Writing and Research Self-Assessment Melinda Re January 8, 1999

Academic/Professional Background

I struggled for 7 years to go from a "high-school dropout" to a college graduate. I finally received my Bachelor of Science, Food Science and Nutrition, from Mankato State University (now Minnesota State University, Mankato) in 1978.

For 25 years I have held positions that were funded by government grants. I started out with Head Start in 1974. After receiving my degree, I worked with the Title 7 Nutrition Program for the Elderly and the Women, Infants and Children Supplemental Food Program (WIC). In 1985, I came to extension via the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) and am currently working with the Food Stamp Nutrition Education Program (FSNEP).

Each of these positions required the writing of proposals for public monies. They all required detailed program plans, evaluation processes and budgets. For the most part, I have been personally responsible for writing the very proposals that would fund my positions.

Each of these positions contained an education component. In addition to the administration of the grant, I was responsible for educating participants in each program. At Head Start, we educated pre-school children and their parents about the basics of food, nutrition, and health issues, like proper tooth brushing techniques. At the dining sites for the elderly, I was responsible for presenting a monthly lesson on nutrition issues. During my years with WIC, I had numerous education contacts with each participant concerning their individual nutritional needs. With EFNEP, I provided home visits and group lessons to participants. Now, with FSNEP, I have little contact with program participants, but I do share the responsibility of providing staff development to the team of cluster Nutrition Education Assistants.

In each of these positions, I was responsible for the development of the curriculum that was used. In many cases, I developed it myself. This has resulted in a lot of research and writing.

Although I have done a lot of writing, I have not grown as a writer. I have certainly gotten the grant "lingo" down pretty good. But virtually all the program and lesson plans I've developed have been about nutrition education. I feel like I don't know anything else. (Of course, nutrition is my life so I've learned to deal with this.) In a sense, I have become too specialized. I have not branched out of my niche. On one hand this has been very comfortable for me. I'm confident that I can tackle a grant proposal or write a nutrition lesson. On the other hand, I'm noticing that I'm not that comfortable with other writing assignments. They are hard for me. (There is a part of me admitting that I'll be "kicking and screaming" all the way to graduation!)

Professional Issues of Interest

I am interested in increasing my knowledge and skills in the area of behavior analysis. I am currently involved with implementing a curriculum that teaches to behavior change, yet I feel I need a better understanding of behavior change theory, practice, and how to evaluate behavior change effectively.

I would like to increase my ability to use technology. I am enjoying the opportunity to use technology to enhance this learning experience. I would like to learn to use technology for evaluation purposes in my position.

I have set a goal to improve my writing skills. I have always believed that I have a book in me. I am hoping that by working on my ability to research a subject and write about it, that I'll develop the skills I need to end up on the best seller's list. Gosh knows it's gonna take some work!

Because of my dietetics background, I would like to continue to focus my development on nutrition and health related issues. I am interested in remaining current on the latest research, recommendations, and strategies for delivering those messages to people who can benefit from them.

Professional Goals and the M. Ed.

My evaluation abilities are weak. Building my evaluation skills is my number one reason in pursuing further education. I want to develop my ability to evaluate learner and program successes (and/or failures). I need to learn about evaluation theory, process, and strategies. I would like to learn how to conduct effective surveys, focus groups and other evaluation vehicles. Taking what is learned through evaluation to enhance curriculum and teaching techniques, is the ultimate outcome of what I am hoping to gain through the M. Ed. Program.

Thesis Project

Thinking about a thesis project is catching me a bit off guard. I haven't given it any detailed thought. My inclination is to do something with evaluation. The program that I am currently working with touches a large number of learners. I would like to coordinate with others in the program and find out how my project could best help these learners and/or improve the education offered through the program.

-- Anonymous, January 08, 1999