You mention the judging mentoring program, I have heard a couple of descriptions of this the last year or so, but none of it seems very firm and definite, just lots of vague words and ideas, and apparently nothing is going on with it either.
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Big Tanks In the High Mountains of New Mexico -
Re: Flt. cars for Texas Regional
Michael, you should talk with Ralph Ridge about the status of the Mentoring program. I was involved early on with the steering committee, but I later withdrew. As a former university professor, I certainly support education! Thanks, TonyRegion VII Director (serving members in Arkansas, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, Oklahoma and Texas).
Original member of the Kansas City Chapter, est'd 07/11/1982.
Member: 1965 and 1966 National Judging Teams
Judging Chairman--Kansas City Chapter.
Co-Editor of the 1965 TIM and JG, 6th and 7th editions.
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Re: Flt. cars for Texas Regional
Actually, I did ask him in a forum we had at the Louisiana Regional recently. What I described is what I got. I don't sense any structure, energy, or organization around this at all. Good to hear you are an academic too, I always enjoyed my time teaching classes in college, but was glad it was not my full time job.Big Tanks In the High Mountains of New MexicoComment
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Re: Flt. cars for Texas Regional
Michael & Tony
What you have heard is where that program is at. We are still feeling our way with it, and as we find changes are needed we will implement them. There isn't much organization because we want the flexibility to make changes as needed. As such the programs hasn't grown very much. It will be implemented at Regional and national meets so it grows slowly since there are few of those events each year..
I am not sure that even when it has grown to the point that the program is as firm as it will be that a curriculum and syllabus will ever work. My thought is we need the flexibility to meet the participants at whatever level they come to us, but the steering committee will have the decision in those kinds of matters. My teaching experience is in a far less structured environment than either of you so perhaps I carry that bias with me. I have never had a firm program for the Advanced Judging Seminar and it seems to have worked well over the years, but then someone else might work better in a more structured environment.
We are working at the mentoring program and it will continue. So far the participants seem to receive it well, and that is most important.TerryComment
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Re: Flt. cars for Texas Regional
Mike
Our focus so far is newbies who come to the Advanced Judging Seminar. As we get the program more finely tuned we may begin to hunt more widely, but it is intended for beginners (either car owners or brand new people who want to learn about our judging system). We are attempting to keep the program on a more personal level than a Seminar, so it has not yet had a great number of participants. Just a guess would put it at 30 to 50 participants so far. Thus there is not a wide audience for you to have heard from. In addition it has been going for about a year, so it is pretty new.
At Mobile we had a former St. Louis/Bowling Green worker and the CEO of the National Corvette Museum as well as about ten new car owner/members participate with mentors during the two days of the program. We had two mentors working with these people. We have been very careful in choosing those who are mentors in that we want people who have advanced understanding of our judging system as well as superior communication and people skills. The latter skills are paramount. This is not a task for just anyone. Perhaps you have heard me in the AJS tell the participants: "I can teach you the NCRS judging system, but I can not teach you people skills" Well, this is where the rubber meets the road. We are trying to get closer to a Socratic teaching system with this.TerryComment
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Re: Flt. cars for Texas Regional
Terry:Originally posted by Terry McManmon (3966)
I also have heard of this program but had no idea it was being executed, even on a limited / trial basis. I think it's a great idea, and has merit. Particularly for new owners. I think that a first-time attendee is much more likely to be an owner, than an individual that comes to "judge". They bring their car to an event having no clue what they are getting into. But if they find the experience positive, they may be recruit-able as judges. This my personal experience. At my first Regional I took my car. But the next day, I was recruited by Tom Barr to judge Ops. I was hooked. My point is that car owners at their first event are the most likely resource for future judges.
I want to say something about the Observer Judge (OJ) program. We know that some OJs are only interested in the points. But the OJ program is also a prime opportunity for mentoring. The Judges that OJs are working with have the responsibility (burden?) to make the activity a learning experience. My normal Division NTL will never turn away a request for an OJ position. I have frequently worked with OJs, particularly at Nationals where the available judging assignments are limited. I always endeavor to include my OJs in the process. They can't participate in scoring decisions, but they can observe the process, look at what we're looking at. When coming to the "how many points for ......?" I ask my partner "I'm thinking of a number." He responds with "2". I say "I'm 4". We take 3. I encourage our OJs to also think of a number. And compare it to the judges decision. This is just one example. Make it a learning experience for every one, including the judges.
John Marsico (another educator) and I judged together in Mobile. We had two OJs that stayed with John and I for all 5 cars because John and I included them in what we were doing. They didn't just hold the clipboard. Any judge that is working with OJs needs to think of himself as (and act as) a mentor. Because that is exactly what he is.Comment
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Re: Flt. cars for Texas Regional
Thanks Terry, and as I was at you AJS in Mobile, now I remember you mentioning something about people going off with Shannon and Ralph for something. It just didn't click with me that was the mentoring program in action. Now I know and will be more observant.Big Tanks In the High Mountains of New MexicoComment
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Re: Flt. cars for Texas Regional
First I have heard of a mentoring program but I think it's a good idea (and likely a much needed source for knowledge and judges in the decades to come). I'm a first time C2 owner and was lucky in that the previous owner has been incredibly gracious with their time and invaluable in developing my understanding of these cars and enjoyment of the hobby. As an NCRS judge, he invited me to participate as an OJ for a day at the Indiana regional. One man's opinion, but if you want to attract interest and ensure knowledge of these cars continues this is a great way to do it.Comment
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Re: Flt. cars for Texas Regional
Steve, see the posts on Flight cars at Texas Regional. Dave Perry and I have discussed such a program. At the Auburn Reg. and in Mobile I had two OJ's who displayed an excellent desire to learn judging of 53-55 and 56-57. I had my fellow 400 judge agree to allowing the folks we were mentoring, guide them with technical info in the manual and sit in on the owner discussion explaining the reason for deductions, this is the critical part of being an NCRS judge. Judging is an extremely satisfying venture, welcome to the NCRS world.Comment
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Re: Flt. cars for Texas Regional
Thanks Ed, I just wanted to add support (from a new guy perspective) that I like the idea of a mentoring/build next generation of corvette knowledge (especially for the older gens). This org's mission of protecting and preserving the corvette heritage is truly special.Comment
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Re: Flt. cars for Texas Regional
This "mentoring" initiative / concept - it is critical to the survival of any organization or institution (that is not tax payer funded). The incumbent NCRS membership body needs to / must mentor a younger generation of enthusiasts if the club is going to thrive. The concept of mentoring must be instituted in all aspects of the management and operation of the organization, not just "judging". And.... .it needs to occur at the chapter level - the grass roots area where members meet. I would argue that mentoring is so important it deserves a section in the bylaws at the National and chapter levels. Mentoring should be part of every aspect of club operation except perhaps for the duties of treasurers. Do this.... before it is too late.EdComment
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Re: Flt. cars for Texas Regional
I agree Ed, the chapters are the foundation of this organization, and unfortunately many of us out in the hinterlands feel forgotten when the national organization does things.Big Tanks In the High Mountains of New MexicoComment
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Re: Flt. cars for Texas Regional
Exactly - chapters are where the rubber meets the road. It is going to take some thinking outside the air box to transform the club into a growing entity, especially in this social environment where anything related to petroleum is frowned upon. How about this, a new person joins the NCRS and he or she automatically is awarded a 1 (or 2 or 3) year chapter membership of his or her choice. Or, join a chapter and get 1 year free NCRS membership - but....once the new person is inside the room he or she has to feel part of the organization and is valued. There is the challenge.EdComment
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