Towards a Competency–based Extension Education Curriculum: A Delphi Study

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the competencies entry–level Extension professionals will need in 2015. A Delphi panel of nationally recognized Cooperative Extension experts was developed to collect data. The 12 panelists reached consensus on 19 competencies. There were two key groupings among the competencies: extension program development process and core interpersonal skills. Cooperative Extension should examine ways to align its efforts with the competencies identified from this study in order to pro–actively plan for a successful future.

Identification of translational dermatology research priorities in the U.K.: results of an electronic Delphi exercise

“…This technique, first reported in 1963, has been employed for over half a century to gain consensus in multiple situations, ranging from views on transformative drugs developed by the pharmaceutical industry to forecasting population migration . Likewise, the Delphi approach has been used to assist in the planning of education, including the dermatological content of the undergraduate medical curriculum . More recently, Delphi has been utilized to prioritize research in various medical specialties, including occupational medicine, respiratory medicine and mental health …”

“…[15][16][17] Likewise, the Delphi approach has been used to assist in the planning of education, including the dermatological content of the undergraduate medical curriculum. [18][19][20] More recently, Delphi has been utilized to prioritize research in various medical specialties, including occupational medicine, respiratory medicine and mental health. [21][22][23] In the current study, members of UK TREND conducted an electronic Delphi (e-Delphi) exercise to help prioritize translational research in dermatology.…”

Identification of the Competencies Needed to Apply Social Marketing to Extension Programming: Results of a Delphi Study

“…Competencybased professional development initiatives may promote job satisfaction and the improvement of core skills necessary for successful Extension work (Brodeur, Higgins, Galindo-Gonzalez, Craig, & Haile, 2011). Harder, Place, and Scheer (2010) asserted that by improving organizational…”

Interpersonal Leadership Competencies of Extension Agents in Florida

“…Leadership competency models provide a framework to guide leadership training for individual, interpersonal, and team development (Hollenback, McCall, & Silzer, 2006). Benge, Harder, andCarter (2011) andHarder et al (2010) found interpersonal leadership competencies such as communication and interpersonal skills were important competencies needed by pre-entry and early-career Extension agents in every program area. Specific to 4-H, competencies such as conflict management, communication, and multi-tasking were described as important by experienced agents (Harder & Dooley, 2007).…”