Experiential learning distinguishes 4-H youth development education from many formal educational methods. Activities are designed so youth experience a learning activity, reflect on what they did (explore the meaning of the activity), generalize what they learned (to test the 4-H'ers comprehension and appreciation of the activity), and then think about how they can apply what they learned to other situations (generalize). You can help guide youth as they explore each activity by discussing each section.

Experience

Any shooting sports activity that you do with the 4-H youth qualifies as the "experience"

Suggestions for the types of questions you might ask:

Reflect

What did you learn to do today?
What was the goal of this activity?
Were you suprised about.... (how easy, how difficult, how fun, etc.) this activity was?
How could you practice what you learned at home?

Generalize

Why do you think your 4-H shooting sports instructor had you do this activity?
How can this activity help you become a better shooter (or citizen or hunter)?
How would you explaing what you did today to your friend or parents?
What are the important points to be learned from this activity?

Apply

How would you teach a friend the concepts you learned today?
What are some other areas where special safety rules and equipment are important?
Why is it important for all hunters to follow ethical procedures?
Why must safety rules be followed so carefully?
Why is self discipline and concentration so important in shooting sports?
How can learning self discipline and concentration in shooting sports help you in other areas of your life?
How do shooters show good sportsmanship?
Why must every shooter learn all they can about the safe and responsible use of firearms and archery equipment?
How can shooting become a life-long recreational activity?
How can participation in shooting sports and hunting lead to learning more about our natural resources?
What careers are possible that would require a knowledge of and/or experience in shooting?
What lifelong hobbies can shooters be involved in?

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