Inclusive 4-H

Constructive evaluation promotes and rewards learning

There has been much controversy over the appropriateness of having individuals with disabilities participate in competitive situations. Competition, however, can be a good learning experience for anyone if the event is planned so that the emphasis is on constructive evaluation of the project being exhibited, rather than on a win/lose philosophy. Positive results can include a sense of achievement, recognition and increased self-esteem.

Setting realistic, individual goals with each member at the beginning of a project and monitoring progress toward those goals is an important step in making evaluation a successful experience. Goals should be challenging enough to encourage growth and learning, but within the abilities of the member.

When planning project evaluations in the club, at the fair, at county achievement days or in other settings, emphasize helping the young person learn and grow, rather than simply ranking projects. The following considerations can help make evaluation experiences helpful for members who do and members who don’t have disabilities.

• Arrange to have members present whenever possible when their projects are evaluated.
• Encourage members to talk about what they learned while completing the project.
• Discuss the evaluation process with members before they participate in it. A practice evaluation that simulates the official event can help settle the nerves and answer the questions of participants, especially first-timers.
• Inform the people who will be doing the evaluating of the project goals and standards.
• Encourage evaluators to help members identify the strong points of their projects as well as the areas that need improvement.
• Provide some form of participation recognition for all members.

Contact Information

For more information on how to get involved as a youth or volunteer, contact your county MSU Extension office or:

Karen Waite, 4-H Youth Equine Specialist
4-H Proud Equestrians Program Coordinator
Michigan State University
1287J Anthony Hall
East Lansing, MI 48824-1111
USA

Phone: 517-353-1748
Email: kwaite@msu.edu

Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 Michigan State University
Last Updated: February 15, 2007
Last Reviewed: January, 2001