National 4-H Recognition Model

Recognition is a significant incentive to further learning.  Recognition properly used can inspire young people to continue participating and learning.  If properly designed and used, it will match the needs of young people.  Young people become active in 4-H because they benefit personally; thus, the focus should be on what young people gain from the program and not on the program or organization itself. They make choices depending on their need for security, new experiences, response or recognition.

Recognition must be continually revised to meet the needs of individual participants.  Individual progress must be recognized and individual enthusiasm must be encouraged.  There is no one-way of encouraging and supporting young people.  Youth come from varied backgrounds and with different experiences.  They vary in their interests, values, needs, attitudes and aspirations.

For some youth intrinsic or internal recognition is far more powerful than any extrinsic or external recognition.  Motivation is determined by a complex blend of environment, attitude and self-concept.  It is what energizes a person and directs individual activity.

The national model for recognition provides a balanced approach.  It encourages a variety of forms of recognition to meet the diverse needs and interests of today's youth.

Purposes of Recognition in the National Model

Recognition has several purposes:

• Recognition can be a motivator for some young people to excel and take risks.
• Recognition can foster self-appraisal skills, providing a strong foundation for each young person to engage in self-reflection and self-evaluation without the need for external rewards.
• Recognition can encourage and support the efforts of young people as they engage in individualize learning, peer competition or cooperation.
• Recognition, used in all its forms, can provide balance to the recognition young people receive as they move through our educational programs to increasingly difficult challenges.

Beliefs About Recognition:

The National Recognition Model is a dynamic model for planning, implementing, and developing 4-H Programs.  Several beliefs underlie the principles of the model:

• Recognition is a basic human need with security, new experiences and responses.
• Recognition should be a part of all 4-H learning experiences.
• Appropriate recognition takes many forms.
• Respect for individual differences is essential.
• Recognition must be structures to build self-confidence.
• Opportunities for self-assessment and reflection allow youth to learn.
• A range of opportunities and challenges provide choices to meet individual needs.
• Adult support is essential in youth learning and recognition.
• Everyone should be recognized at some level.
• A balance between all elements of the model is essential

               I.          Recognition of 4-H'ers for participation in educational experiences

             II.      acknowledges involvement as a first step in building self-confidence.

            III.           Recognition of progress toward personal goals enables youth to gain experience in goal-setting and realistic self-assessment.

          IV.           Recognition of achievement of generally recognized standards of excellence gives youth an external, pre-determined target for their learning experiences.

            V.          Recognition through peer competition is a strong motivation for some but not all young people.  It is not appropriate for youth under age eight.

           VI.           Recognition for cooperation helps youth learn and work cooperatively, preparing them for living in today's inter-dependent, global society.

References:

National 4-H Recognition Model Design Team. (1993). National 4-H Recognition Model.   Washington, D.C.:  Families, 4-H and Nutrition, United States Department of Agriculture.