What in the world is the “BIG M?”
Mnenomic devices?
A mnemonic device (pronounced "neh-mon-ik") is a memory aid. Mnemonics are often verbal, something such as a very short poem or a special word used to help a person remember something, particularly lists. They are based on the principle that the human mind more easily remembers spatial, personal, surprising, sexual or humorous or otherwise meaningful information than arbitrary sequences.
KPCOFGS . . . ?
The “BIG M” is not about the “M”
4-H: The American Idea
Creating Greater Opportunity for Youth
Learning By Doing Leading By Example Access to 105 State Land-Grant Universities 7 Million Youth partnering with 3,500
professional educators and 640,000 volunteer leaders
Over 100 Years of Reaching Youth
Approaches to 4-H Youth Development
PREVENTION
YOUTH DEVELOPMENTEDUCATION
Focus: Risks
Focus: Skills & Knowledge Focus: Developmental Needs
Target: Social Norms
Target: Individual Learners Target: Opportunities for Youth
Goal: Fewer Problems
Goal: Competency in knowledge or skill Goal: Maturity
Understanding the Different Approaches
Biological & Physical Changes
Cognitive Changes Psychosocial Changes
Competencies 1. Health/Physical 3. Cognitive/Creative 2. Personal/Social 4. Vocational/Citizenship
Needs 1. Physiological 6. Independence/Control 2. Safety and Structure over one’s life 3. Belonging/Membership 7. Self Worth/Contribution 4. Closeness/Relationships 8. Capacity to enjoy life 5. Competency/Mastery
Contextual Influences
Community, Family, Peers, School, Work, Leisure
Developed by Cathann A. Kress, Ph.D.
EDUCATION
YOUTH DEVELOPMENT
FOCUS
Essential Elements of 4-H
Belonging1. Positive Relationship with a
caring adult
2. An inclusive environment
3. A safe environment
Mastery4. Engagement in Learning
5. Opportunity for Mastery
Independence6. Opportunity to see oneself as an
active participant in the future
7. Opportunity for self-determination
Generosity8. Opportunity to value and practice service for others
All Youth will find ways to:
1) Meet their basic needs
2) Build skills and values
3) Use their skills, talents, energies and time in ways that make them feel good and powerful.
I pledge my heart to greater loyalty…
Current research emphasizes the
importance for youth to have opportunities for
long-term consistent relationships with adults
other than parents.
This research suggests that belonging may be
the single most powerful positive ingredient we
can add into the lives of youth.
BELONGING
I pledge my head to clearer thinking…
Youth need to know that they are able to
Influence people and events through
decision-making and action.
INDEPENDENCE
I pledge my hands to larger service…
Youth need to feel their lives have meaning and
purpose.
By participating in 4-H community service and citizenship activities, youth can connect to communities and learn to give back to others.
GENEROSITY
I pledge my health to better living…
In order to develop self-confidence youth
need to feel and believe they are capable
and they must experience success at
solving problems and meeting challenges.
MASTERY
Essential Elements of 4-H Youth Development
Kirk A. Astroth, DirectorArizona 4-H Youth Development1
Elements of Vibrant Youth Groups
Research Question What accounts for the differences
between 4-H clubs within the same area, county or state?
Vibrancy
Pulsating with life, vigor and activity Foster a sense of personal influence over
life's events rather than submission to the will and whims of others
Acceptance and respect for youth Inner confidence Believe in themselves and the future Authentic
#1--Focus on Weaning, Not Winning
High expectations Ownership by
young people Autonomy and
self-determination Being our best, not
beating the rest
#2--Firm, Yet Flexible
Able to change how they do things, but not their core purpose
Clear standards and group norms
Consistency and reliability
Balance between rigidity and chaos
#3--Work Hard, Play Hard
Sense of purpose Fun, learning,
growth Group outings Community
service Develop a positive
work ethic
#4 - Empower Rather than Embalm
Enable youth to lead Develop responsibility and
decision-making skills Provide opportunities to
critically text, explore and discuss ideas in safe environments
#5--Communicate and Listen Youth are listened to,
respected, and input valued
Involve members in discussions and decisions
Atmosphere is characterized by coaching, support
#6--Balance between Chaos and Rigidity
Vibrant groups as “chaordic”—balance between chaos and too much order
Can adapt to changes and move on
Like families that need balance—not enmeshed nor permissive
#7—Affirm and Support One Another
Sense of belonging, group cohesiveness
Defined sense of “self” and group membership
Take pride in and celebrate the accomplishments of all
“Not to be the best but do our best”
#8—Value and Practice Service to Others
Community service is truly valued
Groups feel an obligation to improve their own community
Part of the group’s fundamental purpose
#9--Mentoring
Intentional about mentoring to socialize new members
Provide a support structure
Indoctrinated into the values, customs and traditions of the club
#10—Take Time for Training
Set aside time to train youth for roles
Adults see their role as helping with development, not quick solutions
Help youth grow into positions of leadership and responsibility
#11--Synergy
All elements must be present
The whole is greater than the sum of the individual parts
The process is more important than the outcomes
“Youth acquire a sense of significance from doing significant things, from being active participants in their own education.”
--Alfie Kohn
Now it’s your turn… REFLECT & SHARE
What surprised you? What seemed to be “common sense”?
GENERALIZE How would you use these ideas in your 4-H work in your
county or reservation? What similarities and parallels exist between vibrancy
and the essential elements? APPLY
How is this information useful to you?
SUMMARY Youth programs that involve youth as key partners in
planning, implementation and evaluation are stronger than programs that see youth as “clients” or “recipients”
Adult attitudes and perceptions of youth capabilities are key in setting group climate (stop global whining)
Adult leadership styles must vary with age and circumstances
Eleven elements of vibrancy help add to our knowledge of “best practices” in positive youth development
Empowerment“If you are here to help me, then you
are wasting your time.
But if you are here because your liberation is bound up in mine, then
let’s begin together.”
--Lilly Walker
an Australian Aborigine
Resources
Astroth, Kirk A. (1996). Welcome to the Club: Education Where the Bell Never Rings. Unpublished doctoral dissertation. Bozeman, MT: Montana State University.
Astroth, Kirk A. (1998). "Beyond Resiliency: Fostering Vibrancy in Youth Groups," New Designs for Youth Development, 13(4): 5-11.
Walker, J., Dunham, T. and Snyder, E. (1998). Clubs and Groups in the Social Education of Young People. The Center. Minneapolis, MN: University of Minnesota. Online at: http://www.fourh.umn.edu/resources/center/PDF/Center-Story4.pdf