Connecting the Dots

-Outside the Box-

FCS Program DayApril 17, 2009Patsy A. Ezell, Ph.D.

Connecting the Dots for Our Future

Dr. Nick PlaceAssociate Dean & Associate Director

Maryland Cooperative Extension

Taking Stock of Our DOTS

• Our Programs:–Are we on target?–Are we focused on important issues?–Are we relevant to 2009?–Are we viewed as experts?–Have we asked our clientele what

they need?

Taking Stock of our Dots

1. Move into Groups Based on Issues in Articles2. Group Facilitators will guide questions3. List all Programs on Individual sticky sheets4. Post on Impact Team sheet that program is

most closely connected with from your team’s perspective.

Taking Stock of Our Dots

• Our Public Value: Why is it important?

Teresa McCoy, Assistant Director, Program Evaluation

Need for AdditionalProfessionals

Identified as the “OrganizationOf Choice” for

LifeLong Learning

Outcome Thinking

SuccessfullyDocumenting Extension’sPublic Value

Increased Demand For Extension’s Services

Increased Funding From Non-Traditional

Sources

New Clientele

Community Researchers Seek Out Extension to

Put new Ideas Into Practice

Extension Strengthens Partnerships with Local and State Governments

Public Gains Awareness of Extension Mission

Increased FundingFrom Traditional

Sources

Non-Traditional Partnerships

Increased demand for Services in new venues

What IS A Program?

• A program is a planned series of interrelated educational strategies.

• An Extension program is a planned educational response to an identified need with clear objectives and expected outcomes.

What IS a Program?

• A Comprehensive Educational Program:• Series of interrelated, planned learning

opportunities with clear objectives and expected outcomes.

• Engages participants over time.• Results in behavior or practice change, and

ultimately social, economic or environmental improvements.

Program ComponentsTraditional

• Series of educational sessions or workshops• On-line learning modules• Educational exhibits• Health Fair• One Shot program• Brochures and Publications• Newsletters• Mass Media

Program ComponentsNot-So-Traditional!

• Webinars• PodCasts• YouTube• Social Networking Sites• Smartphone Learning• 2nd Life Simulations• Blogs

ISSUE:

Program:

Expected Outcome:

Yellow = Single Session Class Blue = Educational ExhibitsGreen = Multi-session Series of Classes Orange = Train the Trainer ProgramViolet = Web-Based Training/Class Red =Social Marketing (brochures, newsletter, media

Comprehensive Program Planning Sheet

Programs

• New/Emerging Programs– First year efforts– Pilot efforts– Developed or identified to address a specific need– Developed to target a specific audience

Programs

• Promising Programs– 2nd or 3rd Generation emerging program– Addresses important issue identified through

needs assessment or clientele– Implementation has resulted in measurable

behavior/practice change in target audience– Evaluation studies show promise for assessing

social, economic or environmental changes over a period of time.

Programs• Signature Programs of Excellence

– Designed to solve individual, group, and/or community issues identified by clientele

– Grounded in research-based knowledge – Includes systematic documentation of curriculum

development and program evaluation– Enhances public good through environmental,

social, and economic impacts that are attainable and measurable.

– Integrated across multiple disciplines, universities, and/or regions and replicable at state or national levels.

Programs

• Evidence-Based Programs

– Evaluation research shows that the program produces the expected positive results;

– Results can be attributed to the program itself, rather than to other extraneous factors or events;

Programs

• Evidence-Based Programs (continued)

– The evaluation is peer-reviewed by experts in the field; and

– The program is “endorsed” by a federal agency or respected research organization and included in their list of effective programs

Re-Framing Our Dots

• Programs and Impact Teams

Impact Team

Stakeholder Input

Impact TeamsAn Integrated Approach

Integrative Thinking Model

Words of Wisdom

The significant problems we face today cannot be solved at the same level of thinking we were at when we created them.

--Albert Einstein

A E

B C D

The Problem

Where does the ‘F’ go?

A E F

B C D

The Problem

A E

B C D F

The Problem

Integrative Thinking……• Incorporates Creativity into Process• Utilizes lateral thinking to explore

indirect linkages and possibilities• Looks first at the “whole”• Looks second at the linkages between

the “whole” and connections to other “wholes”

• Develops a framework for the creation of new knowledge and action

Creativity

“Creativity is the process of challenging accepted ideas and ways of doing things in order to find new solutions or concepts”.

George BouldenThinking Creatively (2002)

Why Use Creative Thinking?

• By applying creativity to any process, it is possible to break out of usual routines and patterns of doing things.

• Creative thinking brings together ideas that were not previously connected.

• Thinking creatively can result in innovative solutions to difficult problems.

Facts About Creativity

• Creativity is the basis for integrative thinking• Creative thinking involves changing

assumptions and beliefs.• Creativity does not always result in better

results; however, it does generate more options and ideas, and offers new insights.

The Situation

● ● ●

● ● ●

● ● ●

The Problem

● ● ●

● ● ●

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Connect all nine dots using four straight lines without lifting your pencil.

Nuts & Bolts (& Washers!)

Connecting Campus and Field Faculty: Moving Toward Interdependence

Steven Covey, Seven Habits of Highly Effective People

Connecting the Dots in a New Way:Impact Teams That Work!

• Work in teams of 2 or 3. • Select one Program off the board and take it

back to your seat. Write name of original team on paper provided.

• Select one item out of ‘creativity basket’ to provide inspiration to your efforts.

• With your team members, discuss connections between your program and other impact teams..

Connecting the Dots in a New Way:Impact Teams That Work!

• Identify one new team with a clear connection to your program if you look at your program in a different way.

• List the second team on paper.• What different issues can be addressed through this

interdisciplinary team approach? Discuss and list.• Make a connection with a third team. What

happened? Do you have a new program with a different focus? Will it serve a different audience?

Connecting the Dots in a New Way:Impact Teams That Work

• Record the third team on paper.• Write your new issue statement, and name

your new multi-disciplinary program to address the issue.

• Share your results!

AttitudeMakes Things

Happen….

Positive and Negative Thinking

are

BOTH CONTAGIOUS!

A Positive Attitude

Results in…

• Optimistic approach to living• Confident in self and others• Find solutions rather than problems• Ability to see the brighter side of life• Happier and healthier

Whatever the MIND

expects, it finds.

Does Someone You Know Need an Attitude

Adjustment?

Your Attitude is Your Choice!

AttitudeOur attitudes control our lives. Attitudes are a secret power working twenty-four hours a day, for good or bad. It is of paramount importance that we know how to harness and control this great force. Tom Blandi

We need YOU on the TEAM!

We ask you to make a commitment to:• A positive attitude• Excellence• Teamwork• Creativity and Innovation• Patience• Active Engagement in the Process• Continual Learning

Thanks for your active participation as we move forward together!