Having most of the study completed before making the calls will help you extract the few questions that will assist you the most. Also, don't try to do a record book analysis mid-year. Most record books are tucked away or have been thrown away, so accessing them at this time may be difficult. A few well chosen questions not only lead to a smooth running activity, but provide information that will legitimize program efforts and enhance curriculum development. For example, information about the cost of fashion revue garments is not only helpful in providing insurance for an event, but winning entries can be compared to determine if they resulted from monetary inputs or from learning.
Registration forms can also provide input to help prepare future curriculum materials.
This information was also used to add interest to the members' narrations at the time of the contest. Judging events are good, informal indicators of how well your 4-H members are doing. Set up score cards or judging sheets so that they not only can be used to score members and establish winners, but also to analyze the data for areas where youth seem to have the most difficulty. One year, a potential catastrophe was averted when large numbers of youth were notified after a contest that eating rhubarb leaves wasn't more healthful than eating lettuce. Many types of non-reactive methods may be used.