Guiding Principles
Extension scholarship is broadly defined as creative activity in the development and/or application of Extension educational products. Examples of Extension educational products include the following:
- Curricula/programs
- Websites
- Social media
- YouTube and videos
- Online courses
- Digital publications
- Mobile apps
- E-Newsletters
Extension scholarship goes beyond the simple delivery of prepared Extension programs or resources. It involves a measure of needs assessment, the establishment of clear objectives, either the development of new educational products or the significant adaptation of existing educational products, appropriate delivery, the thorough evaluation of outcomes, and continued reassessment and revision as warranted.
A primary means of demonstrating scholarship will be through peer-reviewed Extension educational products. Moreover, the originality and quality of Extension educational products can be validated by peers and end users.
Examples of evidence of Extension scholarship in terms of peer review or validation by peers or end users include, but are not limited, to the following:
- Adoption and use of Extension educational products by other Extension personnel
- Peer-reviewed Extension educational products targeted to clientele
- Publication of Extension educational product implementation success and impacts in scholarly and professional journals, especially those involving collaborative efforts
- Receipt of awards for excellence in Extension educational product creation or implementation
- Measurable changes in policy, systems, or environment resulting from the use or delivery of Extension educational products
- External funding to support Extension educational products
- Presentations of Extension educational products at professional and scientific meetings
- Collaboration at the regional, multistate, or national level on projects to develop Extension educational products.