Robotics and STEM Questions for School Leader

[Morgan Garbett]

Hi everyone!

So in a few days I'll be able to talk to the finalists for my school's new headmaster, and ask them a few questions. Afterwards a group of students and I will fill out forms indicating which one we would prefer as our new headmaster. I'd like to ask some good robotics and STEM related questions, in order to find out which one is going to support the robotics program more. Any suggestions?

Thanks
- Morgan

[davidthefat]

"Do you feel that this current educational system will adequately educate students to function and succeed in an ever changing world? Given the fact that we are unable to predict what the next 5 years will bring, how will you educate students for the next 60 years of their life?"

[gblake]

Originally Posted by Morgan Garbett

Hi everyone!

So in a few days I'll be able to talk to the finalists for my school's new headmaster, and ask them a few questions. Afterwards a group of students and I will fill out forms indicating which one we would prefer as our new headmaster. I'd like to ask some good robotics and STEM related questions, in order to find out which one is going to support the robotics program more. Any suggestions?

Thanks
- Morgan

Ask questions that indirectly determine whether the candidates would be more focused on having a "winning" team or on having a large effect on many students.

In the sense that tails should not be allowed to wag dogs, I believe one of these is the tail, and the other is the dog.

Find out whether each candidate's "trophies" are in a display case, or are out in the world making a difference by spreading what they learned from the candidate.

Find out if they are more proud of awards, or of what the people who earned the awards did in the years after receiving the award.

I assume that asking these types of questions bluntly will get you the answers any educator is supposed to give. So, instead I recommed asking somewhat indirect questions that open the door to stories that will expose the information you want to learn. Past actions will speak louder than current words.

A good school leader will support education; and will use STEM robotics programs to accomplish that. There is a subtle, but important difference between doing that and simply supporting a robotics program. Look for that difference.

Blake

[Dale]

Good behavioral interview techniques would include asking questions that you can't BS your way out of. Things like:

"Give us three examples of how you supported students in following their passions outside of the normal school day."

"What is an example of a time where the normal school curriculum failed to prepare students for their preferred career choice and what did you do about it?"

"Tell us about a time when you felt strongly about an extracurricular non-sports activity and worked to make it happen."

In general the idea is to ask for actual examples in the past and have them explain what they did and why it was important. Candidates may or may not have done STEM related extracurricular program development but the important thing is they are open to doing so and won't throw roadblocks in the way.

[ebarker]

FIRST/VEX related questions:

"Have you heard of FIRST"

If 'no' go on to other questions, if yes, proceed below

"What is your general impression, good or bad ? "

"do you think it affect student outcomes ? "

"would you support a program in the school ? "

repeat question pool for VEX, and other STEM programs if you are interested
........

[Al Skierkiewicz]

"When we compete at a FIRST event, will you be there to support us and assist with accepting any awards?" "If not, why not?"