Setting Transparent Expectations for Successful Group Work

Jim Jawitz (far right) collaborating and discussing with students. Image was taken prior to national guidelines of face coverings and social distancing. Credit: Tyler Jones, UF/IFAS

Regardless of workspace or class setting, group work has gotten a reputation for being less than pleasant. However, when individuals have the opportunity to prepare for group work via understanding their personal strengths, expectations, and perspectives, the not-so-popular group work can often turn into pleasant, productive, and collaborative engagement. Because group dynamics shift and vary from group to group, there is a constant learning opportunity to understand how to work in groups successfully. This new 2-page publication of the UF/IFAS Department of Agricultural Education and Communication will identify simple yet effective strategies that can serve as foundational building blocks whenever preparing oneself or others for group work. Written by Cecilia E. Suarez and Jarred A. Shellhouse.
https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/wc389

Culturally Responsive Teaching: A Framework for Educating Diverse Audiences

Students in a classroom taking a test. Image used in the 2014 Research Discoveries report.

As the diversity of Extension clientele continues to grow, it is important for Extension educators to consider new ways of supporting this population. The purpose of this new 5-page article is to provide a framework for educating diverse audiences to assist in helping these audiences attain the learning outcomes of Extension education programs. This includes: (1) acquiring a knowledge base of diverse cultures, (2) designing or utilizing culturally relevant curricula, (3) utilizing cultural caring and developing a learning community, (4) practicing intercultural communications, and (5) establishing cultural congruity in classroom instruction. Written by John Diaz, Cecilia Suarez, and Laura Valencia and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Agricultural Education and Communication.
https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/wc341