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In
4-H, everything that we do is in some way linked to
learning. Whether it is 4-H project work, life skills,
citizenship or leadership, 4-H work is full of learning
opportunities and objectives. These learning objectives
are just as significant in the service learning process.
It is important to determine the learning objectives
early in the project planning phase. Be sure to include
direct links to 4-H project work as well as identifying
life skill areas that the 4-H’ers can learn through
participation in the service learning project. By identifying
learning objectives early, your group can more easily
reflect on them throughout the service learning experience.
It is important to remember that your learning objectives
should be developmentally appropriate for the age group
you are working with.
Youth can
be great resources in identifying what they can learn
through the service learning project as well as what
they want to learn. A great place to begin looking at
learning objectives is in the 4-H project books. What
type of service learning project can assist you as a
4-H leader in providing learning opportunities that
address the learning objectives? |
In
Haywood County, 4-H youth and Extension personnel created
a unique way to train judging teams in interior and landscape
design. In particular, the group wanted to learn to landscape
design and interior design, including how to arrange furniture.
As part of the project called “Dazzling Design,”
4-H’ers helped design the interiors and landscaping
for a Habitat for Humanity home. Extension specialists
and agents taught the young people about good landscape
design techniques, furniture arrangement and good proportions
for interior design, and presentation boards for their
plans. The president of the local Habitat for Humanity
told the youth about Habitat and answered questions concerning
the project. Then, the youth paired up and created designs
for two rooms in the house and one landscape design per
team. Each team presented their ideas to the family who
would live in the house. The family chose the designs
they wanted, and the young people assisted in implementing
their plans.
