As a brand, spanking-new entry to this group,I want to thank ChiefDelphi for providing such a valuable resource to FIRST "lifers." As I ready through all the responses to Andy's question, I became more aware of the fact that team-related issues are not the sole property of our team. Since I joined up in 1998, our team has gone from mentor-heavy and student-poor, to mentor-light and student rich, to the current situation - about 20 students and no mentors. The sorry details aren't important here, but I want to emphasize that RESPECT is a key component that is too often lacking among team members. If mentors don't respect the students' desire to learn and take an active role in the construction, they're missing the point of FIRST. If students refuse to accept the knowledge and experience of the mentors, that's not independence - it's arrogance.
Here's the place where I put out my call for help. With our mentor forces depleted, our parents' group is trying to step in and do what we can to help. However, we don't want to overstep our bounds and become intrusive. I already read "101 Ways Parents Can Help a FIRST Team," and there were many good ideas (but forget about me making luggage pom-poms - #48). Can I hear from some teams that have active parent organizations so we can find out if we're on the right track. Thanks to all of your for a truly thought-provoking thread.
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Originally Posted by Andy Baker
We need to talk. Please sit down.
Let's discuss something that defines FIRST. Sometimes, this is the big white elephant in the corner that everyone wants to ignore... but it needs to be talked about. There are many opinions on this subject.
Why do FIRST teams start with the intention of this being a "student design competition"? Many teams operate this way. We see teams who are proud about having a "100% designed and built robot". These teams get awards for their student involvement.
I can respect this. They worked hard. They learned much. However, more likely than not, they performed not so well at a regional. These teams saw other teams come in with 4-5 engineering mentors and compete better. These other teams, with more adult involvement, may have engineers working in the pits, along side the students. They may have skilled trades machinists making parts for their team during the build season. They may have professional machine designers creating gearboxes or writing code.
Are both teams learning? yes.
Dare I ask... Which "team" is better? What defines "better"?
FIRST was founded on "Inspiration". It still is the cornerstone. Dean, Woodie, and the FIRST Board of Directors are involved because of this idea. It is a thrill to inspire someone to be great. It is a thrill to be inspired by others.
I contend that the best "team" is an equal balance of student involvement, teacher involvement, and engineer involvement. In my mind, can a engineer design something on a robot and be proud of that design? You bet. Some teams frown on this. Some teams, mentors, and students preach that this is wrong. What do you think? Why is that?
So... there is it is. This will be a debate. Opinions will be given, and people will disagree. That is ok. Let is out. It will be healthy.
Andy B.
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