Summary
Research shows that positive parental and adult involvement has a direct influence on children that results in fewer behavioral problems. The 4-H mini-booth competition encourages positive adult-child interaction and provides an overall meaningful learning experience for youth.
Situation
Research shows that positive parental and adult involvement has a direct influence on children that results in fewer behavioral problems. According to a report by RMC Research called Middle Matters, the number and strength of school-family partnerships decline with each grade level, beginning with kindergarten, and show the most dramatic decrease at the point of transition into middle grades. The 4-H mini-booth competition encourages positive adult-child interaction. Another important skill involved in this project is learning life-long computer skills. In a world of changing technology, as soon as we teach a specific computer skill, it may be obsolete. There are, however, several essential computer skills needed for information problem solving. These skills were identified in a curriculum by Eisenberg, Johnson, and Berkowitz. They outlined the importance of learning the following computer skills: Information seeking strategies, location of information and access, use of information, and organization and communication of the information found.
Response
Each year approximately 260 5th-12th grade 4-H members enter an educational “mini-booth” into the Kiwanis Ogeechee Fair from Bulloch and surrounding counties. The topics are chosen by the students. Each entry is required to have a title poster, two information posters, and a floor display related to their topic. Members are provided a brochure that guides them through the process of creating their mini-booth exhibit. In Bulloch County, 4-H'ers are encouraged to work on their projects at home and are often assisted by family members. In several counties, the 4-H staff provides guidance and assistance in the 4-H office to the 4-H members participating in the mini-booth competition.
Impact
In 2007, 264 mini-booths were entered into the Kiwanis Ogeechee Fair. 4-H'ers were asked to complete a survey about their mini-booth experience. 118 surveys were returned. One aspect of the survey was to find out who helped the 4-H'er with their project. 42% had help from a family member, 5% had help from a teacher, 17% had help from an older 4-H member or teen leader, 12% had help from another adult such as a volunteer leader or neighbor, and 35% had help from a 4-H staff member. 100% received positive parental or adult involvement in the completion of this project. When asked what doing a mini-booth helped the 4-H'er learn: 97% strongly agreed or agreed that doing a mini-booth helped them comprehend what they read; 97% learned to choose the most important points from information they read; 92% learned more about their topic, while 93% were able to educate others about their topic. 84% of participants reported that they strongly agreed or agreed that they learned to plan, organize, and share ideas with others. 90% used the computer to locate information, while 92% used the computer to design and print their posters. Overall, 70% learned more about what a computer can do. Important life skills were gained by participants in the mini-booth competition. 87% said that doing a mini-booth enabled them to do what they said they would do. 86% felt good about themselves because they felt they had done their best.
State Issue
Positive Development for Individuals, Families and Communities
Details
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Year:
2007
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Geographic Scope:
Multi-County
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County:
Bulloch
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Program Areas:
