Driving the Thriving – From Theory to Practice
“(The 4-H Thriving Model) is a terrific start to designing an actionable theory of change based on the science. Most youth development programs are applauded if they get this far; the process of developing a theory of change takes valuable time and resources for testing and consensus building. An even bigger challenge comes next – and this is the part that ultimately impacts youth experience and outcomes. This next step is to align resource; coordinate professional learning; and get the adult, or implementors, bought in and up to speed on the theory of change and associated practice.”
Deborah Moroney – Vice President American Institutes for Research (2020)
In From Model to Reality: The Role of Implementation Readiness
In this session we begin to build the bridge from research to practice, integrating what has been learned so far into three important aspects of 4-H youth development practice: (1) developmentally appropriate practice through the lens of ages and stages of youth development; (2) diversity and culture awareness; and (3) youth engagement. During the live webinar session participants will apply what is learned to program decision making and celebrate the impact that 4-H has on helping youth thrive.
Before you begin – please register for one of the two required webinars for Session Five
Please complete the self-paced learning assignments listed below in the order they are presented.
Clicking on the button will open a new tab. To return to the session content, click on the PYD Academy in your browser’s tab list. This will take you back to where you left off.
Step One – Watch
Helping Youth Thrive – Issac’s Story
This video, produced by The University of Kentucky 4-H Foundation, shares the story of one 4-H member who thrived through participation in 4-H. Before watching the video, be sure you have a way to take notes at hand. As you watch the video, see how many connections you can make between Issac’s story, and what you have learned about the 4-H Thriving Model.
Step Two – Share Your Observations
Follow the link below to share your observations of the elements of the developmental context made it possible for Issac to thrive in 4-H.
Step Three – Read
Understanding and Working with Youth
Meagan Scott Hoffman and Chloe Krinke, North Dakota State University
It’s always important to remember the “development” part of positive youth development! This is because the youth you work with as Cloverbuds are completely different than the youth who are nearing high school completion. In 4-H we work with youth across this broad age spectrum, so it is important to have a clear understanding of the developmental stages, and the four areas of development that are different at each stage: Physical, social, emotional and intellectual. This document provides the basic information about these developmental ages and stages along with a useful tool for applying the information to 4-H program planning.
Step Four – Complete
Increasing Cultural Awareness and Equity in Extension Programs Course
For this step you will complete a three-module course on cultural awareness and equity in Extension programs that is available through eXtension. The course takes approximately 1 hour to complete. The modules will introduce you to foundational terms related to cultural competencies and equitable practices and also encourage you to explore your own dimensions of culture. The third module is focused on 4-H volunteers, that will give you insight into how to build these skills with volunteers.
In order to access the three modules you have to have an account with campus.extension.org. When you click on the link above you will be asked to log in or create an account if you do not already have one.
Step Five – Read
Zeldin, Christen, and Powers (2012)
Step Five – Reflect and Share
To wrap up the academy learning, please take a minute and answer the questions on the padlet using the link below. Be sure to provide your answers PRIOR to the live session
Note that there are five questions. Enter your answer in the column below the question.
Step Six – Attend ONE of the Live Webinar Sessions
Tuesday December 5 or Thursday December 7 (2 hours, select one)
Passcode: Thrive
Passcode: Thrive
Step Seven – Do the Evaluation
After you have participated in the live webinar, be sure to come back here to complete the Session Two Evaluation. Your input on this pilot academy is critical to helping us shape the best possible academy going forward!