Abstract
The complexities of food, agriculture, natural resources, and human sciences (FANH) programs and projects require faculty to write and secure funding in addition to mastering skills such as evaluation competencies that integrate abilities in quantitative and qualitative research methods and evaluation theory and practice. The EVAL Framework was developed to advance skill development among FANH graduates to include these competencies and increase the pipeline of students who have the essential skills needed to advance FANH initiatives and priorities. The EVAL Framework includes four primary constructs: (a) Evaluation, (b) Value, (c) Active and Experiential Learning, and (d) Leadership. The purpose of EVAL is to build relationships with untapped FANH fields to develop a pipeline for graduates to become evaluation leaders for advancing food and agricultural sciences. This experiential learning and development model focuses on foundational and enrichment experiences, through formal coursework, project-based learning, and contextually rich environments. Mentoring, individualized development plans, scholarly learning communities, collaboration, transferable skills, and career planning and guidance activities are integrated into the EVAL framework to enhance skill development among EVAL scholars.
Highlights
Introduction and Problem StatementThe complexities of food, agriculture, natural resources, and human sciences (FANH) programs and projects require scholars to master the ability to write and secure funding and to develop mastery of evaluation competencies that integrate abilities in quantitative and qualitative research methods, evaluation theory, and practice
Cultural adaptability, life-long learning, ethical decision making, creativity, teamwork, communication, and leadership are essential skills needed for post-graduate success (Succi & Canovi, 2020)
Fostering effective essential skills in graduate education holds the promise of developing graduates who are able to thrive in a world in which teamwork and collaboration are omnipresent (Britton et al, 2017)
Summary
Introduction and Problem StatementThe complexities of food, agriculture, natural resources, and human sciences (FANH) programs and projects require scholars to master the ability to write and secure funding and to develop mastery of evaluation competencies that integrate abilities in quantitative and qualitative research methods, evaluation theory, and practice. The United States Department of Agriculture (2018) recommended scholars and practitioners should be better prepared to administer quality program evaluations to assist policymakers in constructing the bestinformed decisions These skills alone do not provide meaningful approaches for continuous improvement given the complexities of interdisciplinary issues in FANH. Fostering effective essential skills in graduate education holds the promise of developing graduates who are able to thrive in a world in which teamwork and collaboration are omnipresent (Britton et al, 2017). These essential competencies, coupled with evaluation competencies, create evaluation scholars and practitioners who will help fill the identified gaps in the food and agricultural sciences
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