The Value of Relevant, Project-Based Learning to Youth Development

Project Based Learning models present authentic learning opportunities with real-life situations, enabling students to set their own learning goals and forge their own relationships (Barab, et al., 2001). The autonomy inherent in this model allows youth to bring their skills and experiences to real situations and to be seen as valued community members. This article describes a project-based learning model involving “externs,” who developed and implemented sustainability projects in their communities. Externs worked with Cooperative Extension professionals on locally relevant community projects during the summer of 2011 in three Arizona counties. The project based learning experience had a positive impact on the lives of our three externs

The Value of Relevant, Project-Based Learning to Youth Development

Project Based Learning models present authentic learning opportunities with real-life situations, enabling students to set their own learning goals and forge their own relationships (Barab, et al., 2001). The autonomy inherent in this model allows youth to bring their skills and experiences to real situations and to be seen as valued community members. This article describes a project-based learning model involving “externs,” who developed and implemented sustainability projects in their communities. Externs worked with Cooperative Extension professionals on locally relevant community projects during the summer of 2011 in three Arizona counties. The project based learning experience had a positive impact on the lives of our three externs

Ladders to Leadership: What Camp Counselor Positions Do for Youth

The 4-H youth development organization understands and has recognized residential camping as one of the major modes of program delivery. Primary benefactors of the residential camping program are those youth who serve as camp counselors. Not only are they recipients of the educational program, but also supervise and teach younger campers (Garst & Johnson, 2005; McNeely, 2004). As a result of their experience, camp counselors learn about and develop leadership and life skills (Thomas, 1996; Purcell, 1996). The residential camping experience allows youth to serve as volunteers through their role as camp counselors. In addition to the benefits earned from their volunteer role, residential camping provides youth camp counselors the opportunity to gain leadership skills (Arnold, 2003) as well as add to the camp structure, planning, and implementation (Hines & Riley, 2005)

Narrations from the U.S.-Mexico Border: Transfronterizo Student and Parent Experiences with American Schools

In education today, Latino populations are growing, but Telles and Ortiz (2013) claim they account for the lowest academic levels and the highest levels of dropouts. Latino transfronterizo (literally border crossing) students and their parents in this study have high academic aspirations in spite of challenges of poverty, second language acquisition, and other difficulties which arise from U.S.-Mexico border contexts. Through dissecting the events of the 1990s and early 2000s, the progression of northern migration from Mexico and the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 influenced anti-immigrant sentiment along the border and enactment of laws and policies to limit circumnavigating the international line. Misidentification as illegal immigrants creates borderland perceptions that Latinos are suspects and often results in discriminatory treatment from postcolonial dominant culture. This culture is reflected and perpetuated in schools where home language surveys identify native Spanish speakers to segregate them into Structured English Immersion programs for students with Limited English Proficiency. Ethnographic research from January of 2013 to August of 2015 included over 300 observations and 14 semi-structured interviews with seven transfronterizo students and nine parents revealed language disconnects between school and home. Relationships between teachers and students/parents did not exist and trust was lacking. Latino parents wanted to help students with school, but English only requirements limited their assistance. Through the use of Furman's ethic of community and Yosso's community cultural wealth, educational leaders could create communal process at schools to build the capacity of teachers and parents to create relationships and shared cultural competencies

Narrations from the U.S.-Mexico border: Transfronterizo student and parent experiences with American schools

In education today, Latino populations are growing, but Telles and Ortiz (2013) claim they account for the lowest academic levels and the highest levels of dropouts. Latino transfronterizo (literally border crossing) students and their parents in this study have high academic aspirations in spite of challenges of poverty, second language acquisition, and other difficulties which arise from U.S.-Mexico border contexts. Through dissecting the events of the 1990s and early 2000s, the progression of northern migration from Mexico and the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 influenced anti-immigrant sentiment along the border and enactment of laws and policies to limit circumnavigating the international line. Misidentification as illegal immigrants creates borderland perceptions that Latinos are suspects and often results in discriminatory treatment from postcolonial dominant culture. This culture is reflected and perpetuated in schools where home language surveys identify native Spanish speakers to segregate them into Structured English Immersion programs for students with Limited English Proficiency. Ethnographic research from January of 2013 to August of 2015 included over 300 observations and 14 semi-structured interviews with seven transfronterizo students and nine parents revealed language disconnects between school and home. Relationships between teachers and students/parents did not exist and trust was lacking. Latino parents wanted to help students with school, but English only requirements limited their assistance. Through the use of Furman’s ethic of community and Yosso’s community cultural wealth, educational leaders could create communal process at schools to build the capacity of teachers and parents to create relationships and shared cultural competencies

Jean Jems: Simple Sewing Projects made by recycling old blue jeans

14 pp."Jean Jems" is a simple sewing project guide for 4-H youth. All projects utilized recycled blue jeans to allow youth to learn sewing skills on inexpensive fabric. Projects advance from very simple to more involved

Favorite Food Show Guide

30 pp.The Favorite Food Show Guide provides basic information for 4-H youth and adults to better prepare for this event. Multiple illustrations make this guide very user friendly and information could be used as lessons for 4-H meetings

6-4-6, A Sports Ethics Program

24 pp.6-4-6; A Sports Ethics Program is a companion piece to the Josepheson Institute's Character Counts program. Utilizing the same principals as their Pursuing Victory with Honor sports ethics program, 6-4-6 is targeted at youth ages 5-13. Sportsmanship, teamwork and fun are the focus of this easy "user friendly" set of lessons and manual. It is designed to meet the needs of volunteer coaches and increase positive parental involvement in youth sporting events. Portable challenge games that focus on the six pillars of character begin each practice and are the basis for the program. Parents, coaches, and youth sign codes of conduct at the beginning of the sports season to establish expectations for all

Responsibility: A Lesson Plan for Youth Team Coaches [6-4-6: A Sports Ethics Program]

2 pp.6-4-6; A Sports Ethics Program is a companion piece to the Josepheson Institute's Character Counts program. Utilizing the same principals as their Pursuing Victory with Honor sports ethics program, 6-4-6 is targeted at youth ages 5-13. Sportsmanship, teamwork and fun are the focus of this easy "user friendly" set of lessons and manual. It is designed to meet the needs of volunteer coaches and increase positive parental involvement in youth sporting events. Portable challenge games that focus on the six pillars of character begin each practice and are the basis for the program. Parents, coaches, and youth sign codes of conduct at the beginning of the sports season to establish expectations for all

Making Youth Gardens Grow with Captured Rainwater . . . and Video

In the arid Southwest, water is a limiting resource. Rainwater harvesting is garnering favor, but many are unaware of the myriad uses for that water. Access to fresh, healthy food is also limited in many rural counties because the arid climate makes farming conditions difficult. Teaching youth gardening with rainwater increases the accessibility of local food and the importance of capturing water that might go unused. A series of videos made in youth and adult partnerships provides a tutorial for project duplication worldwide