The Opportunity to Support & Enhance Through Research, Evaluation, & Professional Development Megan Owens April 6, 2016
Discussion Outline ExperienceResearchEvaluation Professional Development
Personal Experience 14 years of youth development experience Out of school time programs: Before/Afterschool, camps, enrichment, cultural arts, sport events, early childhood Staff & program development Evaluation of staff & programs Continuously engaged in collaborative relationships
Appeal of Position Broadly impact youth development Opportunity to collaborate with educators UME and State of Maryland are dynamic settings Impacting urban, suburban, and rural populations Addressing & meeting diverse needs UME 4-H comprehensive programming
UME Research for Positive Youth Development
Research Vision: Source of information & examining impact of 4-H on developmental outcomes
Personal research agenda fits well with the 4-H Life Skills model Social-emotional learning during out-of- school time programs Relationship skills Social Awareness Self-Management Self-Awareness Responsible Decision-Making Research
Research Agenda Youth Social-Emotional Learning 4-H programs & camps Youth-adult partnership as a facilitator Club programs Activity engagement Leadership roles Actual program context
Research Dissemination Peer Reviewed Journals Journal of Extension Journal of Youth Development Journal of Youth & Adolescence Conferences NAE4-H Conference National ACA Conference Educator Resources 4-H Blogs & Articles Meetings Networking
UME 4-H Evaluation for Program Enhancement
Evaluation Conducting thoughtful evaluation What Subject, Outcome Why Purpose, Benefit Who User of information Source of information
UME 4-H Evaluation Prioritizing need and developing a plan Explore & assess current evaluation practices Identify evaluative needs Connecting to program logic models Either National 4-H or UME designed
UME 4-H Educator Professional Development & Growth
Professional Development
Provide training that is useful & interesting Educator needs & recommendations Bring information on trends, issues, or topics Understand current practices & develop plan for implementation Form: in-person group, web-based Location: statewide, regional, county-level Frequency: annual, quarterly, as needed Who: educators, volunteers
Impacting Positive Youth Development Comprehensive approach Building a culture Promoting youth’s abilities Encouraging youth’s interests Recognizing their challenges Helping them develop strategies for success Recognize & incorporate the similarities & differences of programming
Megan Owens April 6, 2016 Questions?