Students struggle to create a standing marshmallow structure using only string, tape, and spaghetti
The marshmallow challenge was overall a successful way to engage students and evaluate group work. The most difficult part of the process was working on the preparations for the challenge over winter break. As we were not able to get together, collaboration was difficult. We used a GoogleDocs to attempt to work jointly on the technical memo as well as assigning jobs. However, it was difficult to work under time constraints, especially considering our differing abilities to access the internet.
One of the most important things we did was test run the challenge. This allowed us to have a personal insight during discussions but also showed us what aspects of the challenge would need to be arrange. We found 3 to be the ideal number for working on the task, as two was too small and four would have led to a lack of tasks. We divided the various tasks before and during the challenge to different members of the Apprentice Leaders. Having each person with an assigned role and place to be made the challenge run smoothly. We also did not pick up on verbal cues that we needed to be transitioning to leading the class- this was later clarified by our faculty advisors, but would have been useful to know about beforehand.
Some things we would change:
- Work on the memo before break
- Trial run the start of the challenge: i.e. who says what, and how to facilitate the movement of teams and distribution of supplies
- Less discussion time (10min)
Some things we would keep:
- Predefined roles and jobs
- Discussions facilitated by A.L’s and advisors amongst each group
- Limited rules
- Awards to the winning team and most creative
Overall, the challenge seemed to be really fun for the groups. It was a good way to asses the strongest leaders of the group. In addition, it was a good platform to show that as engineers, we will fail; but, it is ok to fail. It was also good to have discussion to get students conversing about engineering and leadership.
Tags: teamwork