Writing Objectives for Extension Programsby Glenn Israel

Orienting Question

How do you tell a good objective from a bad one?

A Goal is a general statement of a desired state toward which a program is directed.

see Rossi et al., 2004:98

An Objective is a specific, operationalized statement detailing the desired accomplishment of a program.

Sources of Objectives

Expressed (felt) needs

Analysis of social & environmental conditions

Research results

Political pressure

Levels of Objectives

Inputs Activities Participation Reactions Knowledge, Attitudes, Skills &

Aspirations (Behavioral intentions) Behavioral or Practice Change Social, Economic & Environmental

Conditions

Questions About Objectives

Are they realistic with the limitations of audience capacity, instructional expertise, and the diffusion of change?

Are they feasible within the limitations of time, budget, and other resources?

Are they consistent with the values of Extension and the community, and with our legal responsibilities?

Writing Useful Objectives

Use strong verbs

State only one purpose or aim

Specify a single end-product or result

Specify a time frame for achieving results

Strong & Weak Verbs for Objectives

Strong: to increase to adopt to describe to demonstrate

Weak to promote to encourage to understand to become

aware

Criteria are rules, standards, norms, conditions, or behaviors which are considered to be "good" or are of value or use.

Performance criteria examples:

Parity participation in 4-H programs

Use of specific Best Management Practices (BMPs)

Passing scores on pesticide certification tests

Approaches to Establish Performance Criteria

Legislation & regulations Research findings Theoretical models Experience with similar programs Stakeholders’ expectations Past performance

Professional standards or ethical values

Elements of Strong Objectives

Target audience (who)

Criteria for coverage

Outcome (what)

Criteria for outcome

Examples of Measurable Objectives Objective:

– 35 4-H members will practice communication skills in relationships with parents or peers during the week.

Objective:– 100 Pesticide Applicators will use at least half of

10 recommended pesticide safety practices all of the time after completing the program.

Objective:– Half of poultry producers attending Extension

programs will adopt at least one marketing method for the sale of by-products next year.

Critique the Objectives Increase older adults knowledge of and participation

in educational and behavioral activities recognized as leading to healthy aging

To provide effective educational programs to Florida's citizens and consumers at various levels, leading to improved food handling practices, and consequently, to a safer food supply

To provide information concerning sustainable commercial production practices that will be cost-effective, including practices such as fertilization, crop protection, and rotational crops. It is anticipated that 40% of the growers will adopt such practices within the next four years