August 1997 // Volume 35 // Number 4
Editor's Page
Commentary
All I Need to Know and Didn't Learn in Kindergarten - I Learned from Working in Extension
Graham, Cathy Lowery
All I Need to Know and Didn't Learn in Kindergarten--I Learned from Working in Extension is a revision of the famous "Kindergarten" essay by Robert Fulghum. Working in Extension provides many lessons on life that are full of wit, insight, and feeling. Understanding these basic lessons can increase the effectiveness of all Extension workers.
Feature Articles
Perceptions of County Faculty of the Professional Development Needs Of Specialists
Baker, Matt Villalobos, Heisil
State specialists provide vital linkage between local clientele and new technological developments in most state Extension systems. The purpose of this study was to identify critical professional development needs of specialists as perceived by county directors. Fifty-nine of Florida's 67 county Extension directors completed a survey instrument designed to identify critical needs.
Programming Parameters for 5-to-8-Year-Old Children in 4-H
Scheer, Scott D.
Many states today have 4-H programming for 5-to-8-year-olds, often called "Cloverbuds," "Cloverkids," or "4-H Prep." The need to develop clear, research-based information for use with Ohio's "Cloverbud" program led to the development of 10 fundamental parameters based upon preadolescents' needs as well as educational design research. The purpose of these parameters is to help 4-H Extension professionals make decisions regarding programming. They are consistent with the "K-3 Youth in 4-H: Guidelines for Programming" (National 5-8 Curriculum Task Force, 1991) and the National Association for the Education of Young Children's position statement on developmentally appropriate practice in the primary grades, serving 5-through 8-year-olds.
Joint Council of Extension Professionals: Transition to the Future
Maxa, Ed
The beginning, purpose, and current programs of the Joint Council of Extension Professionals (JCEP) are outlined. Future areas of work described. Current members listed.
Research in Brief
Plausible Uses and Limitations of Videoconferencing as a Tool for Achieving Technology Transfer
Hiel, Edwin R. Herrington, David
An investigation into the utilization of videoconferencing at a Texas Agricultural Research and Experiment Station (Center) was conducted. End users of videoconferencing were identified and how well their interests were being served was ascertained. The purpose of this case study was to present the successes and limitations of videoconferencing as experienced during a three-and-a-half year period. Recommendations for improving the use of videoconferencing technology in the attainment of the Center's mission include support services and on-line scheduling.
Ideas at Work
Celebration of Youth: Creativity in Textiles
Tondl, Rose Marie Niemeyer, Shirley Buss, Judy
Celebration of Youth: Creativity in Textiles is a program providing a yearly juried exhibition for 15 4-H youth in the Textiles, Clothing and Design Gallery on the University of Nebraska East Campus. Exhibits are selected from outstanding clothing and home environment Nebraska State Fair entries. Youth are honored at an opening reception, recognized for their achievements, and are asked to share their unique, creative abilities with the general public. Impact of this program was measured by a survey from 22 youth and 22 parents. Youth and parents indicated that self-confidence was increased and self-esteem was strengthened.
Creating Extension and Public/Private Partnerships through Agricultural and Resource Outlook and Planning
Lee, Linda K.
This paper describes a state-wide program in Connecticut that integrated university research, Extension, state agencies, private commodity groups, and individual farmers and businesses into a process of planning and developing strategies for future change in agriculture and rural resources. The outcomes included a planning conference and a published report that reached beyond the partnerships to policy makers and the general public.
Jest for the Health of It . . . Laughaerobics
Cripe, Bob Hoover, Cynthia R.
There's a growing body of scientific evidence showing that humor and laughter benefit health in measurable ways. Studies indicate that preschool children in the United States laugh over 400 times a day while the average American adult laughs only 15 times a day. "Jest for the Health of It . . . Laughaerobics" teaches seminar participants techniques to lighten-up and laugh-a-lot. It's time to rid yourself of that odd disease, Terminal Professionalism, the prevalent idea that silliness precludes seriousness or that humor is unprofessional. Learn to live longer through laughter. . .Jest for the Health of It!
Tools of the Trade
Utilizing Quizzes to Teach Agricultural Literacy
Mechling, Mark
Agricultural Extension educators receive numerous requests to talk about agriculture. Utilizing quizzes is a simple yet effective means of teaching agricultural literacy to diverse audiences. The quiz provides for the active participation of the audience. Questions about global, national, state, and local aspects of agriculture are distributed, with time given to answer the 15 questions. The Extension educator leads the group in answering the questions and provides additional information. Questions are created from Ohio State University Extension publications and the Annual Report of the Ohio Department of Agriculture.
A Tool for Towns in Transition
Conway, Flaxen D. L. Corcoran, Pat Duncan, Andy Ketchum, Lynn
Local, national, and global forces have unleashed a "torrent" of economic and social change in rural America. An educational package titled "Towns in Transition: Managing Change in Natural Resource-dependent Communities" provides tools that residents and leaders of those communities, including Extension agents, can use to cope. An award-winning video and companion study guide pinpoint transitional stages communities go through adapting to change. They offer strategies residents can employ during those stages. The video and study guide look at the real-life experiences of residents of three towns.
Book Review: Two New Extension Publications
Kohler, Christy E. Scholl, Jan
A comparative review of two recent publications about Cooperative Extension is shared. The publications are Education Through Cooperative Extension, published in 1997 and Agricultural Extension, published in 1996. The comparison takes the reader through each publication and discusses possible uses.
