As members arrive, the project volunteer involves members in a fun, pre-meeting activity. Once all the members arrive, they may share what they have accomplished and problems they have faced in their project since the last meeting. Next, 4-H members may demonstrate something they learned at the lasy meeting. Demonstrations help members review what they have learned and gain self-confidence. The project volunteer teaches a new skill or technique.
Teaching can take the form of demonstrations, films, judging, tours, skillathons, or discussion.
Then, members are given the opportunity to try out the new skill during a work or activity period. The meeting concludes with a summary of what has been learned and a discussion of plans for the next meeting. Members also learn by participating in contests and events and by exhibiting the items they have made or grown. Project Member Learning is most exciting when it is learning by doing. Four-H projects offer this kind of excitement.