Writing Objectives for Extension Programs by Glenn Israel

Orienting Question üHow 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 4 Expressed (felt) needs 4 Analysis of social & environmental conditions 4 Research results 4 Political pressure

Levels of Objectives 4 Inputs 4 Activities 4 Participation 4 Reactions 4 Knowledge, Attitudes, Skills & Aspirations (Behavioral intentions) 4 Behavioral or Practice Change 4 Social, Economic & Environmental Conditions

Questions About Objectives 4 Are they realistic with the limitations of audience capacity, instructional expertise, and the diffusion of change? 4 Are they feasible within the limitations of time, budget, and other resources? 4 Are they consistent with the values of Extension and the community, and with our legal responsibilities?

Writing Useful Objectives 4 Use strong verbs 4 State only one purpose or aim 4 Specify a single end-product or result 4 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: 4 Parity participation in 4-H programs 4 Use of specific Best Management Practices (BMPs) 4 Passing scores on pesticide certification tests

Approaches to Establish Performance Criteria 4 Legislation & regulations 4 Research findings 4 Theoretical models 4 Experience with similar programs 4 Stakeholders’ expectations 4 Past performance 4 Professional standards or ethical values

Elements of Strong Objectives n Target audience (who) n Criteria for coverage n Outcome (what) n Criteria for outcome

Examples of Measurable Objectives 4 Objective: – 35 4-H members will practice communication skills in relationships with parents or peers during the week. 4 Objective: – 100 Pesticide Applicators will use at least half of 10 recommended pesticide safety practices all of the time after completing the program. 4 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 n Increase older adults knowledge of and participation in educational and behavioral activities recognized as leading to healthy aging n 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 n 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