Experiential Learning
Model
The 4-H program
was established around the model of "learning to do by doing." Today,
new phrases like experiential learning or authentic learning are used to
describe that model. People learn best by being involved in the learning
process, thinking about what was learned and then how to apply it to real
life situations. This "doing" method is usually more successful
than "showing" or "telling" learners how to do
something.
To help members get the
most out of learning experiences follow these steps.
· Experience
Do an activity
· Share
Discuss the experience
by describing what happened.
· Process
Discuss the
experience to identify common themes.
· Generalize
Identify
principles that can be applied in real-life situations
· Apply
Use the principles to apply to what was learned to another situation.
Completing this entire
process helps youth gain meaning from what they learn and do. As the
leader, you can help them understand new experiences and what they have
learned.
How 4-H Members Learn
Here are some
basic principles that apply to all learning situations. First of all,
people learn in an atmosphere of warmth and acceptance. If youth feel they
are not wanted by you or other adults or ridiculed by their peers, they
will not learn.
Youth must set clear
self-determined goals for their learning. If they understand the purpose of
learning, they can make these goals relevant and meaningful.
Each 4-H member will
have different abilities. The same learning method will not be equally
successful with all of them. Adequate learning requires motivation.
Self-motivation comes from basic needs, personal preferences, feelings of
self-worth and belonging. For 4-H members to become life-learners, it is
important to promote a learning environment that facilitates
self-motivation.
Several traditional 4-H
teaching techniques add variety and excitement to the learning process as
follows.
Demonstrations
Demonstrations
are showing and telling how to do something. A leader can present
demonstrations to help the members learn. The members in turn can reinforce
this learning by giving their own demonstration for the group. Often this
is done at the next project meeting for review.
A demonstration has
four parts:
· Introduction
What the member
is demonstrating and why.
· Body
The steps of
the skill and how to do them.
· Summary
Review of the
steps.
· Questions and answers
The member
answers questions the audience may have.
As members become more
experienced they should be encouraged to present their demonstrations at
club meetings, for parents, at achievement day or even at the State
Fair.
(Also, see your local newsletter, achievement day announcement and 4-H
Clover for more details.) As members progress they will assume an increasing
amount of responsibility for choosing a subject, preparing the
demonstration and evaluating their efforts.
Demonstrations help
members:
- Develop a positive
self-concept;
- Acquire more
self-confidence;
- Express their ideas
clearly;
- Spontaneously respond to
questions;
- Acquire subject matter
knowledge.
Judging
Judging
is making a decision and telling why you made it. In 4-H, judging is
comparing two or more items and deciding which is better and why.
Successful judging
depends on knowledge of the product and the standards that an acceptable
product must meet. Members then compare products to those standards. The
next step is to rank the products and give the reasons why members ranked
them as they did. An official judge provides feedback on the product
standard and the ranking. This can be the project leader or another expert.
One example of a
judging class might be making the best choice for breakfast for a
10-year-old boy:
- Pastry roll, butter, soft
drink
- Cereal, orange juice, milk
- Pancakes, butter, syrup and
milk
- Apple, toast, butter and
soft drink
(Example placement: B,
C, D, A)
Reasons will include representation from food groups and nutritional
content of calories.
Judging teaches members
to make sound and valued decisions. It also teaches members to appreciate
standards, to observe closely and to develop their reasoning ability.
Skillathon
Skillathon
is a teaching technique involving 4-Hers and others in challenging,
noncompetitive activities. It is designed as a series of mini learning
stations with an assistant at each station. Planting a tomato seed is one
example of a station. Another might be measuring a cup of flour.
The participants rotate
from station to station attempting to perform the task they are given. The
assistants allow all team members to test their knowledge and abilities
before giving them any hints. 4-Hers are given feedback on their
performance and supported by the assistant when they falter.
Skillathons can help
members evaluate their ability to solve the challenge presented. Members
can make this part of the learning by doing experience.
Skillathon LG733 (PDF)
Quiz
Bowls
Quiz
bowl is based on the "quiz" contest of old, College Bowl, and
similar to Academic Bowl contests in some high schools. It is an exciting
way to challenge members with the knowledge they have. It can be
competitive, fun and encourage independent study.
Members are given toss
up and bonus questions relating to a specific body of knowledge.
Quiz Bowl LG732 (PDF)
Field
Trips and Tours
A field
trip or tour can be just around the corner, across town or in a different
county. It is important to plan the field trip in advance with members to
make sure the most learning takes place. Visiting the local greenhouse,
grocery store or craft shop will have more impact if the project group has
discussed what they are looking for in advance. Set the stage about what
members will see and define your expectations of behavior.
Different settings can
create new environments in which members can learn and add excitement.
Don't forget to discuss the experience afterwards. Use the experiential learning
model to reflect and apply what was learned.
Exhibiting
Many
4-H members will exhibit what they have made at the local or county
achievement day or fair. Encourage members to take part in conference
judging if it is available. That's where they talk to the judge about the
process they used to make their project and what they have learned. This
gives members an opportunity to received feedback on their learning
experience and recognition for the work they have done.
In general remember
the words of Benjamin Franklin, "Tell me and I forget, teach me and I
remember, involve me and I learn."
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