Discusses the rural educational needs that led to the development of the U.S. Extension Service in the early 1900s. Lists demographic, sociological, political, and technological changes currently affecting extension education, and calls for research to clarify the future of the Extension Service. (SV)

Sketches the historical and contemporary context of special funding for university adult and continuing education in Britain. Examines in detail developments in extramural education since 1979. Considers the impact of the Thatcher government's decision to transfer funding to the new Universities Funding Council. (SK)

A study examined career and professional development activities of 250 postsecondary and adult instructors who did not have education degrees and who had been teaching five years. Information on age, prior education, vocational field membership, occupational mobility, teaching experience, attrition, and development of teaching competence and…

A joint effort between the Minnesota Extension Service and University of Minnesota School of Medicine produced a community-based research and educational program on stress, depression, and suicide prevention. The Teens in Distress program represents a successful collaborative effort and illustrates the potential problems when Extension…

Theme articles discuss environment, food, agriculture, and renewal resources as they relate to science education, learning partnerships, collaboration in Kyrghyzstan, leadership development, opportunities for collaboration, networking, and the creation of a shared course between agribusiness and biology. (JOW)

Notes changes in the social contract between society and land grant universities and resulting implications for rural sociology's research, teaching, and extension agenda. Traces the legislative, academic, and social contexts of these changes. Suggests new organizational and networking strategies for rural sociology that will foster new…

Reviews advantages and disadvantages of four extension delivery methods: partnerships, master volunteer programs, information centers, and regional programs. Concluded that the key is matching individual, community, and emerging needs with the right method. (SK)

Of the 224 women who listened to Spanish-language radio spots on parenting, 154 completed pre- and postinterviews. Most appreciated the series and were significantly more likely to answer parenting questions correctly after listening. (SK)

Describes the instructional approach and philosophy of the Loyola Institute for Ministry Extension (LIMEX) in New Orleans, offering master's degrees and certificates in religious education. Focuses on the use of intentional learning communities of 8 to 17 students working communally and LIMEX's definitions of "good learning" and…

Three case studies of Third World development illustrate the usefulness of qualitative research methods such as CIPP (Context, Input, Process, Product), oneshot interviews, and grounded theory. Adjusting technology to people and cultures rather than changing people to fit technology is advocated. (SK)

Introduces the definition and conventions of distance education, otherwise called correspondence coursework, as it has developed over the last several decades. Characterizes the movement of distance education from peripheral to central prominence in many educational systems, particularly as relates to the challenges and opportunities in the…

Includes four articles: "Estimating Economic Impacts of Programming: A Case Study of Forestry" (Marcouiller et al.); "Aquaculture Opportunities" (Snyder); "Starting a County Agricultural Marketing Program" (Vossen); and "A Multidisciplinary Model for Industry Support: Program Redirection Creates Missouri Textile…

A three-year project assessed the effectiveness of using a farm owned and operated by a local producer to implement, demonstrate, and transfer available technology. Responses from 104 of 340 participants indicated that on-farm demonstrations were effective. (JOW)

The college of agriculture at the University of California at Davis has used cooperative extension for renewing its social contract with the public in the area of education. However, this result does not necessarily extend to its impact in the field of agriculture. (MSE)

The Antigonish Movement, Farm Radio Forum, and Centre for Community Studies were three Canadian community development programs that supported adult education's social change mission. Current extension practice focuses on cost recovery and marketing courses to those who can pay; these historical examples show a way to renew the mission and vision…