MSU Extension Volunteer Learning Modules: Working with Youth Part 2
DOWNLOADMarch 2, 2026 - Michigan State University Extension
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EmailThis module provides volunteers with knowledge around the topics of the experiential learning model and youth-adult partnerships
Section 1: The Experiential Learning Model
The Experiential Learning Model includes five specific steps:
- Experience: youth do an activity
- Share: youth describe their experience; often we can use the five sense to elaborate on the experience
- Process: youth relate the experience to life skills, goals, and/or objectives
- Generalize: youth make a connection between their experience and the world around them; they create relationships, find similarities and differences
- Apply: youth apply what they learned throughout the experience to other situations or experiences in their lives; often this is described by using identified life skills
Implementing the Experiential Learning Model in 4-H Programming:
This is a four-part series of MSU Extension News articles on using the ELM. The series includes links to other resources on the subject.
- Part 1: https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/implementing_the_experiential_learning_model_in_4-h_programming_part_1
- Part 2: https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/implementing_the_experiential_learning_model_in_4-h_programming_part_two/
- Part 3: https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/implementing_the_experiential_learning_model_in_4-h_programming_part_3/
- Part 4: https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/implementing_the_experiential_learning_model_in_4-h_programming_part_4
Resources:
- Experiential Learning Model: https://train.msue.msu.edu/vls/working-with-youth/story_content/external_files/ELM%20Diagram.pdf
- Experiential Learning Processing Questions: https://train.msue.msu.edu/vls/working-with-youth/story_content/external_files/ELM%20Questions.pdf
- Hendricks, P. (1998). Developing youth curriculum using the targeting life skills model, p. 3. Ames: Iowa State University. Retrieved from http://www.extension.iastate.edu/4H/skls.eval.htm
- University of Colorado Denver (Experiential Learning Center). (n.d.). What is experiential learning? Retrieved from http://www.ucdenver.edu/life/services/ExperientialLearning/about/Pages/WhatisExperientialLearning.aspx
Section 2: Youth Adult Partnerships
Michigan 4-H Youth Development programs believes that we are not just building the leaders of tomorrow—we also are building leaders who are capable of leading today. Young people have the power to change the world like no other group can. They have innovative ideas, exuberant energy, and are ready to take on responsibility and leadership roles with adult allies.
Some basic techniques you can use to help ensure that your club or groups youth adult partnership succeeds include:
- Giving youth time to talk—don’t always jump in with the first comment or decision
- Setting up meeting spaces strategically to encourage youth involvement
- Spending time building relationships through team building activities
- Giving youth permission to use first names
- Working on group collaborations
- Establishing clear goals
- Allowing youth to take on meaningful roles
Support
If staff, volunteer applicants, or current volunteers need additional assistance with learning modules they should contact a Volunteer Excellence Support Team (VEST) member or e-mail msue.msuvol@msu.edu using the subject “Learning Module Assistance Needed.”
