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Journal of Extension

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An Extension Educator Perspective On Adverse Childhood Experiences, Stephen A. Small, Mary Huser Feb 2019

An Extension Educator Perspective On Adverse Childhood Experiences, Stephen A. Small, Mary Huser

Journal of Extension

Research on adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) has garnered a great deal of attention and is increasingly used to demonstrate the negative impact of stressful and traumatic childhood experiences on psychological and physical health. ACEs have become a focus of local and state organizations and coalitions concerned about the well-being of children and their families, resulting in a growing number of Extension professionals becoming involved in these initiatives. In this article we provide an overview and analysis of seminal and more recent ACEs research and offer suggestions about where an understanding of and response to ACEs might fit into the work …

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An Extension Educator Perspective On Trauma-Informed Care, Stephen A. Small, Mary Huser Feb 2019

An Extension Educator Perspective On Trauma-Informed Care, Stephen A. Small, Mary Huser

Journal of Extension

Trauma-informed care has become a major priority in recent efforts to address trauma and stress in the lives of children, adults, and families. Interest in trauma-informed care among Extension professionals has grown over the past several years as Extension partners and other child- and family-serving organizations initiate trauma-informed care programs, trainings, and community-wide initiatives. In this article we present a literature review–based overview of trauma-informed care and examination of trauma-informed care principles and assumptions, and we consider implications for Extension professionals.

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Teaching Suicide Prevention Is Positive Youth Development, Monica Lobenstein Dec 2018

Teaching Suicide Prevention Is Positive Youth Development, Monica Lobenstein

Journal of Extension

Youths trained in intervention skills can help stop a suicide through effective communication and an empathetic response. Extension professionals and community partners developed a layered approach to teaching suicide intervention skills, involving school staff, other community-based adults, and youths in a consistent community training process. According to postprogram retrospective surveys and changes in Youth Risk Behavior Survey trends, communities can reduce the risk of suicide, especially among young people, by implementing the approach.

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Using A Translational Process To Apply Latino Youth Development Research Findings In Practice, Fe Moncloa, Shannon Horrillo, Claudia Diaz-Carrasco, Dorina M. Espiniza Oct 2018

Using A Translational Process To Apply Latino Youth Development Research Findings In Practice, Fe Moncloa, Shannon Horrillo, Claudia Diaz-Carrasco, Dorina M. Espiniza

Journal of Extension

Translating research into practice is a cornerstone for Extension programs. We developed an intentional and collaborative translational process for converting evidence-based knowledge from Latino youth development literature into Extension practice. The process resulted in internal audience–specific fact sheets summarizing research findings as sustainable strategies for increasing Latino youth participation and engagement in Extension programming. Our systematic approach can be useful for supporting a culture of innovation and collaboration. Through use of our method, numerous organizational benefits were realized, suggesting that the process has positive implications for Extension programs across the nation.

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Addressing Declining Rural Communities Through Youth Entrepreneurship Education, Karen Ballard, Kelly Nix Oct 2018

Addressing Declining Rural Communities Through Youth Entrepreneurship Education, Karen Ballard, Kelly Nix

Journal of Extension

Population decline, outmigration of youths, and dwindling job prospects have challenged the vitality of rural economies in the United States for decades. Previous rural youth programs have been criticized for failing to address the social underpinnings of flight, attend to the unique features of rural contexts, and encourage youths to develop a sense of connection to opportunities within their local communities. This article provides recommendations for Extension personnel on rural youth entrepreneurship education. Recommendations relate to gaps in entrepreneurship programs in rural communities, a focus on technology and innovation, and 4-H as an ideal setting for experiential entrepreneurship education.

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Zoom Around The World: Using Videoconferencing Technology For International Trainings, Lauren Hrncirik Scanga, Mary Katherine Y. Deen, Suzanne R. Smith, Kevin Wright Sep 2018

Zoom Around The World: Using Videoconferencing Technology For International Trainings, Lauren Hrncirik Scanga, Mary Katherine Y. Deen, Suzanne R. Smith, Kevin Wright

Journal of Extension

This article describes an innovative model of educational programming used by our team of U.S. Extension educators for an international development project in Burundi, Africa. Our team designed a model to provide ongoing professional development trainings at a distance using Zoom, a videoconferencing platform. Over a 2-year period, we conducted 18 Zoom trainings with Burundian educators. On the basis of participant evaluation data and the literature, we present key principles for using distance technology in international development projects. Given the current economy and budget cuts in Extension, videoconferencing provides an opportunity for Extension to remain engaged internationally.

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Coming To Grips With The Way The World Works, Karen Ballard, Kelly Nix Aug 2018

Coming To Grips With The Way The World Works, Karen Ballard, Kelly Nix

Journal of Extension

Extension finds itself in a cultural phenomenon known as disruptive change. Clientele increasingly access products and services digitally and in real time. This digital revolution challenges historical methods that have served Extension for over 100 years. Extension's response going forward may stem or even reverse current organizational decline. The Joint Council of Extension Professionals responded to member feedback in 2017 by hosting a virtual town hall meeting (VTHM), initiating a national conversation on innovation and change. The VTHM produced provocative discussions regarding the potential use of digital tools to increase Extension's relevance and value. In this commentary, we reflect on …

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Examining Predictors Of Implementation Quality In An Emerging International Extension Context, Ryan J. Gagnon, Jonathan Pettigrew Aug 2018

Examining Predictors Of Implementation Quality In An Emerging International Extension Context, Ryan J. Gagnon, Jonathan Pettigrew

Journal of Extension

In this article, we explore a component of evidence-based programming—implementation quality—within an emerging international Extension context. Specifically, we examine how the traits, characteristics, and perceptions of 46 program facilitators influenced their support of maintaining implementation quality in a Nicaraguan youth violence and substance abuse prevention program, Dale se REAL. The results indicated that of four potential variables, only facilitator buy-in to the Dale se REAL program was a meaningful predictor of implementation support. The implications of the study findings, relative to evidence-based Extension research in both the United States and an emerging international context, are discussed.

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Assessing Results Of 4-H Mentoring With Native American First-Generation 4-H Youths, Rachelle Vettern, Lynette Flage Jun 2018

Assessing Results Of 4-H Mentoring With Native American First-Generation 4-H Youths, Rachelle Vettern, Lynette Flage

Journal of Extension

To reach first-generation Extension families and combat barriers faced by Native American youths, North Dakota State University Extension has been involved in the national mentoring program 4-H Youth and Families with Promise (YFP). In the program’s fourth year, we conducted ripple effect mapping to explore changes in the schools and communities where YFP was being implemented. Our findings indicate that as a result of relationships with mentors, youths gained positive life skills and critical workforce expertise that will assist them in attaining their education goals and securing career opportunities. Implications for Extension programming include the recommendation to conduct programs featuring …

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Addressing Retention In Youth Programs: A Survey For Understanding Families' Experiences, Kendra M. Lewis, Timothy Ewers, Jolynn C. Miller, Marianne Bird, John Borba, Russell D. Hill, Jeannette Rea-Keywood, Nancy Shelstad, Kali Trzesniewski Jun 2018

Addressing Retention In Youth Programs: A Survey For Understanding Families' Experiences, Kendra M. Lewis, Timothy Ewers, Jolynn C. Miller, Marianne Bird, John Borba, Russell D. Hill, Jeannette Rea-Keywood, Nancy Shelstad, Kali Trzesniewski

Journal of Extension

Research on retention in the 4-H youth development program has consistently shown that one of the primary indicators for youths' dropping out of 4-H is being a first-year member. Extension 4-H professionals from California, Idaho, Wyoming, and New Jersey formed a team to study this issue. Our team surveyed first-year members and their parents/guardians to better understand why youths were not reenrolling in 4-H after their first year. This article introduces the survey used to assess the first-year experience and intent to reenroll. We discuss the survey development process, survey testing, lessons learned, and conclusions related to its future use.

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Needs Assessment For Informing Extension Professional Development Trainings On Teaching Adult Learners, Nathan W. Conner, Dipti Dev, Katherine Krause Jun 2018

Needs Assessment For Informing Extension Professional Development Trainings On Teaching Adult Learners, Nathan W. Conner, Dipti Dev, Katherine Krause

Journal of Extension

As society becomes more information saturated, Extension must evaluate its educational programming and delivery methods used to facilitate adult learning. Extension professionals must have a comprehensive understanding of how adults learn. Accordingly, we conducted a needs assessment as a basis for providing professional development trainings focused on teaching adults. Our objective was to identify Extension professionals' professional development needs related to designing and facilitating programming based on andragogy. We developed a survey instrument that addressed andragogy-related topics and administered it to Extension professionals. The results indicated that professional development centered on andragogy was needed by and relevant to the study …

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Providing Family Education For Grandparent Caregivers: Lessons From The Grands Program, Larry F. Forthun, Kate Fogarty, Shelby Rudd, Susan Bartolomeo, Peggy D. Mighty Apr 2018

Providing Family Education For Grandparent Caregivers: Lessons From The Grands Program, Larry F. Forthun, Kate Fogarty, Shelby Rudd, Susan Bartolomeo, Peggy D. Mighty

Journal of Extension

Grandparents who take on primary responsibility for raising grandchildren face unique family challenges while helping reduce the burden on the foster care system. The GRandS (Grandfamily Resilience and Sustainability) Program was a family life education program designed with three fundamental goals: (a) increase grandparent caregivers' knowledge and skills in parenting and child development, (b) fortify their relationships with spouses and grandchildren, and (c) inform them about, and connect them to, available community resources. In this article, we describe the program implementation and evaluation, including the use of quantitative analysis and anecdotal accounts. Additionally, on the basis of our findings and …

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Impact Of An Extension Social Media Tool Kit On Audience Engagement, Aileen S. Garcia, Dipti Dev, Colin M. Mcginnis, Tyler Thomas Apr 2018

Impact Of An Extension Social Media Tool Kit On Audience Engagement, Aileen S. Garcia, Dipti Dev, Colin M. Mcginnis, Tyler Thomas

Journal of Extension

Extension professionals can improve their use of social media as channels for extending programmatic efforts by maximizing target audience reach and engagement. We describe how implementation of a tool kit highlighting best practices for using social media improved Extension professionals' efforts to engage target audience members via social media. Specifically, we found that after having access to the tool kit, Extension professionals were able to prompt greater participation and engagement from the applicable target audience across three online platforms—Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest. Our findings indicate that Extension professionals can benefit from learning how to use social media more purposefully and …

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How To Create Videos For Extension Education: An Innovative Five-Step Procedure, Dipti A. Dev, Kimberly A. Blitch, Holly Hatton-Bowers, Samantha Ramsay, Aileen S. Garcia Apr 2018

How To Create Videos For Extension Education: An Innovative Five-Step Procedure, Dipti A. Dev, Kimberly A. Blitch, Holly Hatton-Bowers, Samantha Ramsay, Aileen S. Garcia

Journal of Extension

Although the benefits of using video as a learning tool in Extension programs are well known, less is understood about effective methods for creating videos. We present a five-step procedure for developing educational videos that focus on evidence-based practices, and we provide practical examples from our use of the five steps in creating a video series for an Extension program. Through the effective development of videos, Extension professionals can organize and present information in a meaningful way.

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Best Practices For Establishing Positive 4-H Youth Development Programming In Urban At-Risk Communities, Laura Bovitz, Marissa Staffen, Laura Eppinger, Abbie Kesely Feb 2018

Best Practices For Establishing Positive 4-H Youth Development Programming In Urban At-Risk Communities, Laura Bovitz, Marissa Staffen, Laura Eppinger, Abbie Kesely

Journal of Extension

Urban, and primarily Latino, youths have traditionally been an underserved audience for the 4-H program due to language barriers, transportation issues, and lack of history with, knowledge of, and trust in the program. By developing strategies to assess community needs, develop community partnerships and collaborations, and address issues of trust and cultural barriers, Extension can establish programs in these communities that not only are successful but also become sustainable. We share lessons learned and best practices that can serve as tools in developing and maintaining such programs.

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Development And Evaluation Of A Parent-Engagement Curriculum To Connect Latino Families And Schools, Ghaffar A. Hurtado, Kathleen A. Olson, Silvia Alvarez De Davila, Victoria Campoverde Feb 2018

Development And Evaluation Of A Parent-Engagement Curriculum To Connect Latino Families And Schools, Ghaffar A. Hurtado, Kathleen A. Olson, Silvia Alvarez De Davila, Victoria Campoverde

Journal of Extension

Parent–school engagement is a contributor to student achievement, but few relevant programs exist for immigrant Latino families. This article describes the design, pilot implementation, and evaluation of a parent-engagement Extension program, developed and implemented in Spanish. The purpose of the program is to help parents develop and/or strengthen their relationships with school staff and teachers, build skills in navigating the U.S. school system, and increase their self-efficacy for supporting their children's success in school. Development of the program curriculum comprised a participatory approach that involved input from cultural guides and focus group sessions conducted in Spanish. Evaluation results indicate positive …

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Co-Parenting For Successful Kids: Impacts And Implications, Jeong-Kyun Choi, Holly Hatton-Bowers, Gail Brand, Lisa M. Poppe, Jaclynn Foged Dec 2017

Co-Parenting For Successful Kids: Impacts And Implications, Jeong-Kyun Choi, Holly Hatton-Bowers, Gail Brand, Lisa M. Poppe, Jaclynn Foged

Journal of Extension

We examined the impacts of the Co-Parenting for Successful Kids program offered by University of Nebraska Extension. Using a sample of 2,622 parents who participated in the program in 2015, we measured their knowledge change and ability to perform cooperative coparenting behaviors. Results suggest that the program effectively improved participants' coparenting knowledge and ability to use behaviors such as understanding and supporting children in developmentally appropriate ways, enhancing communication skills, and developing parenting plans. In examining group differences, we found that parents of infants and toddlers benefited the most from the program. Suggestions on program development and evaluation are discussed.

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The Contribution Of Urban 4-H To Social Capital And The Implications For Social Justice, Nia Imani Fields Dec 2017

The Contribution Of Urban 4-H To Social Capital And The Implications For Social Justice, Nia Imani Fields

Journal of Extension

The idea that equal education exists in the United States is a misconception, and positive youth development programs are a proposed response to inequitable education. Youth development programs have the potential to increase one's social capital, particularly for youths who are marginalized by inequitable access to quality education. The study described here focused on the contribution of urban positive youth development to social capital and social justice. Findings indicate that 4-H initiatives related to social capital are reaching marginalized youths. However, barriers are preventing 4-H from reaching these youths adequately and/or consistently.

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Establishing A Common Language: The Meaning Of Research-Based And Evidence-Based Programming (In The Human Sciences), Debra M. Sellers, Lisa M. Schainker, Peggy Lockhart, Hsiu Chen Yeh Dec 2017

Establishing A Common Language: The Meaning Of Research-Based And Evidence-Based Programming (In The Human Sciences), Debra M. Sellers, Lisa M. Schainker, Peggy Lockhart, Hsiu Chen Yeh

Journal of Extension

This article describes the development, implementation, and exploratory evaluation of a professional development series that addressed educators' knowledge and use of the terms research-based and evidence-based within Human Sciences Extension and Outreach at one university. Respondents to a follow-up survey were more likely to select correctly the commonly accepted standard for each term, and they reported asking more questions, talking with others, examining programs' evidence bases, and placing more value on fidelity and evaluation following participation in the professional development series. Educator reactions to the series were generally positive, although researchers interested in designing like programs might consider engaging educators …

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Using Standardized Evaluation Metrics To Demonstrate Collective Statewide Impacts Of Diverse Water Conservation Programming, Anil Kumar Chaudhary, Laura A. Warner, Tatiana Borisova, Michael D. Dukes, Sebastian Galindo-Gonzalez, Amy Harder, Wendy Wilber Oct 2017

Using Standardized Evaluation Metrics To Demonstrate Collective Statewide Impacts Of Diverse Water Conservation Programming, Anil Kumar Chaudhary, Laura A. Warner, Tatiana Borisova, Michael D. Dukes, Sebastian Galindo-Gonzalez, Amy Harder, Wendy Wilber

Journal of Extension

Although the diversity of Florida Cooperative Extension landscape water conservation programs creates evaluation challenges, it is possible to measure their impacts as a whole. We conducted pilot testing of a statewide evaluation strategy and identified behavior changes resulting in an average monthly water savings of 3,257 gal and utility bill savings of $10.78 per participant. Here we explain the approach we used, providing details about underlying research on water conservation practices and technologies, standardized metrics for demonstrating environmental and economic impacts of behavior/technology adoption, and reporting tools. A focus on statewide impacts based on standardized metrics can be extremely valuable …

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Double Play: The Need For 4-H To Partner In Youth Sports, Perry D. Martin, Eric K. Kaufman Oct 2017

Double Play: The Need For 4-H To Partner In Youth Sports, Perry D. Martin, Eric K. Kaufman

Journal of Extension

Fewer children in the United States are playing team-based sports, and the trend is making national headlines. While there is no complete agreement as to the predominant reason for this trend, it is clear that a national conversation on this problem has begun, and Cooperative Extension holds the potential for getting kids back in the game. At its core, this conversation is about the healthful development of our children and their advancement as contributors to society. Cooperative Extension has decades of experience creating a "playbook" for youth development, and it is time to put that playbook into action.

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Using The Cultivating Learning With School Gardens Curriculum In Burundi, Africa, Suzanne R. Smith, Kevin Wright, Lauren Hrncirik, Mary Katherine Y. Deen Aug 2017

Using The Cultivating Learning With School Gardens Curriculum In Burundi, Africa, Suzanne R. Smith, Kevin Wright, Lauren Hrncirik, Mary Katherine Y. Deen

Journal of Extension

University faculty and Extension educators sought to use school gardens in Burundi, Africa, as a means of reducing food insecurity, teaching positive youth development, and increasing experiential learning for Burundian students. Washington State University personnel used videoconferencing to provide training to Burundian nongovernmental organization (NGO) staff on the Cultivating Learning with School Gardens curriculum. The NGO staff then trained teachers in pilot programs at four Burundian schools, where first harvests occurred in May 2016. An agricultural consultant also helped with the gardens. Suggestions for implementation of this school garden curriculum in other countries are provided.

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Engaging Latino Communities From The Ground Up: Three Tools, Nancy Erbstein, Fe Moncloa, Stacy Shwartz Olagundoye, Claudia Diaz-Carrasco, Russell Hill Aug 2017

Engaging Latino Communities From The Ground Up: Three Tools, Nancy Erbstein, Fe Moncloa, Stacy Shwartz Olagundoye, Claudia Diaz-Carrasco, Russell Hill

Journal of Extension

California's 4-H Youth Development Program has adopted an asset-based community development approach to extending programming with Latino youths and families. This approach entails learning and relationship building with local Latino communities and building on untapped existing resources, such as Latino-serving organizations and networks. Here we present three tools developed to further the effort.

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Using Community Assessments To Improve 4-H Youth Development Programming Efforts, Dan Teuteberg, Melissa M. Cummins Aug 2017

Using Community Assessments To Improve 4-H Youth Development Programming Efforts, Dan Teuteberg, Melissa M. Cummins

Journal of Extension

Understanding resources available in a community is essential before any 4-H youth development professional can begin addressing local needs. Conducting a community assessment generates valuable information about the unique components and resources of a specific community. This information then provides a foundation for identifying specific community needs and determining ways in which needs can be addressed through Extension-based programming.

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Perception Of Current And Ideal Practices Related To Public Value In Extension, Laura H. Downey, Donna J. Peterson, Nancy Franz Aug 2017

Perception Of Current And Ideal Practices Related To Public Value In Extension, Laura H. Downey, Donna J. Peterson, Nancy Franz

Journal of Extension

Extension professionals are increasingly encouraged to engage in practices that can advance the public value movement. It is unclear, however, whether recommended practices related to public value are being adopted. In 2014, 235 Extension professionals at Mississippi State University responded to an organizational capacity survey that included questions on public value practices. Research described here explored discrepancies between current and ideal public value practices among Extension professionals. Paired-samples t-tests revealed statistically significant discrepancies between current and ideal public value practices. The findings can inform efforts by Extension professionals seeking to increase awareness and practices related to public value.

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Strengthening Families Through A Re-Envisioned Approach To Fatherhood Education, James S. Bates, Deanna L. Wilkinson, Jason Paul Mccartan, Daniel T. Remley, Mark D. Light, David C. Crawford, Jami Dellifield Apr 2017

Strengthening Families Through A Re-Envisioned Approach To Fatherhood Education, James S. Bates, Deanna L. Wilkinson, Jason Paul Mccartan, Daniel T. Remley, Mark D. Light, David C. Crawford, Jami Dellifield

Journal of Extension

Fatherhood education has the potential to affect not only fathers' nurturant behaviors but also multiple dimensions of family life. The weGrill program blends fatherhood, youth development, and nutrition education, with food grilling as the focal activity. Grounded in multiple learning theories, the program helps fathers and their adolescent children learn broadly about family life topics, planning for the future, and nutrition and healthful food behaviors. The program represents a re-envisioned approach to fatherhood education.

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Fitbit And Fitabase Technology: Tracking And Evaluating Youth Physical Activity, Lisa Franzen-Castle, Tara Dunker, Weiwen Chai, Michelle Krehbiel Apr 2017

Fitbit And Fitabase Technology: Tracking And Evaluating Youth Physical Activity, Lisa Franzen-Castle, Tara Dunker, Weiwen Chai, Michelle Krehbiel

Journal of Extension

With the health of today's youth a national priority, professionals need tools for accurately assessing activity patterns and motivating behavior change. Fitness technology may be a promising tool for promoting positive behavior change. The afterschool program WeCook: Fun with Food and Fitness focused on improving food preparation skills, nutrition knowledge, and physical activity levels of youths. As part of the program assessment, each participant wore a Fitbit near the beginning and end of the program. Fitabase, an online research platform, was used for aggregating and analyzing data. We discuss a model for incorporating these technologies.

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Healthful Homes For Urban Youths And Families, Joan Bothell, Mary-Margaret Gaudio Apr 2017

Healthful Homes For Urban Youths And Families, Joan Bothell, Mary-Margaret Gaudio

Journal of Extension

The concept of a healthful home offers the basis for a comprehensive approach to addressing the well-established relationship between health and housing. Many environmental health hazards found in homes—such as lead, mold, environmental tobacco smoke, and pesticides—can be reduced or eliminated through the use of scientifically validated (yet sometimes quite simple) interventions that improve health outcomes for residents. A team from the University of Connecticut's Department of Extension developed an effective curriculum for teaching urban 4-H youth leaders, youths, and others in their communities about the importance of healthful homes and practical ways of improving home environments.

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Do You Youtube? The Power Of Brief Educational Videos For Extension, Sara Langworthy Apr 2017

Do You Youtube? The Power Of Brief Educational Videos For Extension, Sara Langworthy

Journal of Extension

The growth of online video provides a tremendous opportunity for Extension professionals to expand the reach of educational content. Through repurposing existing content, we at the University of Minnesota Extension Children, Youth, and Family Consortium created several brief educational videos that address pressing challenges for children and families. YouTube analytics indicate that our shorter videos are more often viewed, shared, and liked by our viewers than our full-length seminar videos are. Since we began creating these videos, we have doubled our number of YouTube channel subscribers and likes and increased our video view count over 180%. Online video is a …

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Evaluating Extension Impact On A Nationwide Level: Focus On Programs Or Concepts?, Dena K. Wise Feb 2017

Evaluating Extension Impact On A Nationwide Level: Focus On Programs Or Concepts?, Dena K. Wise

Journal of Extension

As agencies with minimal national reach and capacity grow more sophisticated in capturing public and private funding for outreach, Extension finds itself competing for national recognition of its scope and capacity. Because of the need for that recognition, it is increasingly important that states look beyond their individual systems of evaluation to cooperate in demonstrating the full extent of the Extension network for national stakeholders and funders. To do that, Extension must implement a nationwide system of evaluation, and that system should be built around the teaching of common concepts, rather than the delivery of common programs.

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