Ivan Dović, OŠ Brinje, Grosuplje
In this article I will present my experience of mentoring a team of pupils, which entered FIRST LEGO League competition (FLL), a competition which enables students to learn independently and responsibly. FLL is a multidisciplinary competition with a focus on robotics. Students have to perform well in the robot competition, they have to find and present an innovative solution to a specific problem, related to the season’s theme, and they have to act as a cohesive group, where each member is respected and plays an important role. The true value of the competition lies in its process, which encourages students to be independent and creative in their research work and learning. A mentor is responsible for the process, but the success of the team depends on the energy invested in acquiring new knowledge, which will result in a successful outcome in the competition. In September, students receive a set of LEGO bricks, which they use to create devices, required for robot training on a playing field. At the same time, they receive a link to video instructions and requirements the robot will have to fulfil in order to complete a certain task on a playing field. Apart from this, students have to develop a problem solving strategy and come up with the structure of the robot, as well as build a robot with Lego Mindstorms kit and develop a programme, using LEGO software. Even though these seem to be enjoyable tasks, students soon have to face new challenges. These can be successfully overcome, if students are willing to learn from a huge database on the internet. In November, an all-Slovenian robot training is organized, so that students don’t lose motivation. This is where teams can test their robots and compare their strategies with others. Simultaneously, students explore the topic of the season. FLL provides guidelines for mentors and students. Together we indicate a problem in our local environment and try to come up with an innovative solution. In doing so students cooperate with external experts, companies and institutions, which are often contacted via electronic communication. It is obligatory to share the problem solution with the locals; that is why we communicated our progress also with the help of social networks and website. In my representation I will share my experience of mentoring a group of students in season 2014/2015. FLL competition truly is an opportunity for students to actively participate in the construction of their knowledge.
