Engaging Students
Finding, recruiting and sustaining players involvement in your HCASC program takes work! Successful coaches tell us that they spend 50% of their time on those tasks, allocating the remaining 50% of their time to training and preparation.
Here are some thoughts to help you in your quest for a strong HCASC Club and the perfect HCASC team:
Where to Look for Players
Student Orientation
Student Union
The Caf
Dormitories
Honor Societies
Frats & Sororities
TV Lounges
Campus-wide events
Ask faculty for nominations
Students recruiting students
What Makes a Good Player
Knowledgeable in many areas
Excels at quick recall
Good eye-hand-brain coordination
An active reader & learner
Works well in a group
Works hard & completes tasks on time
Positive attitude & enthusiastic
Self-aware & self-confident
Able to make the time commitment
Secure in their academic progress
What Skills are Required
Mastery of the game rules
Ability to play different question formats
Knowing how to pick categories
Ability to use strategy in the game
Good buzzer reflexes
Clock management skills
What Knowledge is Required
Strong knowledge in 5+ content areas
Medium knowledge in 5+ content areas
Small knowledge in other content areas
Keeping Players Engaged
Finding the right group of students to work with is only the beginning of a coach's journey to the NCT. Successful coaches keep participation rewarding and fun to keep the students involved over the course of the season.
Creating an HCASC Club fosters a sense of community, shared goals and facilitates a regular schedule of interaction, practice and preparation. Create opportunities for bonding, whether it be going to a movie or bowling, having a meal together or challenging each other watching Jeopardy!
Students today are busy and can be easily distracted. Keep in contact with the players, especially if they miss a session. Be aware of students' schedules including work and other extra-curricular activities.
Why Students Play
Social interaction
Enjoy competitive play
Outlet for strong intellect
Networking for their future
School pride
Travel opportunities
HCASC Content Areas
African American History
African American Literature
Business & Economics
Current Affairs
Fine Arts
General Knowledge
Geography
Government
History (US & World)
Literature
Pop Culture
Religion
Social Sciences
Science
Sports
Words & Language