Getting Started in 4-H Project Work Goal setting in the pathway to a successful and active 4-H members continued involvement in exploring the variety of projects available.

Learning, Growing and Development Learning, growing and developing self-esteem and self-confidence are important goals of the 4-H program. One way for youth to accomplish these goals is to set their own personal 4-H goals. Goal setting by the individual enhances learning and the development of self esteem and self-confidence. Setting realistic Goals takes away “Feeling of Failure” As goals are reached new goals for learning can be set preventing boredom. Allowing members to progress at their own rate. The same goal aren’t for everyone. The individual is in control of their learning. Development of a higher level of problem-solving skills. Begin to accept mistakes as a part of the learning rather than failures. Gain confidence and experience success, no matter how small, thereby developing self-esteem. Giving verbal praise or a pat on the back further encourages continued growth. (Cert. of Recognition, Etc)

What to do One of the roles of a volunteer leader is to guide their members. But its difficult to guide members along their project adventure unless we know where they want to go. Goals represent members destinations. Well written goals will help you, the members, and their parents or other project helpers know exactly where they want their project adventures to take them, and more importantly, shed some light on how and when they want to arrive. Use your first project meeting as a time for getting acquainted, goal setting, and planning for the new project leader.

Getting Started in your project Projects start at different times of the year. Some happen once a month while others 3-4 times each month. When ever project starts, it is most helpful to set some goals. For example, in the Foods project some goals might be to learn proper measuring, follow a recipe and handle food safely. Look through the project manual to get ideas on goals. Parents and leaders should be involved in the this goal setting. When starting a project for the first time, leaders and parents might suggest some goals that are necessary.

Tips on setting project goals Set goals that can be done as a group or individually with parent, leader and/or other members. Complete your goals early in the year & set up a timeline to work on goals before the fair, exhibit time or end of 4-H year. Setting goals gives members the opportunity to be active or have a “stake” in what they’ll be doing. The Goals should include what they will do, what will happen when it’s done (result) and a timetable. Write down the goals. As the year progresses, members need to record what you did and learned in your record book. It’s okay for goals to change as the project work happens.

Help 4-H’ers assess progress toward their goals 4-H’ers need to keep records of original goals set for the project and progress toward the goals such as recording project work in a record book.

Work Directly with the 4-H’er Give timely positive feedback to keep them on the right track. “Nice Job” by its self does not help the 4-H’er. Avoid comments such as, “You failed to…”, “Why did you do it this way?” Try open-ended comments such as “Tell me about your project.” Recognize growth of the individual “Nice Job” by its self does not help the 4-H’er. Refer to the 4-H’ers goals. What did he/she hope to achieve? What can the 4-H’er do to improve? Be specific with your suggestions. Avoid comments such as, “You failed to…”, “Why did you do it this way?” Your 4-H”ers cannot hear what you are trying to say. What they are most likely to have heard is “you failed”. “Why did you do it this way?” is likely to taken as a challenge and produce a defensive response. Try open-ended comments such as “Tell me about your project.” While telling you about the project the 4-H”er will answer your questions of why something was left out, left undone, or accomplished in a particular way. Recognize growth of the individual. For example, a very shy person may set the goal to make a presentation before a club, or a county presentation. Effective feedback would be your verbal and non-verbal support for to 4-H’ers’s effort to overcome shyness and fear of public speaking.

Project Completion Everyone feel good when the projects are finished! Projects are finished when members complete goals. When competed set new goals to be achieved.

Activity: Goal Setting Think about some typical project goals that members have mentioned through the years. Record their ideas, which may include such goals as: Win grand champion at the fair Learn something new Have fun Make a bookcase

Are these good goals? Good goals are measureable and have three parts: Action- how you will do something Results-what you are going to do 3. Timetable- when you are going to do it Lets apply some “goal setting” criteria to them, to see how they stand up. Good goals are measureable and have three parts: 1. Action- how you will do something 2. Results-what you are going to do 3. Timetable- when you are going to do it

Control Test Good goals also pass the “control test.” Does the member have control over the outcome of the goal, or does someone else have that control? For example a member controls the outcome of this goal, “I want to collect, identify, and display six new species of butterflies for this year’s fair,” but does not control the outcome of this goal, “I want to win grand champion for my butter fly display at this years fair.” In the second goal, the judge controls, not the member.

Meeting Goal Criteria Win grand champion at the fair- includes a result & timetable, but does not pass the control test. Learn something new- includes action, but doesn’t include a specific result or timetable: is not measurable. Looking back at the examples, let’s determine if each meets the “good goal” criteria.

More Meeting Goal Criteria Have Fun- includes action, but doesn’t include a specific result or timetable: is not measurable. Make a bookcase- includes action & Result, but doesn’t include a timetable.

4-H Goal Setting Worksheet Using the handout, “4-H Goal Writing Worksheet,” write a few goals that a member might have for a project(s) you lead. Discuss your goals with the group at your table. Do they meet the criteria?

Working with 4-H Members Its helpful to have copies of the fair premium book and the project activity guides on hand for their reference. Young and first time members need more help setting goals than older more experienced members. Pairing new members with more experienced members may be helpful.

Tips for Leaders Leaders should keep copies of their members goals. Well written goals help the members, leaders and their parents know exactly where they want their project adventures to take them. Keeping copies of your members goals will come in handy when planning future meetings and can be used later to measure members accomplishments. Well written goals help the members, leaders and their parents know exactly where they want their project adventures to take them. More importantly, they shed light on how and when they want to arrive. The next step is using the members’ goals to develop a project plan.

Closings Projects are where much of the 4-H Work happens. It’s your choice to pick what fits your clubs needs. You have the tips that will get your members started with your project experiences. Enjoy the fun of goal setting and fun with your 4-H’ers. Well written goals will help you, the members, and their parents or other project helpers know exactly where they want their project adventures to take them, and more importantly, shed some light on how and when they want to arrive. Use your first project meeting as a time for getting acquainted, goal setting, and planning for the new project leader.

Talking it over Group Reflection and Discussion How do well written goals help members focus their project experience? Why might it be useful to have fair premium books and project activity guides on hand when helping members develop their project goals? What do you think is the most important to think about when picking a 4-H project? Looking back at past project experiences, what has helped you have a good experience?

Apply Write your own goals for this years project experience. What do you want to learn or do? What are your goals for the group? Compare your goals with those of other volunteers and parents and incorporate them into the project meeting plan, as well. How might your club hear about & support member project work?