Publications
The National 4-H Recognition Model
4-H Volunteer Leaders Series
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Why
Recognition? The Model
Beliefs About Recognition Making
it Work Selection of Awards
Why Recognition?
Recognition is not a separate, unrelated part of 4-H. It should be an integral
part of all 4-H educational experiences. The National 4-H Recognition Model
provides a framework for meeting the challenge of recognizing young people
in 4-H. Because we work with a variety of young people in many different
learning situations, we cannot expect one type of recognition to work in all
situations.
The Model
The National 4-H Recognition Model uses five approaches:
1. Participation - Simple requirements, well publicized, can be earned
many times, is presented at the activity, is appropriate for activity and
4-H'er, and need not be expensive but is valued by the 4-H'er.
2. Progress Toward Self-Set Goals - For all ages and activities,
realistic and reachable, uses 4-H'ers own goals and plans, evaluated by 4-H'er
and adults, and is measured against goals.
3. Achievement of Standards - Established by specialists, clearly defined
and not changed, uses rating categories (Blue, Red, White) and measures quality.
The Teen Star Award is one example.
4. Peer Competition - High risk, makes competition optional, can confuse
means and ends, needs rules and procedure, may generate publicity and is not for
children under the age of nine.
5. Excellence in Cooperation - Uses mutually agreed upon goals, gives
attention to way group works, ultimate goal is not recognition and recognizes
all. (Club Community Service Award)
Beliefs About Recognition
4-H subscribes to some basic beliefs that make recognition an educational tool
for developing life skills. These are:
Meets basic human need.
Builds positive self-esteem.
Balances extrinsic (tangible) and intrinsic (intangible).
Part of all 4-H experiences.
Appropriate recognition takes many forms.
Requires adult support.
All 4-H'ers need to be recognized at some time.
Presented soon after earned and in front of significant others.
Appropriate recognition for individual 4-H'ers varies with their stage of
development, past experiences, family lifestyle, community and cultural
heritage.
Includes self-assessment and reflection.
Gives choices to 4-H'ers in learning and participation.
Balance is needed among all element of the model for 4-H programs at all
levels.
Making it Work
As a 4-H volunteer, your challenge is to help young people become
self-directed, productive, and contributing citizens. Recognition is one of
the ways you can achieve this goal. Although we regularly use recognition,
we need to continually review our efforts to see if we are at our desired
goals.
Selection of Awards
When you select awards, here are some ideas to consider:
Select awards appropriate for the age of your members. The award should be
something that age group values. For example, 9- to 11 year-olds like to collect
things, so ribbons, buttons, etc., are valued. Teens appreciate things they can
use - cash, sweatshirts, etc.
Select awards related to the learning experience: remember, they do not need
to be expensive.
Use the 4-H name and emblem, whenever possible. The use of the 4-H group's
name or county name is always appropriate. Using the University of Arkansas,
Division of Agriculture, Cooperative Extension logo will add prestige to the
award.
Select awards that are distinctive and show good design principles.
Avoid using the same award repeatedly for the same program or different
program.
Remember, news media reports (newspaper, radio, etc.) enhance any award.
Written by Darlene Z. Baker, State Leader - 4-H Youth Development Specialist.
Reference: Recognition Handbook: Guide for Facilitators, produced by CSREES/USDA
and National 4-H Council, 1996.
| Author: |
Darlene Z. Baker, Ph.D., Ph.D., State Leader - 4-H Youth
Development |
DR. DARLENE Z. BAKER is state leader - 4-H youth development,
Cooperative Extension Service, University of Arkansas, Little Rock.
4HCL1-PD-10-02N
|
