Practical Evaluation Tool and Logic Model Framework for Extension Educators and Grant Writers

Abstract

Extension evaluation is a relatively young field of knowledge. Much of what we know today in program evaluation comes from the public education and health fields resulting in difficulties in adapting the methods to agricultural Extension. This article is based on long-term evaluation experiences of the authors that established a strong feedback system for two large grant-based programs in the Alabama Cooperative Extension System (ACES). Discussion on steps to evaluation strategy and electronic polling systems for data collection should appeal to new and experienced Extension educators. Several ideas for reporting are also included along with thoughts on improving response rates and capacity-building.