4-H Recognition - National Model
The purpose of recognition is to encourage and support the efforts of young people in learning to improve their knowledge and develop their life skills. Using a comprehensive recognition program we can create a broad array of experiential learning environments. They must respect the diversity of individuals and teams as related to the form of recognition that is most effective in encouraging and supporting their development. 4-H leaders can provide a climate that helps young people develop their capabilities. Each of us is born with the potential to become the best person that we can be.
The Recognition Model is a part of a comprehensive plan which rewards positive learning behaviors in youth. In all aspects of the model, recognition should be based on the youth's involvement, participation and/or efforts. Recognition should be designed to meet the needs, interests and aspirations of young people from different backgrounds and with different experiences. It should be focused on individual learning. It should not be influenced by factors such as: monetary (dollars) resources to purchase high-quality project materials, top-grade animals and use of equipment. Recognition received from one part of the model may provide the appropriate degree of challenge to move a young person into a different part of the model. Moving from one part of the model to another broadens their experiences, modifying opportunities for learning and raising esteem through other types of recognition.
Participation
This type of recognition program emphasizes the importance of acknowledging young people who have been involved in 4-H educational experiences. For some youth, participation in a 4-H learning experience is an accomplishment.
Progress Toward Self-Set Goals
Parents and other adults can help youth set realistic goals. Recognition for progress toward self-set goals, no matter how small, is an integral part of this type of recognition.
Achievement of Standards of Excellence
Standards of excellence are established by experts in a given area. By measuring personal progress against standards of excellence, youth can gain insight into their own efforts and abilities.
Peer Competition
Peer competition is a part of the model for recognition. This type of recognition subjectively identifies, in a concrete time and place, the best team or individual. It is a strong motivator for some youth but is inappropriate for youth under age eight.
Cooperation
Learning and working together promotes high achievement. Cooperation may take advantage of all the skills represented in the group, as well as the process by which the group approaches the learning task/goal. Everyone is rewarded.
The Recognition Model can be used to design a recognition system to meet the needs of all youth. Designing a recognition system involves:
• Looking at the young people: their needs, interests, attitudes and aspirations.
• Understanding differences between people based on background and experiences; difference in behavior in some person; differences between similar types of people.
• Using recognition that encourages and supports learning, and satisfies intrinsic and extrinsic needs. It has to balance recognition for participation, progress toward self set goals, achievement of standards of excellence, competition and cooperation.
This Recognition Model is appropriate and useful at all levels of 4-H. Recognition committees and councils at the local, county, state, and national levels utilize this approach in all recognition programs. Using a comprehensive, recognition program can lead to more youth being recognized and can provide a way to say to every youth: "You are a valued and important member of the 4-H program."
Recognition, support, and encouragement for learning is provided equally in all five areas. Cooperation partly overlaps Participation, Progress toward self set Goals, Standards of Excellence and Peer competition. Cooperation is a part of all four. The intent of the graphic is to show that recognition is given to individuals and people working together in teams or groups.