4-H Programs Provide Higher Levels of Learning
WEST PLAINS — Educational researchers indicate when students receive a hands-on approach to learning and can participate in the selection of topics presented, they are more likely to achieve authentic retainable learning.
According to researcher John Biggs, who spent his career studying ways to improve learning, “interaction, problem-centered assessments, a high degree of learner activity, and learner choices can all contribute towards improved learning.”
This more democratic approach in allowing students autonomy in what they learn may not be possible in a public school setting, but in 4-H this is exactly the approach taken.
“As a result, we find confident 4-H students who are excited about the knowledge they are gaining,” said Krista Tate, 4-H youth development specialist with University of Missouri Extension.
With the structure of 4-H, students and their club leaders guide the program to what the students want to learn. Topics range from rocket building, veterinary science, sewing, business entrepreneurship, to the more traditional 4-H topics like livestock and dairy production.
Once a student determines his or her interest, hands-on projects are created to allow the student an in-depth discovery of his or her topic.
“Once a student has made the learning experience their own and placed personal responsibility to the subject, higher levels of learning will occur, which is the overall goal of education — for students to acquire critical thinking skills,” said Tate.
Once the 4-H students complete their projects, they then report back to their club, sharing and teaching what they learned. This ability to justify what they have accomplished and explain it to their peers is the highest level of learning.
“In addition, it gives students ownership of their education and a sense of pride in what they have accomplished,” said Tate.
Many clubs will then enter their members’ projects into county fairs where the students again justify and explain their projects to a panel of judges.
Missouri 4-H is University of Missouri Extension’s youth development program. The 4-H program helps to create opportunities for young people to be valued, contributing members of their community. To learn how to get involved locally, go to http://mo4h.missouri. edu.
Residents of southwest Missouri can contact any of these 4-H youth development specialists and educators with MU Extension for information: Jennifer Hancock in Christian County, 417-581-3558; Krista Tate in Howell County, 417-256-2391; Bob McNary in Jasper County, 417-358-2158; Karla Deaver in Lawrence County, 417-466-3102; Mike Coffey in Newton County, 417-455-9500; Velynda Cameron in Polk County, 417-326-4916; Willa Williams in Taney County, 417-5464431; or Janice Emery in Texas County, 417-967-4545.