The four e-Forums held from November 2013 through February 2014 were recorded. More information and materials can be found by clicking on the session title.
Promotional Video for the 2013-14 e-Forums (3:52 minutes)
You’ve Got 4-H Parents! Now What??
Parents play a critical role in deciding the organizations in which their children will participate. The experience the family has in 4-H during their first year is important for long-term participation. This session will help volunteers explore a variety of strategies to increase positive parental support of local 4-H programs. As a result, parents will stay connected with their own children, recognize mutual expectations and responsibilities between parents and volunteers, and become caring adults for other youth.
Presented by: Pat McGlaughlin, University of Illinois; Steve McKinley, Purdue University; Mary Jo Williams, University of Missouri
Research has clearly shown that quality youth programs, those proven most effective and rated highly by young people themselves, are masterful at engaging youth at the highest level in planning, making choices, and reflecting on their learning. Attention to making youth programs fun, interesting, welcoming and encouraging to young people in our 4-H Youth Development programs is important but not enough. This session, co-developed and delivered by youth, will provide insight, tools and resources volunteers can use to more effectively engage and meet the needs of teen members, a common challenge in youth programs.
Presented by: Becky Harrington, University of Minnesota; Kandi O’Neil, University of Wisconsin; Brenda Shafer, University of Minnesota; Rachelle Vettern, North Dakota State University
Using Technology to Enhance Your 4-H Experience
Research has clearly shown that quality youth programs, those proven most effective and rated highly by young people themselves, are masterful at engaging youth at the highest level in planning, making choices, and reflecting on their learning. Attention to making youth programs fun, interesting, welcoming and encouraging to young people in our 4-H Youth Development programs is important but not enough. This session, co-developed and delivered by youth, will provide insight, tools and resources volunteers can use to more effectively engage and meet the needs of teen members, a common challenge in youth programs.
Presented by: Rod Buchele, Kansas State University; Molly Frendo, Michigan State University; Mark Light, The Ohio State University; Kari Robideau, University of Minnesota
Exploring the Science of 4-H Projects
Does the idea of emphasizing science in 4-H make you sweat? It doesn’t have to be scary. Discover methods to reinforce simple science concepts using traditional 4-H projects. You will take home ready-to-go activities that incorporate science concepts across the curriculum areas.
Presented by: Cathy Johnston, University of Nebraska; Bonnie Malone, The Ohio State University; Dixie Sandborn, Michigan State University; Vicki Schwartz, The Ohio State University
