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How to TeamMastermind® (continued)
4—Mastermind the Challenge
The challenge is the heart of the seminar. It allows the children to integrate the skills they’ve learned and to use them in a cooperative setting. It’s hard to work in teams; it’s even harder to work as an effective, cohesive team. This step gives students an opportunity to practice these crucial life skills.
- Begin by arranging the students into groups of five to seven, and give each group a copy of the challenge. Then read it aloud. You may answer questions for clarification, but keep in mind that it is extremely important to let the students understand, discuss, and solve the challenge completely on their own.
- Hand out the materials listed in the guidebook. If necessary, you may substitute materials; however, the replacements should be comparable to those specified. Many of the challenges involve “engineering,” and the materials have been selected accordingly.
- Start the timer if there is a time limit.
- Wander around the room. Listen to the interactions. Watch the student’s faces and body language. Encourage them without advising them. Ask questions. Answer their questions with questions.
- When time is up, begin scoring. Each team will present its solution to the class. Use the information you have gathered in your wanderings to score the teamwork points. Scoring some of the items may seem subjective; however, you’ll quickly become adept at even-handed scoring that always encourages, never shames, and ultimately results in one winning team. Usually, the entire class will agree with your scoring — however, be sure to use the phrase “the judge’s decision is final” often!
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