In South Carolina, Georgia, and Alabama, 32 extension agents used inservice training materials on the World Wide Web and engaged in discussions via a listserv. Postprogram responses from 16 were strongly favorable of this type of training for certain topics. (SK)

Research on stress, burnout, and family-work balance among extension agents in several states identified factors influencing stress. Effective stress management techniques were derived from successful extension workshops. Also needed are systemic changes in policies and in practices that contribute to high stress. (SK)

Indiana's Community Systemwide Response Initiative trains teams of extension personnel and juvenile justice in community needs assessment and action planning to address juvenile issues. Interviews and focus groups showed that participants valued the partnerships, which resulted in community action and increased services for youth and families. (SK)

Rapid Rural Appraisal is a technology transfer method in which a multidisciplinary team collects qualitative data, forms hypotheses, and facilitates action to improve social and environmental conditions. A trial with horticulture farmers showed its usefulness in involving them as stakeholders; it worked best with well-trained teams. (SK)

Interviews farmers in Moshavim, Israel, to examine the need for efficient written communication channels between agricultural extension services and small farmers. Identifies the main problems as a weak distribution system and the necessity for authors of extension pamphlets and brochures to consider the special needs of small farmers. (KEH)

A survey of 343 administrators, county agents, specialists, and secretaries in Mississippi Cooperative Extension received 295 responses showing that 43 percent of agents and secretaries felt that administrators were responsible for keeping them current with computer technology by providing training opportunities and released time; and most…

In a study of performance appraisal, extension agents (n=588) perceived the process to have several limitations or deficiencies. They suggested the following: supervisors conducting evaluations should be trained and retrained; agents should be evaluated on the range of duties they perform; and the process should promote personal and professional…

Assessment of a participatory rural appraisal project in Ethiopia indicated that decentralization of extension in sub-Saharan Africa is an opportunity for farmers and extension agents to collaborate. The congruence of experiential learning and participatory approaches can contribute to the transformation of "top-down" extension…

Interviews with Cornell Cooperative Extension faculty, staff, and administrators (28 campus-based and 39 county staff) revealed both similarities and differences in views of engagement. County staff view their jobs as the critical link between community needs and university resources; campus staff view themselves as implementers of programs.…

A national survey of Extension employees identified the most critical work/life challenges as a heavy workload, evening and weekend commitments, and lack of control or job autonomy. Only 40% were aware of benefits and programs offered concerning work/life balance. Recommendations included reducing the workload and time requirements of county-based…

Responses from 47 of 78 Clemson University extension specialists identified three critical professional development needs: communicating program impact to key decision makers, communicating client problems to researchers, and viewing problems from different perspectives. They felt that their expertise in other areas was high. (Contains 16…

This descriptive-correlational study used a census of Ohio State University Extension county directors and a random sample of county staff throughout the State of Ohio. Data were collected utilizing Bar-On's Emotional Intelligence Quotient instrument (county directors) and Warner's job satisfaction instrument (county staff). The study examined the…

Two land-grant universities cooperated with the Extension Service and the National Agricultural Library to identify the knowledge and research base of Extension 4-H Youth Development education and to abstract/compile the foundation materials to strengthen research-based 4-H youth development education throughout the United States. The resources…

The Reflective Appraisal of Programs (RAP) approach allows county extension staff (in cooperation with volunteer leaders, specialists, and district staff) to obtain systematic evidence on results that participants perceive to have occurred in the months or years following their involvement in an extension program. Simpler than a…

THE JOB ANALYSES WERE COMPOSED FROM ACTIVITY RECORDS KEPT BY EACH PROFESSIONAL EXTENSION WORKER IN KANSAS. JOB ANALYSES ARE GIVEN FOR THE ADMINISTRATION (DIRECTOR, ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR, ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR, SATE LEADERS AND DEPARTMENT HEADS), EXTENSION SPECIALISTS, DISTRICT AGENTS, AND COUNTY EXTENSION AGENTS. DISCUSSION OF…