An Opportunity to Achieve Competency/Mastery
The third critical element in positive youth development is the opportunity to achieve
competency/mastery. Mastery is the building of knowledge, skills and attitudes and then
demonstrating their competent use in the manner of the proficient practitioner.
Youth will experience success by completing activities appropriate for their own developmental
stage and learning style. Youth set goals and celebrate accomplishments. The development of
mastery is a process acquired over time and improved with repetition.
4-H volunteers might consider the following questions: In our club…
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Do members get assistance and guidance in selecting projects that are appropriate for their
individual developmental level and learning style?
Do individual members set goals for their own projects as well as goals suitable for the
group as a whole?
Do members have the opportunity to practice skills until they master them?
Do members gain knowledge in project areas through hands-on activities?
Are members held accountable for their goals?
Do members reflect and receive feedback on their accomplishments?
Do members share their achievements with each other?
Do members receive public recognition for their achievements?
Some practices the 4-H club may want to implement if they are not already in place include:
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Project Selection - At one meeting early in the year, set aside time to highlight different
projects and to discuss with members and parents the differences in the project levels.
Encourage members to try new activities and enroll in a variety of projects each year to gain
wider experiences. In time, they will probably discover their own talents and skills and
choose to limit their involvement to a few select projects. Then members should be
encouraged to try more challenging activities within a project area to expand their learning.
Leaders may want to share information that is included in the 4-H fact sheet Project
Selection by 4-H Members that is located on the urban web site in Becoming 4-H Savvy at
../4hfacts/members.html.
Project Goal Setting –Parents, project leaders, junior leaders as well as organization leaders
should help members set project goals. Youth should scan the project manuals to see what
types of activities are offered and read the fair exhibit recommendations. Project planning
sheets for each age level are available from the Extension Office. Completing project
planning sheets and the competitive application in the 4-H Recognition for Excellence
program will assist youth in developing worthwhile record keeping skills. More information
and a timeline for planning are included in a 4-H fact sheet Setting Project Goals that can be
found on the urban web site Becoming 4-H Savvy at ../4hfacts/goals.html. Periodic checks at
4-H club meetings to review members’ progress toward their goals should be scheduled.
Hands-on learning - The 4-H motto is "Learn by Doing." This integral part of the
community club program offers needed opportunities to learn and practice new skills, talents
and abilities. Doing doesn’t automatically mean learning. Youth need time to talk about
what they are doing and how it applies to their own lives. Project and junior leaders can
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assist members in experiencing active, fun learning at 4-H meetings, at project meetings or
in individual sessions. Members need time to practice those skills until they master them.
The new 4-H manuals often list subject matter as well as life skills. 4-H members gain
experience in communication skills through the delivery of project talks and demonstrations
at the club and county level.
Feedback and reflection - 4-H volunteers should assist members in practicing the
experiential learning model when doing project activities. Time to explore, discuss, and
reflect on their ideas and choices are important means for feedback and reflection. A key
component to experiential learning is that youth have the opportunity to reflect on their
experience and to receive feedback from others as well. Conference judging at the 4-H fair
is one example of feedback. Clubs may also want to incorporate times for reflection on
project work and club events and activities in their club program. Each new 4-H manual
explains the experiential learning model and lists questions to help members and leaders
experience, reflect and apply their knowledge and skills.
Recognition - The 4-H Recognition for Excellence program provides formal and informal
ways to recognize the accomplishments of individual members and the 4-H club as a whole.
Items for recognition are available yearly for recognition of progress toward goals (based on
goal setting) through the Extension Office. 4-H clubs should plan recognition events to
celebrate the accomplishments of their individual members as well as the achievements of
the club.
Club goal setting – Youth should be involved in planning and carrying out programs and
activities based on their individual and collective needs, interests, and concerns. Youth are
the best source of information about what youth will find interesting and worthwhile. 4-H
clubs should complete a yearly planning process involving members, leaders and parents to
develop the club goals and plans for the 4-H year. A good club program plan will provide a
role for each member and leader, meet the needs of all members and leaders, share
responsibilities; inspire a balanced plan between learning, work and fun provide for better
communication; develop teamwork skills, and help to avoid calendar conflicts. 4-H Program
Planning Tools for 4-H Clubs are available on line at ../4hplanning/index.html.
Junior leader responsibilities -Youth profit through opportunities to practice skills and
knowledge they have learned; to develop their own leadership skills; and to share their
knowledge with others (particularly younger members) through teaching project skills. To
increase retention of older members, 4-H clubs should look for ways to give experienced
youth new and progressively more complex responsibilities within the club setting. The 4-H
fact sheet Junior Leader Responsibilities on the urban web site at
../4hfacts/responsibilities.html gives numerous ideas of ways junior leaders can assume
responsibility in their club.
Written by Sheri Seibold, Extension Specialist, 4-H Youth Development, Illinois State 4-H Office
University of Illinois ● U.S. Department of Agriculture ● Local Extension Councils Cooperating
University of Illinois Extension provides equal opportunities in programs and employment.
The 4-H Name and Emblem are Protected Under 18 U.S.C. 707.
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