Navigating Learning - Beyond the Classroom Experience - BEST Robotics

Alex Cook

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Prologue

The methodology of BEST Robotics is often opposed by the traditional framework of the educational experience across the country. BEST offers a platform for students to excel in the art of creative and technical design, build, testing, documentation, presentation, and more. Yes, the face of BEST is robots, but the program encourages students to push the boundaries of creativity, teamwork, and the engineering design process.

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Reflecting on BEST Robotics, I’m reminded of Maya Angelou’s belief:

Education is a process that goes on ‘till death”

A concept that aligns with the hands-on, explorative nature of BEST -- our learning is not contained within a 45-minute class period; itt continues in the constant brainstorming BEST encourages. Unlike the structured progression typical of classroom instruction, BEST embodies a diverse, participatory learning model that empowers students to be curious and creative as they transform their thoughts into reality. This experiential approach has opened new dimensions in my thinking, broadening my perspective on what learning can — and perhaps should — be.

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BEST Robotics vs. Traditional Learning

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In the juxtaposition of BEST Robotics with traditional educational methods, certain themes stand out:

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1. Memorization vs. Mastery

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Schools award “mastery” of a subject according to their students’ grades. Grades do not correlate to mastery. To achieve “good” grades, one must simply memorize information prior to examination and submit assignments on time.

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In the words of Benjamin Franklin:

“Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn.”

BEST involves students in creation, innovation, and ideation. Because of BEST’s exploratory learning style, students not only develop mastery in named subjects (e.g. engineering, math, science, etc.), they develop mastery in their way of thinking. BEST contributes to the rise of a new generation of critical and creative thinkers.

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2. Problem-Solving and Failure

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The BEST experience is a study in resilience. Failure is an integral part of the engineering design process. It is not seen as a setback but rather an opportunity to troubleshoot, adapt, and refine. This iterative process nurtures problem-solving skills and builds mental agility.

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Conversely, the structured nature of traditional education often prioritizes correctness and compliance over experimentation. While this method is effective for acquiring foundational knowledge, it does not prepare students well for unanticipated challenges, where adaptability is key.

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3. Teamwork and Interpersonal Skills

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BEST Robotics is inherently collaborative, requiring students to work together, blending their unique strengths and capabilities. Building a robot is a collective mission that depends on communication, compromise, and respect. Through BEST, students learn the power of shared diverse knowledge and experience firsthand the complexity of working within a specialized group.

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In contrast, traditional schooling can sometimes isolate students. Group work, though present, often lacks the intensity and interdependence characteristic of the BEST model, where the team’s success hinges on the specialized contributions of each member.

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4. Creativity and Innovation

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Creativity is the heartbeat of BEST Robotics. There are no “right” answers, only questions that need answered and solutions that need discovered. The open-ended nature of robotics allows students to explore unconventional ideas and push boundaries. Here, creativity and innovation are not only encouraged but essential.

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Traditional education often offers limited opportunities for creativity, as standardized curricula can constrain students to specific paths of thought. We too commonly fall under the curse of having a rubric -- a box. While there are exceptions, these environments do not foster the same level of innovative thinking that BEST Robotics promotes.

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Personal Reflection on BEST Robotics

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Seven years ago, I joined Royal Technic, Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy’s BEST Robotics Team, for the Current Events season. We were ambitious. But having the largest bot at the competition didn’t come without challenges. The arm of our robot snapped in half four times, including the night before competition. Yesterday, the day before mall day, our arm snapped in half for the first time in seven years.

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Seven years ago, each time the arm broke, the outlook of our entire night would change. It took eight hours to fix, and it took three versions across four arms before we had a capable design. We were frightened and uncoordinated (or at least the older people were, I was 11 years old). Last night, we had a new arm and aluminum bracket designed, cut, built, and assembled within two hours. Our team is fluid, moving to fill the ever-changing requirements.

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The break seven years ago and the break yesterday each happened around 9:00 pm. Last time, we finished at 5:00am. This time, we were done by 11:00 pm.

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All this to say, our team was young then -- I was young -- but we have learned how to work together with a team that changes every year. We have learned how to specialize and contribute with ideas, questions, and actions. We gained this knowledge and skill set, not during a class, but through the experience curated for us by BEST robotics.

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Conclusion

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BEST Robotics offers a learning experience that enhances traditional education. While schools provide a crucial foundation of knowledge, BEST allows students to build on that foundation in ways that are interactive, collaborative, and creative. Through BEST, we not only learn to build robots but also develop skills that are essential for thriving in a complex, rapidly evolving world.

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As I continue to reflect on my BEST journey, I recognize that the greatest takeaway is not the technical knowledge or even the robot itself, but the mindset—one of resilience, collaboration, and boundless creativity, one that prioritizes both adaptability and efficiency. And that, perhaps, is the true essence of education: not merely to know but to create, to adapt, and to grow alongside others for the betterment of the world we live in.

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