According to press releases, SOS has transitioned from an observer-evaluator to a coach-mentor format in its instruction. What does that mean?
A. In the past, SOS flight commanders – the faculty instructors – were prohibited from intervening in student performance for fear of giving an unfair advantage in the student ranking. Obviously this “non-intervention rule” was created and executed with the best intentions; however, it severely restricted the students’ potential to gain insights from the highly qualified faculty. What other school would restrict its teachers from intervening to help their students learn? The new coach-mentor model encourages faculty to help whenever it is appropriate. They cannot “take the test” for the students, but they can ensure that their students are educated and equipped to perform to their maximum potential both within the SOS program and in the “real test” that follows, back in their units!
