MICHIGAN ODYSSEY OF THE MIND SPONTANEOUS TRAINING

MICHIGANODYSSEY OF THE MIND

SPONTANEOUSTRAINING

Coaching SpontaneousTools and techniques for coaching Odyssey of the

Mind teams in Spontaneous Problem solving

"Creativity is not like the weather: you can do something about it." - John Kao

"Genius is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration." - Thomas Alva Edison

AgendaIntroductionsHousekeepingOutside Assistance?What is a Spontaneous Problem?BehaviorInteractionsUnderstanding the problemBreakProblem solving strategiesResource recommendationsWrap-upDo a real Spontaneous Problem!

IntroductionsKaren McCombs – Region 10 Coordinator

region10@michiganodyssey.com Peg Edvenson – Region 4 Coordinator

region4@michiganodyssey.com Clark McCombs – Region 10 Spontaneous Problem Captain

clark.mccombs@ge.com Who are you?

Who has worked with an OotM team before?

HousekeepingTraining will last 2 hours

LecturebreakInteractive demonstration

Water and coffeeRest roomsTurn off cell phones, pleaseHold your questions, please

Write them down, we’ll cover them at the end of each section

Is This Outside Assistance?NoYou can’t sew the costumes

But you can teach the team to sewYou can’t build the set

But you can teach the team to saw, hammer, and drill

You can’t show them how to solve a specific spontaneous problem

But you can teach them problem solving techniques

What is a Spontaneous Problem?A problem that is presented to the team members only on the day of competition

Problems are secret until the team actually competesOnly team members compete

No coaches, parents, siblingsOnly team members are permitted in the Spontaneous Area

Exception – Holding RoomOne coach or designated guardian permitted to accompany team into Holding Room

A maximum of 5 team members may solve the problemThe others must sit quietly and not participate in any way

No talking, no cheering, no groaning, no faces, etc.If they cannot sit quietly, they may be asked to leave the room and sit outside the door

Spontaneous Problem Types• Spontaneous problems come in three types:

• Verbal - problems require verbal responses. They may incorporate improvisation or dramatization. Teams are scored for common and creative responses.

• Hands-on - problems require teams to physically create a tangible solution. Each problem has its own specific scoring categories.

• Verbal/Hands-on (Hybrid) – problems require team to create a tangible solution and include some type of verbal component. Teams are scored on both tangible solution and verbal presentation.

How important is Spontaneous?

Long-Term (LT)

200 Points

57%

Style50 Points

14%

Spontaneous100 Points

29%

How does spontaneous work?• Check-in

Arrive 15 minutes before scheduled Spontaneous problem timeCheck in at the check-in tableCollect all cell-phones, back packs, extra clothingGo to the Holding room

• Holding RoomLast minute instructions, encouragement, focusing…When team is called, confirm team identity with the “runner” using ticket Say good-bye and proceed to the pick-up areaTeam goes off with the runner to spontaneous room

How does spontaneous work? Cont.

• Spontaneous RoomIntroductions

Confirm team identifyAnnounce problem type

5 competitors immediately selectedNon-competing team members sit down

Read problemJudge reads problemTeam has copies to follow along

Problem startsDuration of problem announced when problem is readTime keeper manages the only official clock in the room

How does spontaneous work? Cont.

Team attempts to solve problemProblem stops

Team finishes or Time keeper calls “Time”If team member is in middle of verbal response, they may complete it

Thank you’s all aroundTeam will NOT be told score or how well they did

Scores will be posted on-line after the competitionRunner escorts team to Pickup AreaOther judges reset the room for the next team

Team BehaviorPromptPolitePositive, supportive, encouragingConfident, but not cockyDO NOT

CriticizeArgue

With each other or with the judgesDisrupt or behave inappropriately

DOHave funYour best

Spontaneous Judge BehaviorPoliteNeutralConsistent in all thingsTrained

They want to see the teams do wellBut they might not show it…

Interacting with JudgesPoliteAttentive

Listen carefully and follow instructions promptlyLook at the judges when talking to themSpeak loudly and clearly

Do NOT mumble or rush your wordsIntroduce your team

Be sensible, time is limitedState school, membership number, long term problem, division

Be sure to thank them when you’re done

Understanding the ProblemRead the problem

Statement of what needs to be done“I repeat…” stresses the most important parts

ScoringHow are points awarded

Creativity of the solutionMay include “how well the team works together”

Try to identify the portion of the scoring that will produce the highest score – ruthlessly exploit it!

Understanding the Problem Cont.

Time limitsX minutes for Part 1 (think time), Y minutes for Part 2 (response time)Z minutes for entire solution period

Recently introduced, can trip up novice teams

Can we talk?Can always ask the judges questions

But only once time has startedUsually Yes when brainstormingUsually Yes in Hands-On or Verbal/Hands-OnUsually No in VerbalIf talking is permitted, encourage it!

Understanding the Problem Cont.

Team RolesScoring analyst

Understand the scoreTime minder

You can ask for more frequent notificationsModerator

NOT the boss, but one who leads the brainstormingMaterials analyst

For Hands-On, know how to use materials effectivelyBrainstorming – everybody

What the Coach can doTrain the team on problem solving processes

Problem typesTeam rolesTeam behaviorInteracting with the judgesStrategy

How best to solve the problem types

This is NOT Outside AssistanceTrain them on the techniques, not the specific solutions!

What the Coach can do Cont.

Practice with them“Practice is the best of all instructors." – Publilius

Every team meetingMultiple problemsSimulate actual competition conditions

Team entry into Spontaneous RoomBehaviorSelecting competitors (only 5)

Team should decide who, not the coachTeam thanks and exit

Do at the start of meetings and enlist parents to help judge

What the Coach can do Cont.

Practice with them cont.

Deconstruct the solutionWhat was done well?What was done poorly?What can be done better?

Repeat the same problems to learn from mistakes and refine/reinforce good parts

“Experience is a dear teacher, but fools will learn at no other.” - Benjamin Franklin, Poor Richard’s Almanac

ExercisesVerbal

Name something GREENCreative vs. Common

Hands-OnPaper

Cut a holeHold a golf ball

Break

Five minutes, please

We will discuss Problem Solving Strategies next…

Problem Solving Strategies

“In preparing for battle, I have always found that plans are useless, but planning is indispensable.”

Dwight David Eisenhower

Verbal StrategiesTime

How much?Think timeResponse time

TalkingPermitted or not

Verbal Strategies Cont.

ScoringNumber of responses per team memberPoint difference between Common and CreativeResponses limited (5 per member) and high point difference (1 for Common 5 for Creative)

Take enough time to make responses creative without running out of time for using all responses

Responses unlimited and small point difference (1 for Common and 3 for Creative)

Give as many responses as possible regardless of creativity

Verbal StrategiesThink time

BrainstormingIf talking is permitted, use Think time to brainstormIf not permitted, each team member silently brainstormThink of as many responses as possible

“The best way to have a good idea is to have a lot of ideas.” Dr. Linus Pauling

Verbal Strategies Cont.

Response timeGetting un-stuck

RelaxTry to remember brainstorm ideasBuild-on previous response

Add more detail, or another aspect to itFollow-on previous response

Give another response similar to previous oneRepeat previous response

Only worth value of Common response (usually 1 point)

Verbal Strategies Cont.

PracticeAs many types of verbal problems as possibleStress the creativity of responses

HumorousWord playRhymingJuxtaposition of ideasUse of words in novel or unexpected waysIntentional misuse of a word or phrase for effectUse of tone or inflection

Identify strong versus weak team membersWho has limited verbal skillsWho gets tongue-tiedWho is quick-witted, funny, original

Hands-On StrategiesHands-on types

Build something to meet a specific criteriaA tower that will hold itemsA bridge that will span a distanceMultiple items to achieve a specific goal

Use materials to manipulate objectsPlace objects in scoring locationsMove objects for as long/as far as possible

TimeHow much time?

Think/assemble/test timeResponse time

TalkingAlmost always permitted

Hands-On Strategies Cont.

ScoringUnderstand scoring requirements

Identify what has to be done to maximize scoreWork to achieve maximum scoreBalance success with creativity

If “how well team works together” is a scoring element, be on good behavior

Usually worth 1 to 10 pointsIf “creativity of solution” is a scoring element, stress use of materials in unusual ways or combinations

Usually worth 1 to 15 pointsBeware point difference between “creativity” element and maximum scoring potential

If potential response score is larger than “creativity” score, make sure focus is on maximizing response score

Hands-On Strategies Cont.

Think/assemble/test timeBrainstorming - Go “around the table”

Brainstorm concepts5 seconds per team memberModerator prompts each in turnCome to consensus on approach

Analyze scoringIdentify potential maximum scorePrioritize creativity Vs solving the problemALWAYS WORK WELL TOGETHER!

Hands-On Strategies Cont.

Think/assemble/test time, cont.

Perform inventoryMaterials to manipulate (can break, cut, tear, etc.)

Paper, toothpicks, clay, tape/mailing labels, straws, paperclips, spaghetti, rubber bands, string/yarn, pipe cleaners, paper/plastic cups, unsharpened pencils, tin foil, cotton balls

Materials to use as tools (cannot be manipulated)Usually marked with Yellow tapeScissors, rulers, containers, markersAsk: Can tools be used as part of the solution?

Hands-On Strategies Cont.

Think/assemble/test time, cont.

Miscellaneous materialsToys

Golf clubsDollsModel cars/planes

Balls, all kindsBroomsYardsticks/rulers/sticks of balsa woodKitchen utensils/pots & pansEtc., etc., etc.

Look for opportunities to use materials in creative ways

Hands-On Strategies Cont.

Think/assemble/test time, cont.

AssembleIf multiple items required, analyze componentsAssign assembly teams for componentsSHARE COMMON MATERIALS!!!

Avoid “futzing”Once crumpled, tin foil doesn’t reflatten easilyOnce pulled up, tape doesn’t restick well

Allow sufficient time during build to merge all components into final productAllow sufficient time to safely transport creation to presentation area, if required

Hands-On Strategies Cont.

Think/assemble/test time, cont.

Beware “throw-away” materialsSome items will always be included that look useful, but serve no real functional purpose in solving the problemBalance functionality with creativity

Avoid creating a beautiful/elegant solution that doesn’t work

TEST THE SOLUTION!!!ALWAYS test the solution before it has to be used for score!!!

Hands-On Strategies Cont.

Response timeDemonstrate the solutionWork as a team

Good behavior!

PracticeAs many types of hands-on problems as possibleStress understanding material characteristics/properties

Primary usesSecondary usesTensile vs compressive strength (can you pull on it or stand on it)Strength to weight (will it fail under its own weight)Brittleness vs plasticity (does it snap or can it be bent)Rigid vs malleable (does it retain its shape or can it be molded)Slippery vs sticky

Hands-On Strategies Cont.

Material characteristics/properties

Demonstration

Hands-On Strategies Cont.

Identify strong versus weak team membersWho has good hand/eye coordinationWho has good materials manipulation skills

FoldingCuttingTapingConstructing

Who can work quicklyWho doesn’t “futz”

Verbal/Hands-On StrategiesTime

How much time?Think timeResponse time

TalkingPermitted or not

Verbal/Hands-On Strategies Cont.

ScoringNumber of responses per team memberPoint difference between Common and CreativeResponses limited (5 per member) and high point difference (1 for Common 5 for Creative)

Take enough time to make responses creative without running out of time for using all responses

Responses unlimited and small point difference (1 for Common and 3 for Creative)

Give as many responses as possible regardless of creativityIf “how well team works together” is a scoring element, be on good behaviorIf “creativity of solution” is a scoring element, stress use of materials in unusual ways or combinationsBeware point difference between “works well/creativity” elements and maximum scoring potential

If potential response score is larger than “works well/creativity” score, make sure focus is on maximizing response score

Verbal/Hands-On Strategies Cont.

Think/assemble/test time Brainstorming

Think of as many responses as possibleIf talking not permitted, each team member to silently brainstormIf talking permitted, use think time to brainstorm

Go around the tableThink of a theme or story line

Open ended general idea is usually better than a detailed tightly defined story

Leaves more room for improvisationLeaves more room for unexpected plot twists and turns

Verbal/Hands-On Strategies Cont.

Think/assemble/test time , cont.

Build the “prop”Perform inventoryAnalyze material properties

Opportunities to use materials in creative waysAnalyze prop components

Assign assembly teams for componentsSHARE COMMON MATERIALS!!!

Avoid “futzing”Allow sufficient time during build to merge all components into final productAllow sufficient time during build to safely transport creation to presentation area, if required

Verbal/Hands-On Strategies Cont.

Response timeGetting un-stuck

RelaxTry to remember brainstorm ideasBuild-on previous response

Add more detail, or another aspect to it, or take story in new directionCounts as Creative response if story with continuity is required by the problem

Follow-on previous responseGive another response similar to previous one

Repeat previous responseOnly worth value of Common response

Verbal/Hands-On Strategies Cont.

PracticeAs many types of verbal/hands-on problems as possibleStress the creativity of responses

HumorousWord playRhymingJuxtaposition of ideasUse of words in novel or unexpected waysIntentional misuse of a word or phrase for effectUse of tone or inflectionUnexpected plot twists in the story line

Verbal/Hands-On Strategies Cont.

Identify strong versus weak team membersWho has limited verbal skillsWho gets tongue-tiedWho is quick witted, funny, originalWho has good hand/eye coordinationWho has good materials manipulation skills

FoldingCuttingTapingConstructing

Who can work quicklyWho doesn’t “futz”

General Strategies“Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm.”

Ralph Waldo EmersonScore, score, score

Understand what the scoring requirements areExploit them ruthlessly

Do pay attention to “works well together and creativity”Be relaxed, have fun with the unexpectedUse Spontaneous practice as team building opportunities

Learn your team’s dynamicsHelp the team to learn to work together better

If they don’t say you can’t do it, ask, or try!

Still not sure how toCoach Spontaneous???

ResourcesSpontaneous Kits

Michigan kits - http://www.miodyssey.com/Creative Competitions, Inc.

CCI web site - http://www.odysseyofthemind.com/KitsSpontaneous Problem Books

InternetVarious lists of past Spontaneous and Spontaneous-type problems

Spontaneous NightsUsually organized at school district levelParticipate if the opportunity comes upOrganize one yourself if the opportunity does not come up

Contact UsFor more information, or to register:

Michigan website:http://www.miodyssey.com

International sitehttp://www.odysseyofthemind.org

Odyssey of the Mind Headquarters

c/o Creative Competitions, Inc. 406 Ganttown Road

Sewell, NJ 08080

Tel: (856) 256-2797Fax: (856) 256-2798

Email: info@odysseyofthemind.org

Wrap UpThank you for volunteering to coachThank you for coming to learn how to coach your team in the Spontaneous Problem

Any Questions?

“I am always doing that which I cannot do, in order that I may learn how to do it.”

Pablo Picasso

Odyssey of the Mind