Empowering Students Through Holistic Education Approach
Educators often stress the importance of incorporating robotics into education to prepare students for careers in STEM fields. While this focus is crucial, the lessons learned in a robotics classroom extend far beyond technical skills and can be applied to any job or life situation. Students not only gain a foundation in technical concepts but also develop essential soft skills like teamwork, problem-solving, and resilience.
At the School for the Talented and Gifted in Pleasant Grove, teachers Omar Cortez and Jocelyn Cortez have embraced robotics as a tool to engage students and foster a holistic approach to education. Despite limited technical background, they have successfully integrated robotics and programming courses into their curriculum, emphasizing the importance of competition, project-based learning, and simplified planning.
Rooted in Competition
A few years ago, the teachers shifted their focus towards incorporating competition into their robotics classrooms. Instead of solely teaching engineering basics, they introduced a competitive element to their lessons. For instance, when learning about gear ratios, students engage in activities like tug of war competitions or robotic sumo wrestling matches. This approach not only captivates students’ interest but also promotes collaboration within teams, instilling a sense of pride in their work.
Competition also nurtures resilience and critical thinking in students as they face challenges and setbacks. By encouraging them to experiment, fail, and try again with new insights, students learn to persevere and think innovatively. The competitive aspect of robotics education motivates students to push their boundaries, fostering a growth mindset and a willingness to tackle obstacles head-on.
Project-Based Lessons
Robotics classes at the School for the Talented and Gifted are predominantly project-based, incorporating concepts from various disciplines and students’ everyday experiences. Students apply physics principles to their robot designs, use mathematical calculations to optimize their robot’s path, and integrate feedback to enhance their projects. This hands-on approach not only reinforces academic learning but also demonstrates the practical applications of classroom knowledge.
Moreover, students acquire valuable project management skills through robotics projects, guiding them through the design process, feedback collection, accessibility considerations, and final presentations. By navigating these project stages, students develop organizational skills, communication abilities, and a deeper understanding of the iterative design process. Robotics education equips students with transferable skills that extend beyond technical know-how, preparing them for diverse real-world challenges.
Simplified Planning
Despite initial concerns about planning time, the teachers have streamlined their approach to robotics education with the help of resources like CoderZ. This platform aligns seamlessly with their competitive, multi-curricular, and project-based teaching philosophy, offering comprehensive tools and support for educators with varying technical backgrounds. With minimal planning, teachers can effectively implement robotics lessons, empowering students to take ownership of their learning and lead their peers.
Witnessing the transformation in students’ confidence and skills throughout the year is a rewarding experience for Omar Cortez and Jocelyn Cortez. As students engage in each new project with enthusiasm and determination, the teachers observe firsthand the growth in their technical proficiency and social aptitude. Robotics education not only equips students with technical competencies but also nurtures their self-assurance and adaptability, preparing them for success in a rapidly evolving world.
