Thread: When do mentors go too far?
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Unread 06-04-2005, 10:27
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Programming & Electrical
FRC #0342 (Burning Magnetos)
Team Role: Mentor
  
Join Date: Jan 2004
Rookie Year: 2004
Location: Charleston, SC
Posts: 72
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Re: When do mentors go too far?
Hi,
Here is what I have like seeing at the two regionals thus far...

*Robots break down during a match...students hustle and team up to correct the problem. A mentor may get his hands on the problem or looks on. The robot is repaired.

*Drive team needs a specific autonomous mode. They go to the 17-year old who listens, clarifies and then writes the code to make it happen. The autonomous mode works well. A real crowd pleaser.

*We do poorly at one regional. Students get together with mentors to discuss robot problems. Mentors organize a major overhaul to be conducted on the first Thursday at the next regional. At the next regional, the students spend 8 hours implementing major changes. The robot is twice as fast and the arm elevates more quickly and smoke doesn't come out of the motor any more.:-)

*Students' determination to improve the robot after a dismal performance motivates a mentor come in on the following Saturday (his own time) to machine parts needed for a modification at the next regional. The parts work perfectly. Robot is much better.

*With a great robot, team is still doing poorly in the rankings. Students get together with a mentor facilitating the discussion. They figure out on their own how to improve scouting, why the top teams are ranked high when our bot is just as good, etc. The next day, they look like a different team and make it to the semifinals.

*Drive team takes video of the matches back to their room to analyze the top teams. Develop an improved strategy. It works.

*Students and their parents who can't stay in a hotel near the competition drive 100 miles one way each morning and evening just to be at the competition. They are dedicated. Thanks parents.

*A mom prepares a delicious meal and delivers it 100 miles away to the competition. It is still hot. I eat too much. Yum!

*Student has a behavioral issue. I pull him or her aside, remind them they are doing a good job and ask them to focus on correcting a certain behavior. They do. Others note the change.

Regards,
ChuckB, Team 342
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