Student Initiative

[Ian H.]

I agree with pretty much everything that has been said. I just wanted to emphasize that making it fun for a large group of people is half of the battle. I would say focus on developing a community that is accepting of ideas, supportive in general, and where all of the kids become friends and supporters of FIRST (remember that this can start with focusing on teaching/connecting with one or two kids and then branching out). Then when it is fun and a lot of people are involving themselves by doing what is presented to them, then to me that is the time to coax some members to take on projects. A little push is always good, just make sure they know that you are looking over their shoulder (You don't have to do anything; just let them learn from the mistakes you think they are making, and teach concepts when appropriate).

In the TRC, I know success and failure really never happen, it is always something in between. Let kids know that if you learn from what you attempted you have really succeeded. It is very rare that everything goes according to plan, but when this happens, I think it is time to start thinking of how you can improve your contraption or concept.

Have fun with the students, be yourself, and encourage others to be themselves by presenting an environment which excepts ideas and good willed attempts, but discourages putting others ideas down.

In the end maybe the best way to go is just to experiment and imagine a community where you would like to be.

Just my $0.02