Cultural Self-Identification Among Extension Educators' and Cultural Competence in Cooperative Extension
Year: 2017
Type: article
Abstract: As immigration and globalization are increasing, the number of people in our country who speak more than one language is also increasing (Center for Public Education, 2012). These trends are creating needs for culturally and linguistically diverse (CLD) students and families in schools, specifically, the need for culturally responsive pedagogy and culturally competent teachers. In addition to formal educational contexts, non-formal educational contexts such as Cooperative Extension need to adapt to cultural changes as well. The purpose of this study was to explore the personal beliefs and professional experiences of present Extension Educators (EEs), and the techniques they practice in outreach to CLD families and youth. Few studies have examined beliefs and practices related to cultural competence in Cooperative Extension professionals. A purposive sample of Kansas EEs (n=10) participated. Participants were 60% female (40% male) and represented counties from all over Kansas and all areas of Extension Education. Four major themes emerged across the interviews regarding the meaning of culture, the perceived cultural similarities and differences in the clients served by the participants, and specific practices that EEs utilize in their work with culturally diverse families and youth: (1) definitions of culture, (2) importance of families, (3) newcomers and norms, and (4) the concept of time. EEs also identified three areas that need to be met by Cooperative Extension in order to successfully engage CLD families and youth in their counties: (1) the challenges for the EE when serving CLD clients; (2) the needs of the EEs to better serve their CLD clients; and the resources required to overcome these challenges and meet the needs of CLD clients. Advisor: Julia Torquati
Source: Lincoln (University of Nebraska)
Author: Ruddy Y Benavides
Language: English
Domain: Life Sciences
SDG: Quality education
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2744271893