Nationals Event Discussion

[Unome]

I do wish that all tournaments, not just nationals, involved younger student alumni (eg college students) more frequently. I feel that students can sometimes write some of the best tests because they are the ones who have actually competed the events dozens of times and know what works and what doesn’t. Obviously I’m not saying adults/professors don’t do a good job, but I wish college students were more a part of the process at state and national tournaments. I think having student alumni help with the test writing/supervising could increase the quality of the tests substantially.

I'd say that, on average, the proportion of good event supervisors is similar among both groups (younger student alumni and everyone else). I've seen plenty of not-so-good alumni event supervisors.

[MIScioly1]

I do wish that all tournaments, not just nationals, involved younger student alumni (eg college students) more frequently. I feel that students can sometimes write some of the best tests because they are the ones who have actually competed the events dozens of times and know what works and what doesn’t. Obviously I’m not saying adults/professors don’t do a good job, but I wish college students were more a part of the process at state and national tournaments. I think having student alumni help with the test writing/supervising could increase the quality of the tests substantially.

I'd say that, on average, the proportion of good event supervisors is similar among both groups (younger student alumni and everyone else). I've seen plenty of not-so-good alumni event supervisors.

Oh for sure. I still wish that scioly was more welcoming to younger supervisors at higher levels of competition.

[nicholasmaurer]

I do wish that all tournaments, not just nationals, involved younger student alumni (eg college students) more frequently. I feel that students can sometimes write some of the best tests because they are the ones who have actually competed the events dozens of times and know what works and what doesn’t. Obviously I’m not saying adults/professors don’t do a good job, but I wish college students were more a part of the process at state and national tournaments. I think having student alumni help with the test writing/supervising could increase the quality of the tests substantially.

I'd say that, on average, the proportion of good event supervisors is similar among both groups (younger student alumni and everyone else). I've seen plenty of not-so-good alumni event supervisors.

Oh for sure. I still wish that scioly was more welcoming to younger supervisors at higher levels of competition.

My understanding is that the new Science Olympiad Alumni Task Force is designed to better retain and integrate alumni, especially at state and regional tournaments. Participation/volunteering at these tournaments, and the relationships formed as a result, often serve as a stepping stone to becoming involved at the national level.

[MIScioly1]

My understanding is that the new Science Olympiad Alumni Task Force is designed to better retain and integrate alumni, especially at state and regional tournaments. Participation/volunteering at these tournaments, and the relationships formed as a result, often serve as a stepping stone to becoming involved at the national level.

Good to hear!