Beyond Robots: Teaching Teamwork, Empathy, and Collaboration

We don't use kids to build robots, we use robots to build kids." This quote from Dean Kamen, founder of FIRST, has always summed up my philosophy toward robotics. This year's FIRST Lego League theme, Unearthed, marks my sixth year coaching and coordinating robotics. Over these years, I've learned a tremendous amount about coding, engineering, and project research, but most importantly, I've learned the value of teamwork and collaboration. Every season brings new challenges and fresh insights into what motivates kids and how to build a strong, supportive team. Robotics remains one of the few non-physical team sports (yes, I believe it qualifies) where students can work together toward a common goal.

I've made plenty of mistakes along the way. Last year, I focused too much on coding and building better robots, and not enough on teamwork. One of the teams who became highly competitive, ended up winning 2nd place overall in the Thailand National tournament. They were full of talent but there were some issues lurking behind the scenes. By the time we reached the competition, social conflicts had flared up. I realized that in my quest for technical excellence, I had neglected shared decision-making, empathy, and the foundation of a strong team.

This year, I'm a more balanced coach. My co-coaches and I dedicate time to team challenges, fun activities, and fostering coopertition—the FLL term for teams cooperating with each other so everyone can succeed.

At the end of the day, just like in the improv show Whose Line Is It Anyway?, the points don’t matter. What matters is how the team grows, learns, and supports each other along the way.