Parent Volunteers needed to judge Tournament of Minds

On Sunday February 26th, ISB will be hosting the Bangkok Tournament of Minds and we need some willing volunteers to get involved and help out on the day as judges. This is a fantastic enrichment opportunity for our students as well as many others in the region, but we couldn’t make it happen without the gift of time from many volunteers. No experience is necessary and all the details of the event are below. If you are interested in helping out, or if you have any questions, please contact Selena Gallagher at selenag@isb.ac.th.

When?

Sunday February 26th 2017

What?

A team creative problem-solving competition. Teams of up to 7 students from either elementary or secondary schools compete in one of three divisions – Language Literature, Social Sciences or Math Engineering. They work for six weeks to solve a long-term challenge and present their solution on Tournament Day in front of an audience and a panel of judges. On the day, teams also face an unseen Spontaneous Challenge.

Who?

Approximately 400 students from schools across Thailand and the S.E. Asian region.

Why?

The aim of TOM is to enhance the potential of our youth by developing diverse skills, enterprise, time management and the discipline to work collaboratively within a competitive environment. Tournament of Minds’ objectives are:  to provide the stimulation of real, open-ended challenges; to develop creative problem-solving approaches and techniques; to foster cooperative learning and team work; to promote knowledge and appreciation of self and others; to encourage experimentation and risk-taking; to expand and reward creative and divergent thinking; to stimulate a spirit of inquiry and love of learning; to develop enterprise; and to celebrate excellence.

What’s involved?

As a judge, you would be part of a panel of three to judge one of the long-term challenges or the spontaneous challenge, according to specific criteria. There will be a recommended training session in the weeks leading up to the Tournament to familiarise you with the challenge and the judging criteria, then you will be required to come along on 26th February for the Tournament itself. The schedule is still to be determined but likely commitment is around four to five hours, depending on assignment.

What’s in it for me?

Supporting a worthwhile enrichment opportunity that wouldn’t happen without people like you.

The joy of seeing students demonstrating their ingenuity, creativity and cooperation.

And free food!