Learning Task #5 - What do our Clients/Constituents Think? Jim Nesseth, M.ED, Extension Co-Hort Learning Task #5, February 3, 2000

What do our Clients/Constituents Think?

I interview several clients who have been recipients to Extension programs. My reaction on their responses to my question regarding what they think and want in terms of future programs was two-fold.

First, both groups seemed to be very bottom line orientated. I came away feeling the clients I work with want positive alternatives that affect their bottom line. They are in production agriculture to make money so they can support their lifestyle and provide opportunities for their families.

Where these clients seemed to separate in terms of teaching methods was their attitude to short-term goals and long-term goals. Most short-term goal-oriented clients prefer answers or alternatives to specific questions on immediate issues. i.e. What herbicide do I use and how do I apply it to take care of this specific weed escape or how many acres do I need to be permitted for my feedlot permit?

I firmly believe we need to be able to respond to these types of questions and fulfill these expectations. Hopefully, this will be the beginning for building a relationship or collaborative for future long-term programming.

The other clients I interviewed seemed to have a more long-range perspective and felt Extension could best provide information because of it's diversity and resource. They tended to be attracted to programs that offered continuous information and moved with emerging issues. These constituents liked marketing clubs or commodity groups with an educational focus. They are receptive to active teaching methods and wish to receive and participate in presentations and discussions. These clients basically want to raise their level of involvement and have ownership in the overall program.

This group stimulates me because they are highly motivated and have great retention levels in terms of learning. They keep me current and accountable. Most importantly they have become a tremendous support base for future needs.

--James B. Nesseth (jnesseth@extension.umn.edu), February 3, 2000

-- Anonymous, February 04, 2000