Learn By Doing

"Learn By Doing" has been the 4-H motto and primary teaching method for nearly a century. This commonly heard phrase means learning a skill by actually doing it, not just watching a demonstration, hearing instructions or reading directions.

Experiential Learning Model Experiential Learning is the more modern term for "Learn By Doing". The Experiential Learning Model is a three step process.

The first step is Do - doing the activity.

Step two is Reflecting - sharing the experience with others and analyzing what happened.

Step three is Apply - generalizing the experience by making connections to the real world and applying what was learned to another situation. To learn more about Experiential Learning, ask your 4-H Educator to borrow a copy of "Heads-On, Hands-On", a manual (filled with great Experiential Learning lessons and activities) and the companion DVD.

Benefits of Projects At its core, 4-H is an informal educational program that enables young people to acquire knowledge and skills useful for a lifetime. Many of these skills are learned through projects. For those new to 4-H, think of a project as a subject or topic of interest a 4-Her wants to learn more about. Projects can also be thought of as independent study since most project work is done at home under the supervision of a parent or older family member. Every 4-H member is expected to complete at least one project annually.

Engaging in project work provides the following benefits:

• Increasing knowledge and skills in a member selected subject
• Developing good work habits
• Learning to set goals, plan work and keep good records
• Staying "on task" until the job is done
• The opportunity to exhibit skills and share knowledge
• Developing public speaking skills
• Exploring an interest that may lead to a career
• Pride in a job well done
• Providing service to your club, community, country or world

Learn By Doing includes the following lessons:

A Quick Look at Projects - categories and sources of manuals;

Helping Members Select a Project - what to consider before choosing;

Ordering Project Manuals - how and where to order;

Project Completion Requirements - understanding what's involved;

Record Books - documenting accomplishments.

Before beginning this unit please take the Learn By Doing Pre-Test. After you've completed the last lesson in this unit you will be prompted to take the Post-Test (same questions as the Pre-Test).

As with previous units, a Learning Check is provided at the end of each lesson to help you master the key points. You will be prompted to post a message to the Learn By Doing Discussion Board to share ideas with other volunteers who are part of our Online Learning Community. If you have questions or thoughts you'd rather not post, please send them to Dan at dtabler@umd.edu .

A link to the Volunteer Quick Reference is included at the end of each lesson. Please send Dan Tabler your questions and suggestions for improving this training by clicking the link below or at the end of each lesson.