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A Framework for Integrating Extension-Research Activities
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| Presenter(s):
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| Rama Radhakrishna,
Pennsylvania State University,
brr100@psu.edu
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| Abstract:
The concept of integrating extension and research dates back to the enactments of Morrill (1862) and Smith-Lever (1914) Acts. The rationale for this integration was that new research conducted in labs and other facilities at land-grant universities be transferred into practice via Cooperative Extension. Over the past few decades, U.S. extension systems and research systems have made an attempt to work together. However, these two systems remain and maintain separate cultural and organizational identities with varied, but linked missions (Bennett, 2000). Increased emphasis is being placed on the need for common understanding, expectation, and project language among research and extension faculty. The overall purpose of this project is to develop a framework for integrating extension and research activities. Preliminary results relative to factors that facilitate and inhibit joint extension-research activities will be shared. In addition, individual and institutional strategies and processes required to implement effective research-extension activities will be discussed.
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Programs in Mid-life Crisis: Evaluability Assessment as a Tool for Critical Decision Making
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| Presenter(s):
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| Gwen M Willems,
University of Minnesota Extension,
wille002@umn.edu
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| Mary Marczak,
University of Minnesota,
marcz001@umn.edu
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| Abstract:
As programs age, they need to be evaluated and critical decisions made regarding their futures. Evaluability assessment, originally designed to identify whether or not programs were ready for evaluation, has evolved over time from its original objectives. It can be used today to clarify program theory and logic, provide valuable data to make improvements, and help strategize about important decisions whether to revise and improve or sunset programs.
The presenters will define evaluability assessment and discuss its origin and history, evolution, positive attributes, and current use. They will feature a case study in which they used an evaluability assessment to examine an Extension program widely used for many years. In particular, they will discuss the methodology they used, their process and data collection, program staff participation, reporting, and implications for the popular program they examined.
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Designing and Implementing Evaluation Policies to Sustain Evaluation Practice in Extension Programs
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| Presenter(s):
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| Monica Hargraves,
Cornell Cooperative Extension,
mjh51@cornell.edu
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| William Trochim,
Cornell University,
wmt1@cornell.edu
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| Abstract:
Seven County Extension Offices in New York State have been actively involved in an “Evaluation Planning Partnership” at Cornell Cooperative Extension. Evaluation Plans for diverse educational programs were completed in 2007 and are being implemented in 2008. This experience with systematic Evaluation Planning forms the background for this pilot study of Extension Evaluation Policy. Insights from their experiences with evaluation planning and implementation will be gathered from Program Staff and Senior Administrators in these Extension Offices. These data will be analyzed using Concept Mapping technology to yield: a taxonomy of Evaluation Policy components; a menu of specific tools and procedures that support evaluation practice; strategies for implementing Evaluation Policies in Extension and other organizations; and an assessment tool for Evaluation Policies themselves. These are essential ingredients in the effort design Evaluation Policies that promote sustainable and effective Evaluation Practice in Extension and other organizations.
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