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Olympic spirit: Motivation for inclusive learning environments
All eyes are on London this summer for the 2012 Olympics and Paralympics Games. Like many people across the globe, I find the Games to be so inspiring. I am particularly drawn to the Olympic spirit of...
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What makes an evaluation report compelling? (or not)
Okay, time for true confessions here. How many research or evaluation reports do you have sitting on your desk? You know there was blood, sweat, and tears put into the creation of those documents, but...
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The power of reflection on learning
Have you seen the power of reflection in youth development? You can witness the power of reflection during the Minnesota State Fair. In the 4-H Building this week, more than 3,000 4-H'ers with general...
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Finding the balance in program design
Have you ever seen a youth program that tried to do too much in the time allotted? Or one that was all about engagement but lacked learning outcomes? Finding the balance between these is key to good...
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Who are the branches on your learning tree?
As fall starts, three unrelated events have caused me to wonder about how well we know and support our children's learning throughout their lives. Event 1: Last night I was playing around on...
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Build your evaluation muscle to use it effectively in the program
Just when you thought that your youth program was doing well to DO evaluation at all, we evaluators want you to USE it, too! What does it take to make the report, and the entire evaluation process, an...
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Youth programs designed for those who need them most
Did you know that time spent in youth programs is the most consistent predictor of youth thriving? Participation in them can enhance young people's self-esteem, school performance and civic...
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Top 10 ways to engage diverse communities
What does it take to build relationships with diverse audiences? I have thought a lot about this question in my work with University of Minnesota Extension. One of the things I enjoy the most about my...
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Youth as partners in evaluation — an idea that is catching on
The American Evaluation Association (AEA) is holding its annual meeting in Minneapolis this week. AEA's new Youth Focused Evaluation Topical Interest Group (YFE TIG) launches with an impressive series...
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Tips for building right-brain skills for 21st century thinking
As we explore what it takes to thrive in the 21st century, it is hard to ignore the growing amount of literature that suggests the right side of the brain is needed more than ever. Right-brain...
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