[archiver]

Posted by Ken Leung at 04/25/2001 7:28 AM EST


College Student on team #192, Gunn Robotics Team, from Henry M. Gunn Senior High School.


In Reply to: Admissions Process for becoming a team member??
Posted by Angela on 04/24/2001 7:34 PM EST:



There are different types of teams out there recruiting members, and it really depends on the status of the team, as well as the source of new-comers to see if this method really fit them...

Usually, this method works most effectively when the team have decent amount of reputation at their school/community that the people actually want to join the team, up to the extend that there aren't enough room on the team for everyone. By reading the application and testing the people, the team should be able to filter out the kind of members they want.

However, this method might be a bit too harsh for the people because they weren't given the chance to learn enough to help them pass the "try-out", even though they could be a fast learner. The result of "try-out" might not represent the student's ability completely...

Also, a variety of new-comers is good for any team, so if the "try-out" only test one aspect of the competition, then the group of winners probably do not satisfy the demand of the team.

At the same time, you don't want the test to be too hard, or too much for the new-comers... The frustration will not likely to attract more people. Over-analyzing or over-designing of the "try-out" will be unnecessary work for the team, while it could've concentrate on other areas.

So what do I think about this method? I think it's a pretty good method. But a few word of advice:

The team should promote themselves to the new-comers so there are actually enthusiasms in joining the team. Not only will this give you a larger amount of applicants, but also the idea that the team need a wide range of members can be pass onto the crowd.

When designing the application and "try-out", make sure you are making the applicants show what you really want to see. A "try-out" consists of 12-page test of mechanical engineering will not likely to tell you much about how well the student. Keep it simple, interesting, and effective. Think about what you want in a student, and make the "try-out" FUN for the applicants.

Finally, encourage the applicants at the "try-out". Chances are, this is their first time doing this. Even though they might not win, your encouragement will likely to inspire them no matter what. At least you want to make sure they are not discouraged after this.

¡K

It is really important that teams do this right at the beginning, because the people recruited will be working with the team the rest of the year, and every one of them will have the capability of effecting the performance of the entire team.


By the way, I finally finish recoving from the competition... I am back with my long posting again...
And the excessive usage of "..." ...