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Articles 1 - 12 of 12

Full-Text Articles in Education

Challenges Experienced By Aquaponic Hobbyists, Producers, And Educators, D Allen Pattillo, David J. Cline, Janelle V. Hager, Luke A. Roy, Terrill R. Hanson Dec 2022

Challenges Experienced By Aquaponic Hobbyists, Producers, And Educators, D Allen Pattillo, David J. Cline, Janelle V. Hager, Luke A. Roy, Terrill R. Hanson

The Journal of Extension

We used an online survey to document challenges experienced by aquaponic hobbyists (n = 81), producers (n = 117), and educators (n = 75). Responses were distilled into the following categories: 1) operations and management; 2) facilities, location, and system design; 3) knowledge and educational resources; 4) funding; 5) economic viability; 6) plant culture; 7) marketing and distribution; 8) fish culture; 9) human factors; 10) regulations and certifications. Training and research in these areas are needed to advance the aquaponics industry.


Extension’S Use Of Zoom To Address A Public Health Risk Among Older Adults, Dorothy P. Brandon, Ciji L. Griffin, Darlene Minniefield, Danielle D. Rudolph, Donna L. Gullatte, Nkenge C. Hyter, Pamela G. Irby, Juana I. Christian, Cynthia L. Whittaker Dec 2022

Extension’S Use Of Zoom To Address A Public Health Risk Among Older Adults, Dorothy P. Brandon, Ciji L. Griffin, Darlene Minniefield, Danielle D. Rudolph, Donna L. Gullatte, Nkenge C. Hyter, Pamela G. Irby, Juana I. Christian, Cynthia L. Whittaker

The Journal of Extension

Mandates that require social distancing and sheltering-in-place to stop the spread of the coronavirus have worsened an already concerning public health issue for older adults –social isolation and loneliness. Alabama Extension System at Alabama A&M University developed a program focused on helping older adults connect with family and friends. A descriptive study of 37 older adults indicated that their knowledge, ability, and comfort with implementing Zoom sessions increased significantly after completing the program. Findings show the potential use of the Zoom for Seniors program in preventing social isolation or loneliness among older adults.


Model Of Community, Local, And Regional Food Systems Extension Programming, Kim L. Niewolny, Eric Bendfeldt, Joyce Latimer, Lorien Macauley Dec 2022

Model Of Community, Local, And Regional Food Systems Extension Programming, Kim L. Niewolny, Eric Bendfeldt, Joyce Latimer, Lorien Macauley

The Journal of Extension

Community, local, and regional food systems (CLRFS) programming reflects important issues and priorities that intersect with Extension and the sustainability of our food system. CLRFS programming in Extension, however, is still developing slowly while food movements grow nationally. This article describes a CLRFS model and complementary process for conducting listening sessions with Extension professionals and community leaders to develop and enhance CLRFS programming to address critical food system needs. A recommendation for Cooperative Extension is that such a tool may aid CLRFS program potential as an integrated “food, farm, and health” approach for community-level application.


Identity Tensions And Negotiations Of English Teachers In Costa Rica Through Narrative Inquiry, Hazel Vega Quesada Dec 2022

Identity Tensions And Negotiations Of English Teachers In Costa Rica Through Narrative Inquiry, Hazel Vega Quesada

All Dissertations

This study examined the identity tensions and negotiations of novice three English teachers in Costa Rica, and English as a foreign language context. Grounded in a Communities of Practice framework, this research describes how teachers’ identities are constrained and enabled in complicated academic, social, and political settings. In this study, identity tensions referred to dilemmas that juxtaposed internal and external expectations, values, and practices. Negotiations referred to teachers’ choices, proposals, and changes that denoted their appropriation or contestation of practices and meanings of their communities of practice. I used narrative inquiry to collect and analyze teachers’ experiences learning English and …


Developing And Advancing The Listening Lift Program To Improve How Leaders Listen As A Means To Communicate More Effectively, Jeremy Spielman Dec 2022

Developing And Advancing The Listening Lift Program To Improve How Leaders Listen As A Means To Communicate More Effectively, Jeremy Spielman

All Dissertations

In this study, I examined the cognitive improvement process associated with advancing the skills and behaviors of active listening. Through the utilization of the improvement science dissertation in practice (ISDiP), with a strategize, implement, analyze, and reflect (SIAR Cycle) theory of improvement, I developed and utilized an active listening modification tool to better understand and support 10 executive educators’ willingness to improve communication, build trusting relationships, and share perception of power in conversations. The proposed improvement action tool centered around four simple and direct strategies to change how executives engage as listeners. The Listening LIFT, (L) refers to Limit distractions, …


Evaluating Utah's Rural Online Initiative: Empowering Organizational Leaders Through Remote Work, Paul A. Hill, Amanda D. Ali, Lendel K. Narine, Andrea T. Schmutz, Tyson M. Riskas, Debra M. Spielmaker Sep 2022

Evaluating Utah's Rural Online Initiative: Empowering Organizational Leaders Through Remote Work, Paul A. Hill, Amanda D. Ali, Lendel K. Narine, Andrea T. Schmutz, Tyson M. Riskas, Debra M. Spielmaker

The Journal of Extension

Compared to urban counties, Utah's rural counties experienced high levels of unemployment. Informed by a statewide needs assessment, Utah State University Extension developed a remote work leadership course to equip business leaders with knowledge and skills to create remote jobs as a solution to rural unemployment. This descriptive evaluation study collected data from course participants (N = 62). Findings showed short-term outcomes were achieved; participants experienced increases in knowledge and skills and had more positive intentions toward creating remote jobs and hiring employees from rural counties. Extension professionals can design and evaluate their programs using the framework in this study.


Oneoppf: A Personal Finance Professional Development Resource, Barbara M. O'Neill, Martie Gillen, Selena Garrison, Molly C. Herndon Sep 2022

Oneoppf: A Personal Finance Professional Development Resource, Barbara M. O'Neill, Martie Gillen, Selena Garrison, Molly C. Herndon

The Journal of Extension

This article describes personal finance programming available through the OneOp Personal Finance team (OneOpPF) for the professional development of Extension educators and military Personal Financial Managers for outreach to their clientele. Included is a brief description of six OneOpPF deliverables (webinars, blog posts, Question of the Day tweets, podcasts, social media, and newsletters) and a discussion of impact indicators such as online outreach statistics and continuing education units awarded to program participants. The article concludes with four best practices for working with military stakeholders and a description of how OneOpPF program materials can be accessed by Extension professionals.


Minnesota Cottage Food Industry: Insights From Extension Food Safety Education, Morrine Omolo, Regina Mcgoff, Suzanne Driessen, Katherine Brandt, Joanne Slavin, Michael Schmitt Sep 2022

Minnesota Cottage Food Industry: Insights From Extension Food Safety Education, Morrine Omolo, Regina Mcgoff, Suzanne Driessen, Katherine Brandt, Joanne Slavin, Michael Schmitt

The Journal of Extension

The cottage food industry has become a significant part of the food supply in Minnesota, most likely as a result of the growing consumer demand for locally produced, minimally processed and value-added foods. Using post-training evaluations, we characterized the cottage food producers in Minnesota and assessed the impact of our food safety course. The results showed that the producers are mostly white women (71%), producing and selling a variety of products. The learners gained knowledge to safely produce and handle homemade food products for direct sale to consumers. Majority (80%) of the learners were satisfied with the course.


Towards A More Effective Leader: Planning For The Next Extension Administrator, Kenneth R. Jones Jun 2022

Towards A More Effective Leader: Planning For The Next Extension Administrator, Kenneth R. Jones

The Journal of Extension

This study was conducted to assess the level at which state Cooperative Extension systems have strategies in place for administrative leadership changes. The data revealed that institutions have succession plans ranging from those that are very robust to very limited in nature. However, only 50% reported having individuals in key positions necessary to support continuity. In addition, 75% noted that it would take a year or more to replace the current Extension director/administrator if the person left immediately. This article provides insight on the successes and challenges associated with retaining top talent and mentoring potential leaders for advancement.


Fad Diets: Professional Development Needs Among Nutrition Agents In Select Southern States, Abigail P. Mcalister, Vicky L. Green, Simone Camel, Mary C. Fontenot, Janet F. Pope May 2022

Fad Diets: Professional Development Needs Among Nutrition Agents In Select Southern States, Abigail P. Mcalister, Vicky L. Green, Simone Camel, Mary C. Fontenot, Janet F. Pope

The Journal of Extension

Because FCS agents teach communities about dietary guidelines, it is important that they are aware of the latest nutrition research. This study assessed FCS agents’ knowledge of popular fad diets (low-carbohydrate, intermittent fasting, detoxes and cleanses) and their potential adverse effects, and its relationship among location, certifications, years of experience, professional association memberships, and education. Agents in Louisiana, Texas, Arkansas, and Mississippi were emailed a survey. RDN, DTR, and CHES certifications had significant associations (p = 0.03) with knowledge of adverse effects of fad diets. Agents who hold these credentials may have more knowledge about adverse effects of fad diets.


Development Of Add-On Materials To Supplement Food Safety Modernization Act Trainings In The Western U.S., Jovana Kovacevic Feb 2022

Development Of Add-On Materials To Supplement Food Safety Modernization Act Trainings In The Western U.S., Jovana Kovacevic

The Journal of Extension

During the 2017 annual meeting of the Western Regional Center to Enhance Food Safety, 52 representatives from 15 western states/territories, regional centers funded through USDA-NIFA Food Safety Outreach Program, federal and state government agencies, and non-governmental organizations prioritized topics for the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) training materials that address region-specific agricultural production and processing systems. This article describes supplemental materials or “add-ons” developed to support FSMA-related food safety trainings. Although the materials were developed for the western region stakeholders, they can be applied or adapted to other regions in or outside the U.S. to enhance food safety trainings.


Development Of Instrument To Assess Influence Of Extension Conference On Intended Outcomes, Marina D. Denny, Martha A. Ellard Jan 2022

Development Of Instrument To Assess Influence Of Extension Conference On Intended Outcomes, Marina D. Denny, Martha A. Ellard

The Journal of Extension

The Annual Conference for Mississippi State University Extension is the sole event at which the majority of Extension personnel gather for networking, organizational updates, recognition of efforts, and professional development. Extension leaders plan this conference with intended outcomes but without ever evaluating those outcomes beyond attendee satisfaction. We developed an evaluation instrument to determine how certain conference events influence participants’ critical psychological states and ultimately, their perceived motivation, professional enrichment, opportunities for networking, professional accountability, and organizational awareness. Rather than simply assessing attendee satisfaction, this instrument may help inform planning for successive Extension conferences and other professional development events.