Student Initiative

[Brandon Holley]

Sometimes to get someone to take initiative you have to give them something to run with. The kids that are there to learn will get motivated and run with it. Like stated above me, kids have to feel they can say something without being made fun of, especially in a place like robotics.

Also, another tip, which is kind of a general common sense thing...make it fun!! Kids will try their best to get involved if something theyre trying to get involved with is fun.

[Cooley744]

Especially for freshmen members like myself, we know that when we are seen doing the little things voluntarily, we can be trusted and rewarded with bigger responsibilities. Just let all team members know that your watching the jobs and attitudes they have towards them, and that you will determine who gets the next desirable job by their work on small things.

[tseres]

a lot of our problem is also having things for students to do. we are a fairly poor team, and we can pretty much only afford the robot and competition. if we get more money next year we'll have a lot more stuff we can do...

[Cooley744]

We also come across that problem often. We have decided to teach newer students how to drive the robots. We also plan demonstrations for the elementary school which can cost little to no money. You can always look for new sponsers if you don't have much to do and also don't have much funds. Organizing and cleaning work spaces are critical, so that when build season comes, you are prepared. Start planning possible drive systems for next year. Also teach newer students about older robots. At today's meeting, we discussed the possibilities of getting one of our older robots to drive up ontop of the newest robot. It can't because it is to low to the ground to be able to clear the ramp. That's when problem solving comes in. Four or five students were able to discuss how make it possible for the robot to climb the ramp. (Some ideas were bigger wheels, take off the arm, ect.) Hope that helps. I will reply again if I can think of any more.

[Ben Martin]

Originally Posted by Brandon Holley

Sometimes to get someone to take initiative you have to give them something to run with.

That was basically my suggestion to my team. I wish we could give more opportunities for new members to shine. The team members who have done this in the past tend to make great leaps in performing tasks on their own.

Originally Posted by Beth Sweet

Great thread Ben, I look forward to the replies so that the suggestions can be implemented on 1504!

Thanks, we've been trying to promote initiative for a couple of years. I'm hoping that CD has a few suggestions.

[JaneYoung]

Student leaders, teachers, and mentors walk a fine line between guiding and doing when trying to help team members develop initiative.

To develop better skills in the area of guiding means being willing to step back, to keep your opinions in check, to hand the tool to someone instead of keeping it yourself. Instilling confidence and encouraging initiative requires patience and freedom on your part. Patience and freedom to succeed or to fail. Lessons will be learned through the experience. It is hard for someone who knows the answer to be still and let the quiet person speak. Teachers and mentors know this. Student leaders learn this. New members who have received wise guidance and are allowed to experience the results of their own actions and how it impacts the team as a whole, develop into student leaders, teachers, and mentors who guide and encourage.