WELD Innovative Project
Participant Name Walter Barker State Nevada
Innovative Project Abstract
Preparing youth to become healthy, self-directing, contributing members of society requires good program delivery, educational learning and relaxing learning environments. 4-H has been a model for this process using experiential or hands on learning. However, over my years working with the 4-H program I have discovered that different learning styles combined with the experiential model can greatly enhance or not enhance the learning experience.
My Goal for WELD is to explore which learning and leadership styles work best with the experiential model for the greatest combined impact on the learner. I will observe record and analyze 4-H volunteers using some of the inventory assessment tools from WELD to accomplish this goal.
What are your anticipated project outcomes?
Combining learning styles and experiential learning can develop and enhance life skills such as problem solving, decision making and critical thinking leadership styles and teamwork
Leadership Inventory—
Strengths
Ability to work with others as a team
Demonstrate work ethics
Define realistic goals
Express program values and priorities
Improvements
Create personal plan
Planning for improvement
Monitor goals set
Evaluate how my decisions affect myself and others
Work with others to gain information and determine the best way to make decisions
Learning Plan— Indicate your preliminary plans to utilize strengths and address growth opportunities outside of organized WELD activities that together assist in accomplishing the goals of the Innovative Project.
My preliminary plans are to research the subject matter area; to communicate its effects and usefulness for teaching in youth development with individuals, educators and lay persons and to implement its outcome for use and replication.
Mentor Candidates—
William P. Evans, Ph.D.,
Professor of Educational Psychology, Counseling, and Human Development,
Mentor Characteristics
Interdisciplinary Doctoral Program in Social Psychology,
Extension Specialist for Youth Development,
Possible Mentors:
William P. Evans, Ph.D.,
Professor of Educational Psychology, Counseling, and Human Development,
University of Nevada, Reno,