- What problems has your team had with mentorship?
Most teams seem to have the problem of having a scarcity of mentors. For us the policy has been that we allow each mentor to do what they do best for the team and we respect their talents. In some cases it has been a challenge to find a niche for the various adults. But we generally try hard to find places for everyone to fit in.
- How does your team ensure that it has good quality mentors?
We develop mentors just like we develop the students. Exposure to a progressive series of experiences is important. And somehow, as the head coach, I act as the quality control for the various subsets
- How does it cope (or not cope) with having bad mentors?
In the past we have had some personalities that " didnt get with the program". If they didnt respond to a direct talk they generally found it was time to leave.
- How does your team encourage new mentors to join?
My job is to develop situations where new mentors can be successful and find a niche to participate along with the students. They need to see the fun of FIRST and catch the enthusiasm the kids have. Our team has been expanding into new project areas with the inclusion of more and more mentors. The can-do attitude is refreshing to many of them.
Our graduate mentors are active participants in FIRST world activities and we try to keep them close.
- Does your team train your mentors to be better teachers?
The
team certainly does- students putting demands on the expertise of adults trains them quite effectively. We all learn from each other and come away better for it.
- How does your team ensure that new mentors understand what their role on the team should be?
New mentors arent just thrust into a position. We work together for a while and I gradually put more and more responsibility in their hands. I look for their interests and strengths and try to capitalize on them for the benefit of the team. We have a team leadership council of students that work closely with the adults so we all know we can rely on each other. Irresponsibility is not tolerated.
The mentors on team 25 are just as much a part of the team as the students. We all work together as a unit in our respective roles and we all are very proud of the team's accomplishments. And the adults learn as much as the kids because the team exposes them to experiences they otherwise wouldnt ever have. And we have a lot of fun!
Does that answer it?
WC
