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<-Mentoring in Teamwork^Coach Expectations^Mentoring in Project Completion->
=====Mentoring on the Product Development Process=====
A primary role of the coach is to mentor students in the product development process.  This section lists some approaches that we believe will be helpful in this mentoring.

**//Teach the product development process//**

The reason we do Capstone is to support the education of the students.  We do projects
so students can get real experience applying their learning, rather than just having
theoretical experiences.  The primary objective of all we do is education, so please make
sure that you are supporting the educational aspects of Capstone in your coaching.

**//Use class terminology in the project work//**

Please become familiar with the product development terminology that is taught in
the textbook and the class materials.  We will use this terminology throughout the class.  As the
instructors, students, and coaches all use the same terminology, the amount of
student understanding greatly increases.We understand that the class terminology may not be your favored terminology.  The ideas taught in class may not be exactly your favored ideas for product development (and we're open to feedback about how to improve what's taught in class). Nevertheless, for consistency, we ask that you use the terminology and ideas as written in the textbook and shared in class when working with your team. For a compilation of class terminology see appendices A and C in the textbook.

**//Attend class//**

It is vital that you attend class so that you know what the students are being
taught.  If you miss class, not only are you unaware of what the students are
learning, but you are also sending a subtle message that class is unimportant.
And when you attend class, participate fully.  Don't be working on
your laptop or phone.

Most instruction will take place in instructional “pods” of four to eight teams and will be held in person. Please be a full participant in pods.

Expect your students to attend class.  Be aware of who is missing.  Ask them about why they are missing.  Do everything you can to encourage their attendance and participation.

During class, when you have insight that can apply to our discussion, please
share it with us!  Capstone coaches are one of our greatest educational resources,
and we'd like to use them to the maximum advantage of our students.

**//Help students apply the classroom teaching to their project//**

To get the best learning, students need to apply what they read and what they learn
in the classroom.  There is a disconnect between the book work and the project work in the minds of many students.  One of your jobs is to help eliminate this disconnect.

Many successful coaches take a few minutes after class ends to ask the team how
they can apply the class material in their project work.  As students see this
application, they are much more likely to use the things they learn in the classroom
throughout the project and throughout their lives.
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