Introduction to Positive Youth Development and the 4-H Thriving Model
“There is a compelling call for the importance of a national model of PYD for use in the programs of 4-H. There are several approaches or frameworks about the meaning of PYD that exist, and I agree with the authors that there are some with little to no science to support them. I appreciate, as well, the frank call for the use of theory-predicted and methodologically rigorous developmental science research in the building and enactment of the national model.”
Richard M. Lerner, Bergstrom Chair in Applied Developmental Science, Tufts University (2020)
In A Roadmap for Youth Thriving: A Commentary on the Arnold and Gagnon Vision for Positive Youth Development
Welcome to the first session of Foundations of Positive Youth Development for Early 4-H Career Professionals. This session introduces participants to each other and to the research base of positive youth development (PYD) and explores how that research is reflected in the 4-H Thriving Model. Self-paced learning assignments include academy welcome and introduction activities, information on the history and development of the 4-H Thriving Model, and the historical application of social science in 4-H programs. During the live webinar session, hosted by two 4-H PYD Champions, participants will learn more about the 4-H Thriving model with time for questions about and reflections on the learning in Session One.
Learning Objectives
~Learn the historical research base of 4-H youth development
~Learn the science-base of the 4-H Thriving Model
~Learn the 4-H Thriving Model as the theory of PYD in 4-H
~Learn the four components of the 4-H Thriving Model
~Understand the connection between 4-H participation and positive youth development impact
Before you begin – please register for one of the two live webinar sessions that will be held next week.
Please complete the self-paced learning assignments listed below in the order they are presented
Clicking on the button will open the content in a new tab. To return to the session content, click on the PYD Academy tab on your browser’s tab list. This will take you back to where you left off.
Step One – Complete the Academy Pre-Program Assessment
Step Two – Introduce Yourself on the Padlet interactive map!
~Click the + button in the lower right corner
~Put your location in the search
~Enter your name, university and job title
~Share a favorite fun fact about you
~Take or upload your photo – click on the green camera icon at the bottom
~Choose your pin color- at the top next to your location
~Hit publish
New to Padlet? Watch a 2 minute tutorial here!
Step Three – Listen
4-H Program Leader Welcome Podcast
Hear reflections from personal experience on the power of 4-H PYD and the value of participating in this PYD Academy from two 4-H Program Leaders, both of whom started in 4-H as county educators.
Rachel Lyons, New Jersey 4-H Program Leader
Dr. Todd Kessner, Montana 4-H Program Leader
Step Four – Watch
Framing 4-H Positive Youth Development
Step Five – Listen
Why the 4-H Thriving Model?
In this podcast Maria Walker and Ashley Benes, 4-H educators from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln explore the origins and purpose of the 4-H Thriving Model as a roadmap for 4-H PYD.
Step Six – Read
From Context to Outcomes: A Thriving Model for 4-H Youth Development Programs
In this paper you will read about:
The 4-H Thriving Model and why it was developed.
We are having you read this paper because:
We want you to have a basic understanding of the 4-H Thriving Model, the research it is based on, and why the model was developed for 4-H.
As you read don’t worry too much about:
All the specific details about the model, especially the names of the thriving indicators. This paper is meant to introduce you to the model, to help you understand why it was developed, and learn about the research supporting it. Your goal is to have a basic understanding of the model and its components after reading this paper. As you go through the academy you will learn more and more about the specific parts of the model.
Pay close attention to:
Understanding the three components of the model, especially how youth thriving is an important bridge between what happens in a high quality 4-H program and PYD outcomes. Notice the information about the importance of professional development that begins on the bottom of page 154. That is why you are here!
Step Seven – Reflect
Take a moment and think through what you have learned so far, and write down your responses to the following questions:
- The most interesting thing you have learned so far
- A new understanding or “ah-ha”
- A question about what you have learned so far
Step Eight – Share
Share your reflections with other academy participants on the following Padlet sites. Be sure to add your thoughts and comments to other’s posts too!
Step Nine – Attend ONE of the Live Webinar Sessions
Tuesday, October 24th OR Thursday, October 26th (2 hours, select one)
12:00pm to 2 pm ET (11am- 1pm Central; 10am – Noon Mountain; 9am to 11am Pacific)
Session One of the academy wraps up with a live webinar session. In this session, 4-H PYD Champions will host a “watch party” of a video on the 4-H Thriving Model. Please come prepared with question you have from the learning so far as there will be time for discussion in addition to the video. Feel free to bring popcorn and enjoy! Session recording and materials are available below.
Step Ten – Confirm Completion and Complete the Session Evaluation!
After you have participated in the live webinar there are two steps to complete before you move on to the next session – Confirm completion of all session requirements and complete the session evaluation.
You will be directed to the confirmation and evaluation site at the end of the live webinar session. You can also return to this page to complete this required step.
Your input on the academy experience is critical to helping us shape the best possible academy going forward!
Step Eleven- Go to Session Two
Optional Step – Go Deeper!
If you are interested in understanding more about the 4-H Thriving Model and the research base behind other youth development frameworks the following articles are recommended!
- Arnold, M. E., & Gagnon, R. J. (2019). Illuminating the process of youth development: The mediating effect of thriving on youth development program outcomes. Journal of Human Sciences and Extension, 7(3), 24-51.
- Arnold, M. E., & Silliman, B. (2017). From theory to practice: A critical review of positive youth development program frameworks. Journal of Youth Development, 12(2), 1-20.
- Fields, N. I. (2020). Exploring the 4-H Thriving Model: A commentary through an equity lens. Journal of Youth Development, 15(6), 171-194.