| Session Title: Locating Evidence of Research-based Extension Education Programs |
| Think Tank Session 361 to be held in Calvert Ballroom Salon E on Thursday, November 8, 11:15 AM to 12:45 PM |
| Sponsored by the Extension Education Evaluation TIG |
| Presenter(s): |
| Heather Boyd, Virginia Tech, hboyd@vt.edu |
| Discussant(s): |
| Bart Hewitt, United States Department of Agriculture, bhewitt@csrees.usda.gov |
| Dawn Gundermann, University of Wisconsin, dmgundermann@wisc.edu |
| Abstract: Providing research-based educational programs is a major focus, mission and application of the nationwide extension system. Yet, providing evidence of a research base and its contribution to the program has been elusive and difficult to achieve for extension workers and evaluators. Some of this difficulty stems from how different extension contexts define and use research to inform programming. To demonstrate alignment with national extension goals, it is critical that extension evaluators and educators identify ways in which research informs and shapes outreach educational products. Participants in this Think Tank will explore definitions of research, ways in which research is used and incorporated into programming, indicators that research is being used in extension educational programs and the role of evaluators in defining the research and education context in extension programs. Depending on the wishes of the participants, the group may also explore how 1862, 1890 and 1994 institutions approach this issue. |