FCS Agent in Nelson County conducted a "reworked" program for leadership classes within Old Kentucky Home Middle School during the 2019-2020 school year.  The program covered the traditional KELD topics but were remastered to cater to middle school students.  Teachers at the school were at a loss for what to teach students who have a drive to make their school a better place but a lack of understanding in how to encourage, motivate, empathize with and understand their fellow classmates.  Below is the evaluation data collected from 5 of the 10 sessions.  Overall, students responded and showed their level of understanding communication styles, learning styles, personal motivators, conflict resolution, and storytelling, improved in each category. Most students found they could use the skills learned in each session to a great or moderate extent.  Please see below for more detailed evaluation data. 

Understanding the Importance of Non-Verbal Communication (19 Evaluations).  Responses rated from 1-5, 1 being “poor” and 5 being “excellent”

1. Recognizing the importance of what people portray through non-verbal communication.  
   1. Pre-Session Overall Average Student Response – 2.7
   2. Post-Session Overall Average Student Response – 4.6
2. Knowing how to make a favorable first impression, particularly when speaking to a group. 
   1. Pre-Session Overall Average Student Response – 2.6
   2. Post-Session Overall Average Student Response – 4.1
3. Being an effective active listener. 
   1. Pre-Session Overall Average Student Response – 2.6
   2. Post-Session Overall Average Student Response – 4.0

Student Qualitative Open Response Feedback for Storytelling Session:

“I liked how he showed us the correct way to use a hand shake”

“I liked learning the different types of handshakes”

68% of students were either very satisfied or satisfied with the module, 70% felt they could use the skills they learned to either a great or moderate extent

Learning Styles Lesson (45 Evaluations). Responses rated from 1-5, 1 being “poor” and 5 being “excellent”

1. Examining the role of positive emotions in a successful learning experience. 
   1. Pre-Session Overall Average Student Response – 2.9
   2. Post-Session Overall Average Student Response – 3.7
2. Evaluating the differences between the seven different learning styles. 
   1. Pre-Session Overall Average Student Response – 2.8
   2. Pre-Session Overall Average Student Response – 4.1
3. Choosing different learning activities to target specific learner styles for a positive learning environment. 
   1. Pre-Session Overall Average Student Response – 2.4
   2. Pre-Session Overall Average Student Response – 3.1

Student Qualitative Open Response Feedback:

“I think I will be able to use this, thank you for coming in today”

“I really liked this lesson”

“You did good, can’t wait until next Tuesday”

“I think this can help me by doing new things that can help everyone”

82% of students were either very satisfied or satisfied, 93% felt they could use the skills they learned to either a great or moderate extent. 

Internal Vs. External Motivation (49 Evaluations). Responses rated from 1-5, 1 being “poor” and 5 being “excellent”

1. Defining and distinguishing the differences between internal and external motivation. 
   1. Pre-Session Overall Average Student Response – 1.4
   2. Post-Session Overall Average Student Response – 3.6
2. Recognizing the different internal needs and desires that motivate individuals toward action. 
   1. Pre-Session Overall Average Student Response – 1.9
   2. Post-Session Overall Average Student Response – 3.7
3. Distinguishing between the three classifications of motivation. 
   1. Pre-Session Overall Average Student Response – 1.4
   2. Post-Session Overall Average Student Response – 3.5
4. Comparing external motivators that encourage students or people. 
   1. Pre-Session Overall Average Student Response – 2.1
   2. Post-Session Overall Average Student Response – 3.9

Student Qualitative Open Response Feedback:

“It was neat that I found I was a Power/Influence person. As well as I like the information he gave us.”

“I think it was cool to see everyone’s personality.”

“I wish we had more time to talk.”

“Wish we had more time.  We need to talk about behavior one day.”

“It was very fun and I learned something new and it will help me in the future”

“You asked interesting questions to engage your audience, thank you.”

74% of students were either very satisfied or satisfied, 79% felt they could use the skills they learned to either a great or moderate extent.

Conflict Resolution Lesson (23 Evaluations).  Responses rated from 1-5, 1 being “poor” and 5 being “excellent”

1. Diffusing conflict by responding appropriately according to the situation.
   1. Pre-Session Overall Average Student Response – 2.8
   2. Post-Session Overall Average Student Response – 3.8
2. Knowing the “dos” and “don’ts” of dealing with conflict.
   1. Pre-Session Overall Average Student Response – 2.4
   2. Post-Session Overall Average Student Response – 3.6
3. Recognizing the barriers to conflict resolution, and being able to take these into account when diffusing conflict. 
   1. Pre-Session Overall Average Student Response – 2.5
   2. Post-Session Overall Average Student Response – 3.4

Student Qualitative Open Response Feedback for Storytelling Session: Was not encouraged during this session as a result of time constraints

78% Satisfied or very satisfied, 73% felt they could use skills learned to a great or moderate extent

Understanding The Value of Storytelling as a Communication Tool (27 Evaluations).  Responses rated from 1-5, 1 being “poor” and 5 being “excellent”

1. Examining the value of storytelling as an effective communication tool. 
   1. Pre-Session Overall Average Student Response – 3.1
   2. Post-Session Overall Average Student Response – 4.1
2. Distinguishing between different storytelling themes used to relate truths or personal experiences to the audience
   1. Pre-Session Overall Average Student Response -3.0
   2. Post-Session Overall Average Student Response – 4.2
3. Being a successful storyteller – with the goal of influencing others towards specific goals
   1. Pre-Session Overall Average Student Response – 3.3
   2. Post-Session Overall Average Student Response – 4.0

Student Qualitative Open Response Feedback for Storytelling Session: Was not encouraged during this session as a result of time constraints

74% Satisfied or very satisfied, 76% could use skills learned to a great or moderate extent