FIVE ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS FOR GREAT EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS
Early Career Development
Matt Palmer
Agriculture/4-H Youth Agent
UTAH STATE UNIVERSTIY
EPHRAIM
Abstract
Planning and implementing Extension educational programs can be overwhelming at times. It is important to generate effective sustainable educational programs that will improve the social, economic, and environment of individuals and communities while documenting successes to funding agencies. This process of conducting educational programs can be simplified into essential elements. Great sustainable educational programs contain five essential elements. The first element is discovery. Determining the community educational need is a very important first step. The second element is program development. This entails developing funding sources, selecting the needed facilities, obtaining or creating presentations and visual aids, and conducting tours/demonstrations. The third element is advertizing and promotion. There are many new and emerging ways to reach a select audience that will support the educational program. The fourth element is conducting the program in a professional and efficient manner. The final and often forgotten element is evaluation. Conducting an evaluation plan to document the educational programs’ effectiveness in transferring knowledge to the attendees is critical to show funding agencies and supervisors. Following these five essential elements can elevate an average educational program into an excellent sustainable program.
Authors: Palmer, M.
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Palmer, M. Agriculture/4-HYouth Agent, Utah State Universtiy, Utah, 84627