|
|
|
|
|
|
Odyssey of the Mind - Background |
 |
Odyssey of the Mind (OM) is a competitive, international program that fosters a team based approach to problem solving for elementary and middle school students.
It was developed in 1978 by Professor Samuel Micklus to promote team problem solving skills. At first, the competition involved only 28 schools in New Jersey and has since grown to include most states and several foreign countries.
All participating teams are given the choice of the same five long term problems to solve, though these problems change from year to year. The nature of the problems incorporates the use of critical thinking skills and creativity. The problems usually include a “vehicle” problem, a mechanical problem, a “classics” problem, a balsa wood structure problem and a strictly dramatic problem. The team of five to seven members selects from the five given problems and after working for several months on a solution, presents it in the form of an 8-minute presentation at the state tournament. At this time, the students will compete against other teams solving the same problem in their division. Also, the first place and second place winners for each problem in each division are invited to compete at the World finals.
The teams are also given spontaneous problems to solve the day of the state and world tournaments. These problems fall into one of three categories: verbal, hands-on or a combination of both. Teams never know ahead of time which type of problem they will be required to solve, so it is an intense "think on your feet" experience.
2008 was the first year of Odyssey of the Mind (OM) in Stamford as a district-wide program. After feedback from parents, teachers, and administrators asking for enrichment programs in Stamford due to budget cuts, SYF decided to start the program and the Parent Teacher Council of Stamford enthusiastically decided to help. School based teams, coached by parents and teachers, started in October and met weekly or more at individual schools. Teams also participated in spontaneous scrimmages throughout the year.
This past year, Odyssey of the Mind had eleven teams from ten elementary schools and middle schools. Teams began meeting in September. Parents were required to volunteer for at least ten hours in any variety of support opportunities including coaching, administrative contact, scheduling, team communication, snack rotation, transportation, and supply & event helpers. The fee is $180 and there is a reduced rate of $50 for students who qualify for free and reduced lunch. For more information, visit www.stamfordyouth.org, www.odysseyofthemind.com and www.ctom.org. Or, contact Margie Pinto-Leite, 203-602-6665,
|
|
Rationale for Participation |
Participation in Odyssey of the Mind provides the student with both cognitive and affective experiences. Students are challenged to develop their critical thinking potential and their divergent thinking skills through creative problem solving. They are encouraged to plan, organize and set long-range goals. During this process, they gain sensitivity and experience with group dynamics. Learning to take risks allows the students to become more self-confident and independent thus making successes and defeats easier to place in perspective. Experiences with OM problems prepare students to solve real-life problems using specific skills and behaviors.
Program Goals
1. Develop creative thinking abilities.
2. Increase student ability to apply known principles and facts to "hands-on" situations.
3. Improve communication skills.
4. Learn how to use a creative problem solving process.
5. Develop and utilize skills of all team members.
6. Develop and use local resources.
7. Develop and use research skills.
8. Exercise and use the higher order thinking and critical thinking skills, especially analysis, synthesis and evaluation.
9. Have fun while learning all of these very important skills
|
|
