focus was to explore parents' perceptions of their child's life skills development, program benefits, and activities. Parents interviewed in this study viewed the 4-H Cloverbud program as influential in life skill development, particularly in the areas of social skills, learning to learn, and personal development (self-confidence, self-care, and self-direction). Parents also identified health and diversity as important areas. Implications for practice and future research are discussed.

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Celebrating 4-H, Youth, And Technology: The Nebraska 4-H Cyber Fair, Patricia Fairchild, Diane Vigna, Jamie Fassett Jun 2004

Celebrating 4-H, Youth, And Technology: The Nebraska 4-H Cyber Fair, Patricia Fairchild, Diane Vigna, Jamie Fassett

Journal of Extension

The 4-H Cyber Fair was an attempt by Nebraska 4-H to create a new image at the Nebraska State Fair and to inform members, volunteer leaders, Extension personnel, and the general public about 4-H technology-based programs. The event featured more than 12 Web-based and 12 CD-ROM-based programs developed by and for 4-H. Participants included youth and adults. Some had never touched a computer before, and many didn't have access to the Internet. 4-H Cyber Fair was extended to five counties reaching under-served audiences. Outcomes included observations to assist future youth-adult technology programming.

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Using Evaluation To Guide Program Content: Diabetes Education, Karen Chapman-Novakofski, Vance Debruine, Brenda Derrick, Justine Karduck Jun 2004

Using Evaluation To Guide Program Content: Diabetes Education, Karen Chapman-Novakofski, Vance Debruine, Brenda Derrick, Justine Karduck

Journal of Extension

Evaluation is a central tenet of the Extension mission. This article describes a practical application of how evaluation can improve programming by identifying areas that require more focus. The diabetes education program was quite popular, and basic knowledge showed statistical improvement, but it was not improved enough according to the Extension team. Before moving forward to measure changes in behavior, a good foundation of diabetes knowledge would need to be developed.

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Building Basic Living Skills In Youth--Kid's Chef School, Lois Clark, Ruth Anne Foote Jun 2004

Building Basic Living Skills In Youth--Kid's Chef School, Lois Clark, Ruth Anne Foote

Journal of Extension

Kid's Chef School was created to strengthen personal development of youth representing the changing diversity of today's families. It was based on results of county needs assessments indicating a perceived lack of basic living skills in children. Kid's Chef Schools address these needs by giving children opportunities to practice skills as they learn. Learning is accomplished through activities and simulations to teach nutrition, manners, table setting, food safety, hand washing, food preparation skills, and kitchen safety. Program evaluation includes participant and parent evaluation indicating knowledge gain and practice change. Demand for Kid's Chef Schools continues to be strong.

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Collecting Research Data Online: Implications For Extension Professionals, Barbara O’Neill Jun 2004

Collecting Research Data Online: Implications For Extension Professionals, Barbara O’Neill

Journal of Extension

This article describes advantages and disadvantages of online research data collection. Two major advantages are reduced cost and fewer respondent errors and omissions. Two major disadvantages are biases inherent in the data collection process and possible security or confidentiality concerns. Cautions include the need to clearly state limitations in the generalizability of findings and to obtain university IRB approval for the collection of data from human subjects.

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Pediatric Overweight Practice Guidelines--Implications For Extension Educators, Sharon F. Robinson Jun 2004

Pediatric Overweight Practice Guidelines--Implications For Extension Educators, Sharon F. Robinson

Journal of Extension

Organizations have responded to the increasing prevalence of pediatric overweight by publishing practice guidelines. Pediatric overweight is a medical condition requiring diagnosis and treatment by competent medical professionals. However, the medical community may lack the skills and time needed to help educate parents. Extension education programming incorporating a "do no harm" approach may help prevent inappropriate weight management strategies and reduce parenting stress. The application of successful intervention components helps promote the enjoyment of food and physical activity. The article includes extensive references.

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Identifying The Public Value In Extension Programs, Laura Kalambokidis Apr 2004

Identifying The Public Value In Extension Programs, Laura Kalambokidis

Journal of Extension

Government budget crises have compelled state Extension Services to defend their receipt of state and county funding. A key to that defense is persuading citizens and policymakers of Extension's "public value": the benefit from Extension programs to those who are not directly served. This article uses the principles of public sector economics to help formulate that defense and describes how Extension staff have applied economic principles to identify the public value in their own programs. The approach, developed into a workshop for program teams, serves to both sustain programs that have strong public value and identify programs that do not.

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The Collaborative Community Change Model: Understanding And Evaluating University Extension Professionals' Role In Community Change, Randy Brown, William Evans Apr 2004

The Collaborative Community Change Model: Understanding And Evaluating University Extension Professionals' Role In Community Change, Randy Brown, William Evans

Journal of Extension

The article presents a new model for understanding Extension professionals' role in community change. This Collaborative Community Change model incorporates aspects of effective collaborations and the various influences that affect community change. It identifies different points in the community change process where Extension professionals typically contribute. Accordingly, it identifies indicators of activities that are needed to achieve community-level change, depending on the point of contribution within the model. The model is useful to Extension and community development professionals who are involved in development and capacity-building activities that lay the groundwork for community change outcomes.

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Guidebook For Marketing Cooperative Extension, Sonya Varea-Hammond Apr 2004

Guidebook For Marketing Cooperative Extension, Sonya Varea-Hammond

Journal of Extension

Marketing Cooperative Extension at the Local Level is a highly pragmatic guidebook that stresses the need for creating visibility and recognition for Cooperative Extension county-based and regional programs. The guidebook offers a well-organized menu of strategies, tricks of the trade, and innovative ideas for getting programmatic recognition and developing political support. All staff, not just County Directors, will find useful ideas.

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Program Leadership: Do Teams Work?, William Taylor Apr 2004

Program Leadership: Do Teams Work?, William Taylor

Journal of Extension

Research was done into the effectiveness of team program leadership models in eight states, with concentration on the new team structure in Wyoming. A survey, evaluation grid, and team chair comments were used to gather data. Teams can add strength and diversity to programming, and all states should examine the possibility of using teams in program leadership. The transition from traditional structures is not simple, and requires strong administrative and personnel support. Financial and resource commitment of state resources, as well as appropriate incentives, are necessary for success. Teams cannot be so numerous as to over-extend already busy educators.

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Can Diversity Extend To Ways Of Knowing? Engaging Cross-Cultural Paradigms, Craig A. Hassell Apr 2004

Can Diversity Extend To Ways Of Knowing? Engaging Cross-Cultural Paradigms, Craig A. Hassell

Journal of Extension

This article briefly outlines three examples of cross-cultural academic programs, each bringing to the table either indigenous knowledge or Chinese medicine, knowledge generally considered to lie beyond the "research base" of 1862 land-grant institutions. In the process, the gate-keeping function of our "research-base" is challenged, examined here through a cultural lens. Including diverse ways of knowing as assets within the scope of academic work can enhance engagement outreach, but it asks us to re-examine basic assumptions of our academic culture.

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Use Retrospective Surveys To Obtain Complete Data Sets And Measure Impact In Extension Programs, Martha Raidl, Shelly Johnson, Kali Gardiner, Marty Denham Apr 2004

Use Retrospective Surveys To Obtain Complete Data Sets And Measure Impact In Extension Programs, Martha Raidl, Shelly Johnson, Kali Gardiner, Marty Denham

Journal of Extension

The increasing emphasis on evaluation suggests that Extension programs should use the most effective tools to measure impact. The project reported here used a retrospective survey to: compare the retrospective survey and pre/post survey in the number of incomplete responses and monitor participant changes in nutrition, food safety, and resource management behaviors in a Food Stamp Nutrition Education (FSNE) program. Results indicated that the pre-post survey yielded incomplete data, with 16% of questions unanswered, while 100% of questions were answered on the retrospective survey. All self-reported nutrition, food safety, and resource management behaviors significantly increased.

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Micro Business Use Of Technology And Extension's Role, Glenn Muske, Nancy Stanforth, Michael D. Woods Feb 2004

Micro Business Use Of Technology And Extension's Role, Glenn Muske, Nancy Stanforth, Michael D. Woods

Journal of Extension

Information and communication technology (ICT) has changed the way many firms operate, but little is known concerning ICT use by micro businesses, businesses employing 10 or fewer people. This article reports a study investigating ICT use by 193 Oklahoma micro business owners. These businesses actively used computers and the Internet. Many owners had Web pages, and those pages often generated a profit, although typically very small. The findings can help Extension professionals understand micro businesses better and assist them to develop programs focused on helping owners use current technology to enhance productivity and improve efficiency.

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Agricultural Biotechnology Training For Extension Educators, Susan Fritz, Sarah Ward, Patrick Byrne, Deana Namuth Feb 2004

Agricultural Biotechnology Training For Extension Educators, Susan Fritz, Sarah Ward, Patrick Byrne, Deana Namuth

Journal of Extension

Public acceptance or rejection will be important to the future of genetic modification technology. Given that the public reports itself to be poorly educated about the subject, there is an education opportunity for Extension educators. Pre- and post-tests measuring awareness and attitudes were administered to 55 participants (46 Extension educators) in a biotechnology workshop. Respondents' predict farmers will accept biotechnology as a practice sooner than consumers will. Biotechnology workshop topics in reduction of pesticides, benefits to the environment, control of released genes, safer food, harming the environment, added nutritional value, and risk compared to pesticides were recommended for consumers and …

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School Enrichment: An Investigation Of The Degree, Impact, And Factors For Success In Colorado, Suzanne M. Tochterman, Jan B. Carroll, Douglas L. Steele Feb 2004

School Enrichment: An Investigation Of The Degree, Impact, And Factors For Success In Colorado, Suzanne M. Tochterman, Jan B. Carroll, Douglas L. Steele

Journal of Extension

School enrichment is efficient for 4-H in reaching diverse youth in large numbers. But to what degree are agents utilizing school enrichment efforts? What is the impact of these efforts? And what are the factors for success? This article describes a sample of school enrichment activities occurring across the state of Colorado. The research represents the experiences of 20 Extension agents who conduct school enrichment programs. Recommendations for further study are proposed.

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An Effective One-Hour Consumer-Education Program On Knowledge, Attitude, And Behavior Toward Functional Foods, Brenda Killackey-Jones, Roseann Lyle, William Evers, Marlene Tappe Feb 2004

An Effective One-Hour Consumer-Education Program On Knowledge, Attitude, And Behavior Toward Functional Foods, Brenda Killackey-Jones, Roseann Lyle, William Evers, Marlene Tappe

Journal of Extension

An education intervention was designed by Purdue Extension to improve functional food knowledge of Indiana residents. A questionnaire was created to examine the ability of the intervention to change participants' knowledge, attitudes, and dietary behaviors regarding functional foods. A 31-slide PowerPoint presentation, accompanying script, and additional handouts were created for this intervention. In this sample, a 1-hour functional food intervention significantly improved consumers' knowledge regarding functional foods immediately after the intervention and 6 weeks later. Participants' consumption behaviors increased significantly at 6 weeks.

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Creating An Interactive Home Food Preservation Tutorial In Flash, Brian A. Nummer Feb 2004

Creating An Interactive Home Food Preservation Tutorial In Flash, Brian A. Nummer

Journal of Extension

Many people would agree that they prefer to learn with interactivity, rather than by just reading documents or watching videos. A Web-based learning activity is available online 24/7/365. Macromedia Flash™ is a good authoring option for learning sites, especially where interactivity is desired. A tutorial, Food Preservation Basics, was created using Flash™. The tutorial is basically an elaborate, interactive slideshow. Graphics, text, interactivity, and animation were used to communicate science-based principles in an entertaining manner.

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Youth Perspectives On Food Safety, Lisa A. Guion, Amy Simonne, Janice Easton Feb 2004

Youth Perspectives On Food Safety, Lisa A. Guion, Amy Simonne, Janice Easton

Journal of Extension

Many 4-H and Family and Consumer Science educators are interested in educating 4-Hers about the importance of food safety and preventing foodborne illnesses. Before planning a food safety program, it is important to ask questions that will yield such information as what food safety topics interest 4-Hers and how they want to receive this information. Such questions, as well as others, were asked of 285 4-Hers in an exploratory study. The study's findings provide some guidance to Extension specialist and county faculty who design and deliver food safety education to 4-H youth in their state/county.

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Using Social Marketing To Plan A Nutrition Education Program Targeting Teens, Gwenn Snow, Jamie Benedict Dec 2003

Using Social Marketing To Plan A Nutrition Education Program Targeting Teens, Gwenn Snow, Jamie Benedict

Journal of Extension

Using focus group interviews, information was gathered from teens describing their perceptions about the benefits and barriers of consuming select nutrient-dense foods, such as dark-green leafy and deep-yellow vegetables, fruits, low-fat dairy foods, and whole grains, and their preferences for learning about foods and nutrition. The article demonstrates how social marketing was used to gather, assess, and use descriptive information to plan a nutrition education program targeting teens. While the content was specific to nutrition education and teens, the concepts presented are appropriate for Extension Educators, and applicable to a broad range of health behaviors.

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Practitioners Put Research Into Practice Strengthening Community-Based Pregnant And Parenting Teen Programs, Elizabeth J. Gong, Marilyn J. Johns, Fe Moncloa Dec 2003

Practitioners Put Research Into Practice Strengthening Community-Based Pregnant And Parenting Teen Programs, Elizabeth J. Gong, Marilyn J. Johns, Fe Moncloa

Journal of Extension

The United States teen birth rate remains the highest of any industrialized nation. Although nationally the rate is declining, the problem remains complex and significant. Cooperative Extension staff in three San Francisco, California Bay Area counties partnered with six community-based teen pregnancy program site practitioners to adopt a new best practice to improve their programs. This article reports on the process, the implementation, and outcomes for both pregnant and parenting teen participants and programs. Male involvement, family involvement, and youth development/participation in sports and exercise were the best practices chosen for implementation.

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Factors Affecting Food Choices Of Men In Production Agriculture In Kansas, Tandy S. Rundus, Betsy Barrett Dec 2003

Factors Affecting Food Choices Of Men In Production Agriculture In Kansas, Tandy S. Rundus, Betsy Barrett

Journal of Extension

With 86% of American farms individually or family operated, farmers' health becomes imperative to sustaining profitability. This research collected data on food choices of farmers in Kansas to determine potential gaps in nutrition knowledge that could be addressed by Cooperative Extension programs. Participants (N=147) attended nine K-State Research and Extension Agricultural Profitability Conferences in November 2001, completing the Block Brief Questionnaire and eating behavior and demographic questions. Results indicated subjects were overweight and food choices did not meet dietary guidelines. Cooperative Extension should capitalize on its extensive history with this population to provide one-on-one nutrition education materials targeting producer diets.

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County Agent Views About Facilitating Public Education And Discussion Of Genetic Engineering Use In Agriculture, J Lynne Brown, Nancy Ellen Kiernan, Elaine S. Smith, Luanne Hughes Dec 2003

County Agent Views About Facilitating Public Education And Discussion Of Genetic Engineering Use In Agriculture, J Lynne Brown, Nancy Ellen Kiernan, Elaine S. Smith, Luanne Hughes

Journal of Extension

We conducted seven focus groups with Extension agents from three northeast states in Spring 2000 to learn what agents knew about genetic engineering (GE) applications in agriculture, their view of Extension's role in public discussion and education, and the training needed to assume such a role. While participating agents together knew a fair amount about their target audiences' perceptions of GE, they felt unprepared to deal with the challenges of public issues education in light of the current public debate, the publics' low science literacy, and their own science background. Their expressed training needs reflected these challenges.

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Evaluation Of Capacity-Building Programs: A Learning Organization Approach, John Gruidl, Ronald Hustedde Oct 2003

Evaluation Of Capacity-Building Programs: A Learning Organization Approach, John Gruidl, Ronald Hustedde

Journal of Extension

Major Extension programming, whether in community development, nutrition, youth development, small business, or other areas, strengthens organizations by enhancing the capacity of members to work together effectively. Yet evaluating these impacts is difficult and rarely done in practice. In this article, we apply ideas from the Learning Organization model to the evaluation of capacity-building programs. We identify questions that Extension educators can ask in evaluating the impact of their programming on an organization. In our view, a Learning Organization approach to evaluation holds promise in providing Extension educators with tools to demonstrate the value of their interventions with organizations.

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Assessing Extension Internal Organizational Needs Through An Action Research And Learning Process, Michael Havercamp, Elizabeth Christiansen, Deborah Mitchell Oct 2003

Assessing Extension Internal Organizational Needs Through An Action Research And Learning Process, Michael Havercamp, Elizabeth Christiansen, Deborah Mitchell

Journal of Extension

A participatory action research and learning process was used to carry out an internal needs assessment for a statewide Extension organization in a western United States land-grant institution. Focus groups, a written questionnaire, and employee feedback sessions were utilized as a means of identifying strategic organizational issues, needs, and resources that the organization would prioritize based on a 5-year time frame. The research and learning process, discussion of the results, limitations of the study, and implications for similar use of this process are discussed in this article.

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Value Of An Educational Program On Osteoporosis, Judy A. Driskell, H Darlene Pohlman, M Michelle Naslund Oct 2003

Value Of An Educational Program On Osteoporosis, Judy A. Driskell, H Darlene Pohlman, M Michelle Naslund

Journal of Extension

Cooperative Extension helped initiate a community-based educational program on osteoporosis prevention and treatment. The program utilized a network of partners and coalitions. A team approach was taken in presenting the educational session, offered twice, and answering/discussing participant questions. Statistically significant differences were observed in the program participants' reported knowledge of osteoporosis, taking of calcium supplements, eating of a calcium-rich diet, and performing weight-bearing exercises 1 month after the sessions as compared to prior. The results demonstrate that Cooperative Extension can play a leadership role in building partnerships that implement effective programs that improve the health behaviors of individuals and strengthen …

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Volunteers: The Key To Expanding Extension Programming For Older Adults, Claudia C. Collins Oct 2003

Volunteers: The Key To Expanding Extension Programming For Older Adults, Claudia C. Collins

Journal of Extension

With the rapid growth of the nation's aging population, Extension is trying to provide useful programming for seniors. Like many other Extension programs, older adult wellness education is expanding through the use of volunteer instructors. For the University of Nevada Cooperative Extension's Seniors CAN program, these volunteers come primarily from two groups: peer-educators who are over 55 years of age, including those from diverse populations, and the staff of agencies that already provide services to elderly clients. The inclusion of these volunteer instructors has the benefit of bringing Extension programming to a much larger and more diverse aging audience.

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