Defining and Developing Curricula in the Context of Cooperative Extension

Authors

Martin H. Smith, University of California
Steven M. Worker, University of California
Cheryl L. Meehan, University of California
Lynn Schmitt-McQuitty, University of California
Andrea Ambrose, University of California
Kelley Brian, University of California
Emily Schoenfelder, University of California

Volume

55

Issue

2

DOI

10.34068/joe.55.02.22

Abstract

Effective curricula are considered to be the cornerstone of successful programming in Extension. However, there is no universal operationalized definition of the term curriculum as it applies to Extension. Additionally, the development of curricula requires a systematic process that takes into account numerous factors. We provide an operational definition of curriculum by describing the parts of a curriculum, discussing the organization of those elements, and recommending theoretical frameworks that complement the learn-by-doing approach used in Extension. We also describe strategies to guide curriculum development, adaptation, and evaluation that will help advance the potential of Extension curricula to achieve their intended outcomes.

Creative Commons License

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Recommended Citation

Smith, M. H., Worker, S. M., Meehan, C. L., Schmitt-McQuitty, L., Ambrose, A., Brian, K., & Schoenfelder, E. (2017). Defining and Developing Curricula in the Context of Cooperative Extension. The Journal of Extension, 55(2), Article 22. https://doi.org/10.34068/joe.55.02.22