The 4-H Volunteer Continuing Education Academy was developed to provide 4-H club leaders a continuing education opportunity, to assist them in developing and enhancing the skills and knowledge necessary for their volunteer role, and to provide a means for 4-H livestock and horse club leaders to recertify. All participants reported satisfaction…

Developing an online resource site for Extension master gardener (EMG) coordinators is an ongoing project for Extension collaborators. Begun in 2014, the website includes peer-reviewed resources focused on best practices in volunteer management and program administration. The website is organized according to nine resource categories (e.g.,…

Extension personnel, agricultural companies, and contract researchers invest a great deal of resources through time, money, and manpower to educate crop consultants, producers, students, and new employees. Creating an in-field, real world, and hands-on learning environment affords an opportunity to engage individuals to learn in ways that cannot…

A random sample of 50 percent of extension home economists in seven midwestern states was surveyed, with an 85 percent response. Results showed that the most used methods of needs assessment were advisory committees, requests, questions from clients, and program spinoffs. (JOW)

A telephone survey of extension directors in 13 urban areas determined current extension organizational structures and programing methods. Results revealed a variety of programing and approaches and identified common problems and frustrations. (JOW)

Looks at a study of 36 extension officers that found that 89% of the agents had specific plans, but only 8% of the programs were implemented as specified. Suggests reasons for the discrepancy and suggests a flexible planning model for more effective programming. (JOW)

A survey was conducted by the Marion County Office of the Oregon State University Extension to identify clients and their characteristics and to determine their level of satisfaction. The results led to an improved program planning process and increased program effectiveness. (JOW)

Suggests a need to examine the assumptions of the program planning model and explore new ways of meeting social needs through extension education. Argues that the reductionistic program planning model is useful but only in certain situations; new ways of approaching complex social issues need to be considered. (Author/JOW)

The author feels the focus of academia should be expanded to include meeting the educational needs of the community. The responsibilities and needs of universities and individuals in continuing studies is described. (Author/TS)

The following methods for reaching new extension audiences were used by a small ranch water quality program in Nevada: agency collaboration in identifying audience needs and idiosyncracies; an array of teaching techniques (workshops, individual visits, print materials); audience participation in program development; and maintenance of interest…

The Cooperative Extension Service has a long history of providing community-based lifelong education. Current trends affecting extension programming include new telecommunications technologies, necessity for accountability, and demographic shifts. (SK)

The authors discuss the provision of adult education through extension programs. Topics covered include a history of and the current situation relevant to extension education, criticisms and suggestions for improvement, and the likely future role of the Cooperative Extension Service. (CH)

Case studies of six extension agents and four extension program developers show that three types of factors constrain or enable planning: organizational structure and culture, available resources, and power relationships. Planning is affected in terms of needs addressed and processes used; personal and organizational interests of adult educators…

Describes the University of Wisconsin Extension Program's Educational Telephone Network (ETN) which provides more than 150 credit and noncredit program series annually. Points out that ETN has proved to be an effective, low-cost means of meeting the increasing demand for continuing education. (JMF)

Alabama Extension's Interdisciplinary Aging Team develops programs to assist older adults with quality-of-life issues and encourages volunteerism. A survey of 80 seniors identified their information needs and preferred information sources (television, professionals, radio). The information was used to adapt Senior Series materials and organize a…