METHODS TO TRAIN MASTER GARDENERS TO MANAGE TELEPHONE RESOURCE LINES
Extension Education
Edwin Lentz
Extension Educator and Professor
The Ohio State University Extension
Findlay
Abstract
\r\n Master Gardener candidates are expected to have the ability to address consumer horticulture questions after completing their training program. New Master Gardeners were often uncomfortable with this responsibility, especially operating the community Resource Line. To address this problem, different teaching methods were created and evaluated during the Master Gardener training. These methods included teaching a whole modular unit on managing the Resource Line, hands-on training with an experienced Master Gardener, physical availability of the Extension Educator for assistance while operating the Resource Line, and real experience questions from the Resource Line after completing each Master Gardener subject unit. A class of Master Gardener Interns participated in these different methods. Each intern completed an evaluation after becoming a Master Gardener to measure which training method gave them the most confidence to answer questions while managing the Resource Line. Even though each method had value, pairing with an experienced Master Gardener and having the Extension Educator available were the most useful in giving interns confidence. The evaluations also showed that 100% of the new Master Gardeners plan to volunteer for the Resource Line the following year.
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Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC
This poster is being submitted for judging. It will be displayed at the AM/PIC if not selected as a State winner. The abstract will be published in the proceedings.
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Authors: Edwin M. Lentz
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Lentz, E. Extension Educator, The Ohio State University Extension, Ohio, 45840