What is an Extension Program?What is an Extension Program?

Rick Fletcher

OSU Extension Service

June 2006

Creation of the Land Grant systemin the United States was key tobringing education to the people…

Morrill Act signed by President Lincoln in 1862

•Each state would have a publicinstitution of higher learning

•Focus on improving agriculturalpractices, family and home life

•Land Grant institutions uniqueemphasis on teaching, research,and outreach to the community

Today, every state and territory hasat least one Land Grant institution

In Oregon, the Land Grant isOregon State University (OSU)—formerly the Oregon AgriculturalCollege (OAC); est. 1868

Extension in the beginning

Extension formalized in 1914 with Smith Lever Act established partnership between agricultural colleges and U.S.D.A. to provide for cooperative Extension work

Key element is cooperative funding between federal, state and local governments—and association with the Land Grant institutions

Extension EducationExtension Education

• Beyond the formal classroom.

• Indoors or outdoors.

• Mix of science and practice.

Extension Program StepsExtension Program Steps

• Identify needs by audience.

• Set performance objectives and prepare lesson plan for program.

• Choose educational method's.

• Prepare materials.

• Deliver (teach) program.

• Evaluate program impact.

Key Extension Principles:Personal Involvement

• Learners involved in needs analysis, program design, delivery and evaluation.

• “Most people have little interest in achieving goals set by someone else.”- Bob Logan, MSU.

Key Extension Principles:Changed Behaviors

• Extension education involves more than just teaching someone something they don’t know.

• Changing behavior is a more powerful force than creating awareness.

KASA Learning Levels

• Knowledge- more accurate information

• Attitudes-change in intentions

• Skills-using knowledge to accomplish tasks

• Actions-integrating skills and knowledge into new strategies for accomplishing work.

Key Extension Principles:Relationship

• Extension teachers develop long term relationships with learners through their community connections.

• Relationships build trust, break down barriers, and speed adoption of new technologies.