Professional Development

Authors: Brilliant Asamoah - Colby Silvert

This publication addresses best practices Extension and outreach educators can use to engage stakeholders in their program planning and evaluation efforts. The authors emphasize the importance of applying different techniques to involve stakeholders, from initial planning and design all the way to the point when recommendations are finalized and implemented. To help educators identify target stakeholders, the article describes brainstorming and analysis tools that can map and define relevant individuals and groups. A central tool described is the Power Versus Interest Stakeholder Analysis Grid, used to classify stakeholders based on the power and interest they will likely bring to an existing or proposed program. Educators can employ the structured processes in the article to help ensure that key stakeholders are not overlooked and community leaders buy into new programs. Both face-to-face and virtual engagement techniques and participatory evaluation models are highlighted, and a list is provided of resources for educators to deepen their knowledge on stakeholder engagement strategies within program planning and evaluation. Authors: Brilliant Asamoah and Colby Silvert; Title: Engaging Stakeholders in Extension Program Planning and Evaluation Efforts (FS-2024-0741).

Authors: Dhruti Patel - Mona Habibi

This publication is created to provide tips and suggestions on ways you can use the Zoom platform to implement successful online community education programs. It takes readers through visual illustrations of pre-meeting, during-meeting, and post-meeting features that can be used to seamlessly educate your clientele, collect feedbacks and extend outreach by broadcasting your programs on social media. Authors: Dhruti Patel and Mona Habibi; Title: Visual Guide for Using Zoom for Community Education Program (EM-9)

Authors: Jeff Howard - Amy Rhodes - Chenzi Wang

During 2020, the COVID 19 Pandemic forced University of Maryland Extension (UME) into teleworking. Although UME offices were closed, programming continued. To support staff and faculty in programming for the general public, a rapid response group was assembled to address distance learning and teaching needs. Faculty and staff insights of the experience are shared which could have implications on future Extension programming approaches. Authors: Jeff Howard, Amy Rhodes, and Chenzi Wang; Title: Continuing Extension Programming During a Pandemic: University of Maryland Extension Adapts to Dynamic Learning (EBR-58)

Authors: Taylor Kinniburgh - Neith Little

People with leadership roles in agricultural operations have the opportunity to benefit from good conflict management processes. When people are passionate about what they are doing, differing opinions on how to do something will arise, making conflict an inevitable part of any worthwhile endeavor (Bennett, 2023). While you probably can't eliminate all disagreements, developing your conflict management skills can increase efficiency and improve employee retention. This fact sheet will provide you with actionable skills to take back to your team. Authors: Taylor Kinniburgh and Neith Little; Leadership and Conflict on the Farm (FS-2023-0671)

Authors: Torrey Silliman

The Beginner’s Guide to Birding & Citizen Science is a self-paced, online class with seven modules that provide participants with information and tools for youth interested in birding. Each lesson provides an interactive presentation, a class discussion, and additional resources. Author: Torrey Silliman; Title: A Beginner’s Guide to Birding & Citizen Science (WB-2022-0643)

Authors: Vernelle Mitchell Hawkins

Extension Educators have been delivering research-based content to the community for over a century. These informal learning experiences for youth and adults are designed to be relevant, timely and age appropriate. Educators are considered experts in their respective content area and the community depends on their knowledge. Preparation for learning experiences is important for extension educators. The time and care that is taken align to University goals and meet intended learning objectives can make a difference in the amount of skills attained by learners. The tools presented in this document are designed to help the extension educator make written plans for single workshops, multi-session workshops, seminars, and short courses. The tools are intended to be easy to use across program areas and encourages efficient teaching. Author: Vernelle Mitchell Hawkins; Title: Planning Tools and Methods for Extension Educators (FS-1195).