Evaluators

Evaluators are an important part of making our 4-H competitions successful

As an evaluator, you help youth improve by giving them feedback based on a standard evaluation rubric and written constructive feedback. Each contest has supporting guides and instructions for submitting effective evaluation metrics and feedback. Fashion Revue emphasizes selecting, constructing, accessorizing, and modeling. The focus is “the outfit on the member” and evaluating an individual's work, while not comparing them to other competitors. Evaluators look at the choices each member has made and their skill in selection and construction as they relate to fit and outside appearance.

Who can be an Evaluator

Adults and Senior 4-H Members (ages 16 and up)

You do not have to be a registered 4-H Adult Volunteer to volunteer as an Evaluator. Senior 4-H Youth (ages 16 and up) are also welcome to volunteer as an Evaluator. 

How evaluation works

• 3 Evaluators (not related to the presenting youth member) will be on a panel for each category.

• A short description of the item is printed for the evaluation panel. 

• During the evaluation, each participant gives a short oral presentation about their entry. Presentations are limited to:

  • 30 seconds for Primaries, Juniors, Intermediates

  • 1 minute for Seniors

• The evaluators will ask questions and look at the outfits, garments, and/or items.

• Then evaluators will evaluate the presenter:

  • Give 1-4 points for each guide on the scorecard (example scoring below, all evaluation forms here).

  • Write 1-2 sentences on what the presenter did well. 

  • Write 1-2 sentences on what they could improve to make the entry more effective.

Evaluator Guidance 

• Focus on the "Total Look": Evaluate the outfit on the member and how it suits their body type, age, and intended purpose.

• Check Fit and Comfort: Outfits should be comfortable for walking and sitting.

• Complete Scorecard: Evaluate the scorecard metrics, or other written reports for completeness and budgetary understanding (for purchased items).

• Provide Positive Feedback: Focus on constructive criticism, building self-confidence, and fostering personal responsibility.

Example Questions 

• How long have you been sewing?

• Why did you choose this pattern?

• Why did you choose this fabric?

• What was the hardest part about making your outfit or item?

• Did you make the changes?

• What new sewing equipment did you learn to use while making this?

• Where and how often will you wear this garment/outfit? 

• How does this outfit coordinate with your existing wardrobe? 

• What was your motivation to put together this outfit?

• What was your most difficult challenge during your shopping experience?

• Did you shop for a particular outfit, or did you find something special and build the outfit around it? 

• What was your plan for shopping, knowing you needed to stay under a limit? 

• What did you learn from your shopping experience? 

Example Scorecard

Evaluators can choose between paper scorecards or use their phone to complete an online form.