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Journal of Extension

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Extending Our Reach: Strategic Opportunities For Cooperative Extension To Promote Infant Health Through Sudden Infant Death Syndrome Preventative Education, Linda A. Jouridine, Stephen D. Green Jun 2001

Extending Our Reach: Strategic Opportunities For Cooperative Extension To Promote Infant Health Through Sudden Infant Death Syndrome Preventative Education, Linda A. Jouridine, Stephen D. Green

Journal of Extension

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) remains one of the deadliest health risks for infants up to age 1 year, claiming nearly 5,000 lives annually. The number of SIDS cases has decreased in the last decade due to nationwide efforts to educate the public about guidelines for reducing the risk of SIDS; however, evidence indicates that certain segments of the population are failing to implement these guidelines, which include placing infants to sleep on their backs. This article offers specific suggestions on how Extension is ideally suited to influence education, intervention, and public policy efforts aimed at reducing the incidence of …

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Welfare Reform 4 Years Later: The Mobilization Of The Land-Grant System, Bonnie Braun, Linda Kay Benning Jun 2001

Welfare Reform 4 Years Later: The Mobilization Of The Land-Grant System, Bonnie Braun, Linda Kay Benning

Journal of Extension

Welfare reform occurred during an era of economic prosperity. In question in 2001 is the ability of the economy to sustain its robust nature and maintain jobs for people at entry levels. Thus, the stage is set for continued engagement of the land-grant system, with Extension at the forefront, in welfare reform. This article describes what the land-grant system is doing to address the policy issue of welfare reform and to capture and report the system's accomplishments. The article challenges us to renew our commitment to one of this nation's most compelling issues.

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Project Healthy Bones: An Osteoporosis Prevention Program For Older Adults, Kathleen Klotzbach-Shimomura Jun 2001

Project Healthy Bones: An Osteoporosis Prevention Program For Older Adults, Kathleen Klotzbach-Shimomura

Journal of Extension

Osteoporosis awareness has increased tremendously in the past 5 years. Project Healthy Bones is a 24- week exercise and education program for older women and men at risk for, or who have, osteoporosis. Project Healthy Bones includes both exercise and education components. The exercise component is designed to improve strength, balance, and flexibility. The education curriculum stresses the importance of exercise, nutrition, safety, drug therapy, and lifestyle factors. A unique collaboration, grant funding and the educational expertise of Cooperative Extension makes this program one that can be replicated to reduce osteoporosis.

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Thinking In Multimedia: Research-Based Tips On Designing And Using Interactive Multimedia Curricula., Randy Brown Jun 2001

Thinking In Multimedia: Research-Based Tips On Designing And Using Interactive Multimedia Curricula., Randy Brown

Journal of Extension

As the use of computers as an educational medium increases, Extension professionals need to be informed about new technology-enhanced methods for use in community-based, educational settings. Interactive multimedia curricula (IMC) have been touted by many as a way to increase learning and facilitate a shift to a more learner-centered educational experience. As with any other educational method, IMC needs to be viewed in a critical fashion. This article addresses the question, "What things seem to make effective IMC?" and presents some research-based recommendations for those using or developing IMC.

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Recommended Energy Studies In The Food Processing And Packaging Industry: Identifying Opportunities For Conservation And Efficiency, Felix Barron, Joel Burcham Apr 2001

Recommended Energy Studies In The Food Processing And Packaging Industry: Identifying Opportunities For Conservation And Efficiency, Felix Barron, Joel Burcham

Journal of Extension

The food processing industry provides about 60% of the foods consumed by U.S. households. The energy used to process these foods is a significant part of the total price. Energy conservation and efficiency studies are necessary, because these measures are not generally applied in a systematic manner by small food processors. Extension professionals, consultants, and small food processors should work together to study the use of energy in processing plants and to identify factors affecting process efficiency. These studies will result in the development of applicable educational materials, training workshops and ultimately cost savings.

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Understanding Cancer Risk Among Extension Professionals: A Program Development Perspective, Serena Howard Dresbach Apr 2001

Understanding Cancer Risk Among Extension Professionals: A Program Development Perspective, Serena Howard Dresbach

Journal of Extension

The study reported here was predicated on the belief that it is necessary to assess the knowledge level of cancer risk among Extension professionals before programming can be developed as part of the overall educational mission. Extension professionals significantly increased their knowledge level of cancer risk through a pre-test assessment, application of a non-invasive educational intervention, and a post-test follow-up among a random sample of Ohio State University Extension personnel. In the areas of emerging research related to cancer risk, Extension professionals significantly increased their correct response percentage with the intervention. To fully incorporate cancer risk information into Extension education …

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Budget Cutbacks: Some Strategies For Deans, Directors, And The Staff They Lead, Duane Acker Apr 2001

Budget Cutbacks: Some Strategies For Deans, Directors, And The Staff They Lead, Duane Acker

Journal of Extension

The economic slow-down that began in 2000 doesn't show signs of abatement. Personnel, equipment, and operating cost increases continue. To maintain or enhance program and staff effectiveness, program cutbacks will likely be required in many organizations. Such cutbacks are not easy, but they are doable. This article outlines a 10-step strategy, based on budget cutback experiences of the author and on principles of human emotion and behavior. It emphasizes timely facing of reality, steps in allocations and decision-making, and the positive outcomes that can result.

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Edible Connections: A Model To Facilitate Citizen Dialogue And Build Community Collaboration, Joan S. Thomson, Jennifer L. Abel, Audrey N. Maretzki Apr 2001

Edible Connections: A Model To Facilitate Citizen Dialogue And Build Community Collaboration, Joan S. Thomson, Jennifer L. Abel, Audrey N. Maretzki

Journal of Extension

Edible Connections Changing the way we talk about food, farm, and community is a model that was created to facilitate dialogue on the local food system by involving those whose lives and livelihood are influenced by food. The authors outline the model and offer examples of how it has been used. They also detail how it can benefit Extension educators by enhancing work and community collaboration across Extension's program areas. The authors offer resources to help communities around the country apply the model to their specific situations.

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Edufaim: A Successful Program Helping Empower Rural Families Toward Self-Reliance, Stephen F. Duncan, Tim Dunnagan, Suzanne Christopher, Lynn Paul Feb 2001

Edufaim: A Successful Program Helping Empower Rural Families Toward Self-Reliance, Stephen F. Duncan, Tim Dunnagan, Suzanne Christopher, Lynn Paul

Journal of Extension

In this article we briefly describe the development, implementation, and preliminary evaluation of EDUFAIM: Educating Families to Achieve Independence in Montana as a model for statewide integration of efforts to help families dependent on public assistance move toward a more self-supporting lifestyle. The project is deemed by collaborators an integral part of their efforts to help families achieve self-sufficiency, and it has been dubbed a "model of collaboration." It is hoped that this model will be helpful to other states engaged in self-reliance education.

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Teenagers As Teachers Programs: Ten Essential Elements, Faye Ch Lee, Shelley Murdock Feb 2001

Teenagers As Teachers Programs: Ten Essential Elements, Faye Ch Lee, Shelley Murdock

Journal of Extension

Teenagers teaching younger children can be beneficial to both the children whom they teach and the teens themselves. This qualitative study identified current practices in 14 teens as teachers programs that contribute to positive outcomes for teenaged teachers and the children. Using in-depth individual and group interviews, this study found that complex planning and skilled implementation are requisite in programs with positive outcomes. A dedicated adult who supported teens was found to be the most critical element in successful programs. Other essential elements included active recruitment strategies and a strong curriculum.

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Effect Of Nutrition Education By Paraprofessionals On Dietary Intake, Maternal Weight Gain, And Infant Birth Weight In Pregnant Native American And Caucasian Adolescents, Janice Hermann, Glenna Williams, Donna Hunt Feb 2001

Effect Of Nutrition Education By Paraprofessionals On Dietary Intake, Maternal Weight Gain, And Infant Birth Weight In Pregnant Native American And Caucasian Adolescents, Janice Hermann, Glenna Williams, Donna Hunt

Journal of Extension

Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program, in cooperation with the Chickasaw Nation and Choctaw Nation WIC programs, implemented and evaluated a nutrition education program for pregnant adolescents. Program evaluation investigated the effects of nutrition education by paraprofessionals on dietary intake, maternal weight gain, and infant birth weight in pregnant Native American and Caucasian adolescents. Nutrition education by paraprofessionals was effective in improving adolescents' dietary intake, maternal weight gain, and infant birth weight. The decreased rate of low birth weight infants among participants represents a saving of $297,500 in medical costs during the first year of life.

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Impact Assessment And Participant Profiles Of Extension's Education Programs For Agricultural Chemical/Seed Retailers And Crop Advisors, Michael A. Schmitt, Beverly R. Durgan, Sarah M. Iverson Dec 2000

Impact Assessment And Participant Profiles Of Extension's Education Programs For Agricultural Chemical/Seed Retailers And Crop Advisors, Michael A. Schmitt, Beverly R. Durgan, Sarah M. Iverson

Journal of Extension

Developing and maintaining ag education programs for agricultural product retailers and service providers can be an important niche for university Extension programs. Extension programs at the University of Minnesota have targeted this audience for several years and conducted a survey to learn about this audience and Extension's impact. Results from this specific audience indicate that Extension programs have positive agronomic and environmental impact, but that all programming issues are not superior to programs offered by other organizations. Respondents indicated that their attendance was determined based on topics and speakers, whereas specific sponsor and cost of the program were the lowest …

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Money 2000™: Feedback From And Impact On Participants, Barbara O’Neill, Jing Xiao, Barbara Bristow, Patricia Brennan Dec 2000

Money 2000™: Feedback From And Impact On Participants, Barbara O’Neill, Jing Xiao, Barbara Bristow, Patricia Brennan

Journal of Extension

This article reports results of the first comprehensive study of MONEY 2000™ participants. The study obtained feedback and impact data from MONEY 2000™ program participants in New Jersey and New York. The sample of 520 MONEY 2000™ respondents had a higher income and educational level than average Americans. The two main reasons that participants enrolled in MONEY 2000™ were to reduce debt and to increase financial knowledge. The most helpful aspect of MONEY 2000™ was the quarterly newsletter, followed by tips/ideas/information, Extension publications, and workshops/classes/conferences. The least helpful aspect was none/nothing, followed by workshops/classes/conferences. Since enrolling in MONEY 2000™, three …

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Tools For Evaluating Written And Audiovisual Nutrition Education Materials, Connie Betterley, Brenda Dobson Aug 2000

Tools For Evaluating Written And Audiovisual Nutrition Education Materials, Connie Betterley, Brenda Dobson

Journal of Extension

An important step in delivering effective Extension nutrition education programs is to evaluate educational materials for specific target audiences. This article describes two new resources available to help Extension professionals use consistent criteria and a systematic process for selecting effective written and audiovisual materials.

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Teen Pregnancy Prevention Programs: Linking Research And Practice, Marilyn J. Johns, Fe Moncloa, Elizabeth J. Gong Aug 2000

Teen Pregnancy Prevention Programs: Linking Research And Practice, Marilyn J. Johns, Fe Moncloa, Elizabeth J. Gong

Journal of Extension

Although the overall rate of teen pregnancy in the United States has been declining, rates have remained high for younger unmarried teens. Evaluation studies of pregnancy prevention programs indicate that many are ineffective or not well evaluated. The focus of this article is to identify and share 10 suggested "best practices" from the field and literature. Three critical practices identified are: a youth development component, family involvement, and culturally relevant practices. Implications for Cooperative Extension programming are discussed.

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Massachusetts Integrated Pest Management Guidelines: Crop-Specific Definitions, Craig S. Hollingsworth, William M. Coli Jun 2000

Massachusetts Integrated Pest Management Guidelines: Crop-Specific Definitions, Craig S. Hollingsworth, William M. Coli

Journal of Extension

"The Massachusetts IPM Guidelines: Crop Specific Definitions" provide a method to measure the relative adoption of integrated pest management for 13 crops. The guidelines can be used as an educational tool that describes the scope and complexity of IPM; as a checklist for farmers to evaluate improve their management; or to verify and document that IPM is practiced on the farm. The 66-page publication is available for $6.00 from University of Massachusetts Extension or is available through a Website.

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A Partnership For Health And Safety Of Farm And Ranch Families, Linda S. Boeckner, Gloria Gross, Sue Chaulk, Patricia Ramsey Apr 2000

A Partnership For Health And Safety Of Farm And Ranch Families, Linda S. Boeckner, Gloria Gross, Sue Chaulk, Patricia Ramsey

Journal of Extension

The development, activities, and outcomes of a rural community health partnership are described. The partnership was formed in a sparsely populated rural area that was federally designated as a primary care health professional shortage area (HPSA) and medically underserved area (MUA). High morbidity and mortality figures for farmers and ranchers indicated a need to address prevention steps. Several health service providers and educational institutions worked together to provide farm-ranch health and safety events that included health screening, educational seminars, and opportunities for immunizations. Through the years, participation by farm and ranch families in the health screening and educational activities has …

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Oregon Extension Volunteers: Partners In Action, Marjorie J. Braker, Janice R. Leno, Clara C. Pratt, Deana Grobe Apr 2000

Oregon Extension Volunteers: Partners In Action, Marjorie J. Braker, Janice R. Leno, Clara C. Pratt, Deana Grobe

Journal of Extension

The survey assessed 969 Oregon Extension volunteers about their perception of benefits and costs of Extension volunteer work. Volunteers from all program areas and regions of the state were included. Volunteers reported personal benefits, including gains in knowledge, self-confidence, and interpersonal relationships. Community benefits were noted by more than one third of volunteers. Fewer volunteers noted economic benefits, but for those who did, these benefits were significant and included increased job skills and useful contacts. The costs of volunteering were perceived as low and centered on time demands. Implications of these findings for Extension programming and faculty roles are discussed.

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The Multi-Cultural Center Of Sioux Falls, South Dakota: Providing Opportunities For All People To Learn, Celebrate, And Share Through Cultural Experiences, Dedra R. Tennis, John Burton, Barbara Forinash Apr 2000

The Multi-Cultural Center Of Sioux Falls, South Dakota: Providing Opportunities For All People To Learn, Celebrate, And Share Through Cultural Experiences, Dedra R. Tennis, John Burton, Barbara Forinash

Journal of Extension

Sioux Falls, South Dakota, has experienced a major population growth of immigrant and refugee families. New arrivals must meet the everyday challenges of daily survival in a culture for which they are not prepared. A task force was established in 1995, and out of this grew the concept of a Multi-Cultural Center. As part of the National Children, Youth and Families At Risk (CYFAR) Initiative, which was funded by USDA CSREES, the South Dakota State University Cooperative Extension Service (SDSU CES) partnered with the Multi-Cultural Center to address various cultural hurdles. This partnership has led to the successful implementation of …

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Simple, Low-Cost Data Collection Methods For Agricultural Field Studies, Richard T. Koenig, Marlon Winger, Boyd Kitchen Apr 2000

Simple, Low-Cost Data Collection Methods For Agricultural Field Studies, Richard T. Koenig, Marlon Winger, Boyd Kitchen

Journal of Extension

Increasingly, county agents and other Extension field staff are required to publish in refereed journals as evidence of scholarly activity. Off-campus personnel, however, often have limited financial and equipment resources to collect quantitative data from field experiments. This article summarizes and cites relatively simple and inexpensive methods for collecting data from agricultural field studies. Methods involving on-farm testing, crop yield measurement, quality evaluations, weed control effectiveness, plant nutrient status, and other measures are described. In addition, original references where these methods were used to conduct research published in refereed journals are cited in an extensive bibliography.

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An Evaluation Of An Interdisciplinary Team Approach To Delivery Of Childcare Provider Training, Rick Peterson, Janet Prillaman Apr 2000

An Evaluation Of An Interdisciplinary Team Approach To Delivery Of Childcare Provider Training, Rick Peterson, Janet Prillaman

Journal of Extension

An evaluation of an interdisciplinary team approach to the delivery of childcare provider training revealed that the team was successful in increasing participant knowledge in four key content areas of childcare. Participants increased their overall childcare knowledge by 29% from pre- to post-test. Paired t-test results on 16 separate tests representing 586 cases indicated that a statistically significant change at the .05 level occurred on all 16 content areas as a result of the educational intervention. The team approach, with its developed materials including pre- and post-test measures, can serve as a model for other collaborative efforts by Extension educators.

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Maintaining The Relevance Of An Extension Data Center, Jose Reynaldo A. Santos, Diann M. Mitchell Apr 2000

Maintaining The Relevance Of An Extension Data Center, Jose Reynaldo A. Santos, Diann M. Mitchell

Journal of Extension

The proliferation of desktop computers and powerful analytical software has not eliminated the need for an extension data center (EDC). Instead, it is the evolution of those technologies that have served as a driving force for EDC to justify its existence by taking on diversified, new, proactive roles in supporting customers on several fronts. From pure data processing and statistical analysis, EDC's role has expanded to encompass software and Web technology training, graphics and text scanning, diskette duplication, network monitoring, and Web-content management. This article discusses how a small data center managed not only to avoid obsolescence but also to …

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The Role Of Extension Specialists In Helping Entrepreneurs Develop Successful Food-Based Businesses, Rodney Holcomb, Glenn Muske Feb 2000

The Role Of Extension Specialists In Helping Entrepreneurs Develop Successful Food-Based Businesses, Rodney Holcomb, Glenn Muske

Journal of Extension

Business planning has been found to be an important determinant of future business success. Extension specialists often have the opportunity to encourage food industry entrepreneurs to plan and can be of great service in those planning efforts. This paper discusses how Extension specialists can be such a catalyst. Specialists, in addition to providing their own expertise, can often provide local, state and national contacts. They also are excellent outside reviewers of such plans as they are able to bring the combination of basic and applied research as well as real world experience into the review process.

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Differences In The Solution-Oriented Conflict Style Of Selected Groups Of 4-H Youth Development Volunteer Leaders, Mary Y. Deen Feb 2000

Differences In The Solution-Oriented Conflict Style Of Selected Groups Of 4-H Youth Development Volunteer Leaders, Mary Y. Deen

Journal of Extension

Conflict is an inevitable part of life and the 4-H Youth Development program. To determine how to best deal with conflict and design conflict resolution educational workshops a study was conducted to determine if selected groups of 4-H volunteer leaders differed in their solution-oriented conflict style. Three hundred and seventy-one participants responded to a written questionnaire designed to determine their predominant style of conflict resolution. The findings revealed that differences existed in solution-oriented conflict styles of the selected groups by program area and training. Implications indicate a need for a variety of training topics and methods when teaching conflict resolution …

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Youth Beef Roundup, Rosie Nold Feb 2000

Youth Beef Roundup, Rosie Nold

Journal of Extension

An intensive two-day program for youth with an interest in the beef industry was designed with the following objectives: (a) Provide youth with skills and knowledge necessary for more active involvement in the family's farm or ranch; (b) Introduce youth to opportunities in the beef industry beyond production; (c) Familiarize youth with the University faculty and facilities; and (d) Develop leadership skills. An evaluation of the program by the youth indicated they significantly increased their knowledge in all the topic areas covered and that they would use the information in the future.

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A Family Check-Up: A Web-Based, Self-Assessment Program In Family Life, Financial Management, Nutrition, And Food Safety, Rick Peterson, Connie Kratzer, Irene Leech, Kathleen Stadler Dec 1999

A Family Check-Up: A Web-Based, Self-Assessment Program In Family Life, Financial Management, Nutrition, And Food Safety, Rick Peterson, Connie Kratzer, Irene Leech, Kathleen Stadler

Journal of Extension

The Family Check-Up is a public internet site where families can access several self-scoring assessment programs in the areas of family life, financial management, nutrition and food safety. The self-assessment program provides immediate feedback to the consumer and provides a variety of on-line educational materials and Extension contacts for them to access. The web-based program has several programming application including needs assessment, marketing, and outcome research as participant data are store for later analysis by specialists. The Family Check-Up offers increased opportunities for collaboration and referrals among family and consumer science disciplines.

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Priorities For University Outreach In Children, Youth, Families And Communities, Robert J. Griffore, Lillian A. Phenice, Rosemary Walker, Marsha Carolan Dec 1999

Priorities For University Outreach In Children, Youth, Families And Communities, Robert J. Griffore, Lillian A. Phenice, Rosemary Walker, Marsha Carolan

Journal of Extension

In a survey of 950 residents of Michigan, respondents were asked about their preferences concerning receiving more information from Michigan State University, and the means by which they would prefer to receive to this information. Topics that were more frequently rated high priority than others were school violence, child abuse, treating people equally, preventing drug abuse, and affordable health care. Methods of information dissemination that were most frequently rated as "highly prefer" were public schools, Internet, television, Extension, pamphlets and printed matter.

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Taking The Time To Ask: An Assessment Of Home Economics Agents' Resource And Training Needs, Anne Murphy, Gayle Coleman, Pat Hammerschmidt, Kathy Majewski Dec 1999

Taking The Time To Ask: An Assessment Of Home Economics Agents' Resource And Training Needs, Anne Murphy, Gayle Coleman, Pat Hammerschmidt, Kathy Majewski

Journal of Extension

Michigan State University Extension food, nutrition and health campus-based staff members conducted a needs assessment of county home economics agents to obtain information to drive decision making for programs, resources and training and to build rapport with county agents. The methods used to collect this crucial information were personal telephone interviews with 62 county agents and a follow-up printed questionnaire. Findings supplied a wealth of information for campus staff members to use to establish priorities about program planning and support, select or develop materials or other resources, and plan and implement training appropriate and helpful to county staff.

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Specialty And Minor Crops Handbook: Reference For Agricultural Extension Professionals And Small-Scale Farmers, Gary Gao Dec 1999

Specialty And Minor Crops Handbook: Reference For Agricultural Extension Professionals And Small-Scale Farmers, Gary Gao

Journal of Extension

The second edition of the "Specialty and Minor Crop Handbook" makes a great reference for agriculture and horticulture personnel and small-scale family farmers. This handbook was published in 1998. It is available in softcover for $35 per copy (U.S. funds), plus $5 shipping and handling, from the University of California. The specialty and minor crop section includes 63 crop sheets covering specialty vegetables, culinary herbs, salad greens, specialty fruits, and other interesting crops. The Specialty and Minor Crop Handbook is 186 pages long with 95 high quality color photos.

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Extension's Role With Farmers' Markets: Working With Farmers, Consumers, And Communities, Jennifer Abel, Joan Thomson, Audrey Maretzki Oct 1999

Extension's Role With Farmers' Markets: Working With Farmers, Consumers, And Communities, Jennifer Abel, Joan Thomson, Audrey Maretzki

Journal of Extension

Farmers' markets are popular outlets for fresh food in many communities. Consumers choose to shop at these markets for a number of reasons, including freshness, appearance, and taste of produce, as well as enjoying the atmosphere of such a market. In addition to these benefits to consumers, farmers' markets serve the vendors who sell at them and the communities in which they are located in economic, educational, and social ways. This article examines the multiple benefits of farmers' markets and suggests ways that Extension can continue to take an active role in furthering their growth and development.

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