Currently, the relationship with Mr. English in Moscow is centered on adventure based, experiential education from native speakers to teach Russian youth English. 4-H agents and staff are encouraged to become familiar with the principles of experiential education in order to qualify as a teaching team in Moscow. Check out the Association for Experiential Education (AEE) for trainings, conferences, resources, etc. Membership in AEE is not required for becoming a 4-H T.R.A.I.L. team, however, they do offer great discounts for conferences and publications that would be helpful.
The 4-H T.R.A.I.L program has combined experiential education and 4-H youth development in its youth/adult partnership and is in the process of working out details with the Russian host agency for developing a 2 week, 4-H centered camp during the summer.
Program Overview
In cooperation with 4-H professionals, 4-H teens plan, organize and implement a 4-H hands on learning experience for Russian youth to assist them with mastering the English language. Using the experiential learning model, the T.R.A.I.L. team will highlight the Head, Hands, Heart and Health of 4-H youth development in the process.
The T.R.A.I.L. team usually consists of 2 trained and experienced American 4-H teens and 2 adult 4-H educators who will co-teach approximately 3-4 sessions per day, depending on the structure of the host agency.
American educators are expected to provide the content of the structured program. The hands on learning activities, scheduled in 3-4 sessions approximately 1-1.5 hours in length per day will increase their fluency in English and understanding of the American culture as well as life skills. Hands on, interactive program content basically includes:
