| In a 90 minute Roundtable session, the first
rotation uses the first 45 minutes and the second rotation uses the last 45 minutes.
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| Roundtable Rotation I:
Consistency and Change in Extension Participatory Evaluation: Reflections on Focus Groups About How Farmers Learn |
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Roundtable Presentation 901 to be held in Suwannee 20 on Saturday, Nov 14, 3:30 PM to 5:00 PM
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Sponsored by the Extension Education Evaluation TIG
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| Presenter(s):
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| Nancy Franz, Virginia Cooperative Extension, nfranz@vt.edu
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| Joseph Donaldson, University of Tennessee at Knoxville, jdonald2@utk.edu
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| Robert Richard, Louisiana State University, rrichard@agcenter.lsu.edu
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| Abstract:
The purpose of this roundtable is to reflect on our efforts to balance consistency with change in our multi-year participatory action evaluation by adapting our focus group protocol to what were learning along the way. While both are important, we share several examples of how our flexibility and openness to adapt our protocol to our evaluation findings lead to methodological refinements and serendipitous learnings. We discuss implications for both Extension education and evaluation.
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| Roundtable Rotation II:
Professional Development of Extension Employees During an Economic Downturn: Implications for Cost-Benefit Analysis, 'Just-In-Time' Resources, and Evaluation of Core Competency Training |
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Roundtable Presentation 901 to be held in Suwannee 20 on Saturday, Nov 14, 3:30 PM to 5:00 PM
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Sponsored by the Extension Education Evaluation TIG
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| Presenter(s):
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| Karen Ballard, University of Arkansas, kballard@uaex.edu
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| Nikki Cooper, University of Arkansas, ncooper@uaex.edu
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| Abstract:
The importance of a strong professional development system for Extension organizations has never been more critical due to the divergent demographics of new hires, the brain drain caused by early retirement incentives, and the loss of Extension positions due to budget cuts. The reduction in many professional development and training budgets increases the importance of multi-state collaboration, evaluation of historical training priorities, and the opportunity to access and utilize new educational technologies and products. This round table discussion will allow participants the opportunity to share current challenges and to explore new opportunities for collaboration and multi-state capacity building. Discussion points for participants will include identification of worst experiences and best practices which will provide a framework for modification considerations for existing professional development programs and systems. Participants will be provided with a list of on-line resources matched to recognized Extension educator competency area.
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