It should include specific objectives, activities, a bibliography, an evaluation form, and tip sheets for teaching others. Three years of experience with television leader training programs, in northeastern Minnesota, have given agents confidence that television increases enrollment and reaches large audiences. However, Extension agents questioned whether television training could increase knowledge or change a viewer's attitudes or behavior.1 Traditional leader training meetings in St. Louis County in northeastern Minnesota have been attracting 5-15 participants a session. Because of county size, agents teach the lessons at distantly scattered sites. In contrast, television leader training techniques could attract 300 or more participants without requiring agents to train leaders more than once.
Television also allows training to cross county lines, which helps stretch resources.
Television leader training may also be more time and cost effective than traditional meetings.2 Cost effectiveness would depend on the county, lesson, number of people taught, and number of sites employed. The dietary guidelines state seven main areas of focus. Former participants in Extension programs requested leader training on weight control and exercise. The program's major goal was to train community leaders to recognize a safe and effective diet plan and prepare those leaders to teach it to others. Promotional letters were sent to former Extension program participants, health professionals, community groups, and area agencies.