Report from the Logical Olympiad Finals 2017

Like in the previous year, emphasis was laid on the diversity of the tasks. This time, the principal test was supplemented by modules focused on the logical spatial orientation associated with manual dexterity, or on attention and memory. Eva Sedláčková explained the strategy of the problem selection: “We do our best to create something new every year, something that the participants did not encounter in the past. This year, for example, we have prepared a short video featuring several Mensa members, after watching it, the competitors had to answer questions associated with the video. In that task, both the attention span and memory of the participants were tested, and besides, it was a welcome diversion for the competitors. The popularity of such supplementary modules is ever increasing, so we are planning to prepare even more of these in the future.  This will, however, require us to suitably amend the evaluation system to ensure the smooth running of the future finals. These elements are still relatively new, and we are looking for the best way to do this.”

On site, dozens of volunteers helped with the organization, recording results, and their evaluation. “In total, over 300 volunteers participated over the course of the entire competition. Their help is crucial at all levels of the competition –preparing the problems, their testing and design, communication with competitors, and organizing regional and final rounds”, Zuzana Poláková, the Head Organizer of this year’s competition, explains. “The motivation of the volunteers to participate varies, but I think that the most important part is that they all believe that the Logical Olympiad has a mission. Besides being a means for developing the positive attitude of children towards logic, it is a valuable tool for screening gifted children. As the participation is free of charge and the first round is online, indeed anyone can participate, and it is not uncommon that the competition reveals the potential of students who have until now succeeded in keeping it secret. Once uncovered, however, their talent can be cared for and helped to grow”.

The preparation of the finals, and the finals themselves, were observed by representatives from Mensa Poland: Piotr Strzyzewski, a councillor and development co-ordinator, and Eliza Ropka, the Chairwoman of Mensa Poland. Their goal was to acquire knowledge for planning and organizing the Logical Olympiad in Poland. So far, their plans are being hindered by the fact that the Mensa trademark is not so well known in Poland at the moment. therefore dealings with schools and administration – i.e., with bodies that should promote the awareness of this event, and help in its organization – are often lengthy and difficult.  The original intent was to organize the first year of the Logical Olympiad in Poland as soon as April, 2018, however the date is now being realistically estimated to be autumn 2018. The first year should take place in several regional centres only (Warsaw, Krakow, Katowice), and should the event prove successful, it would spread, ideally throughout the whole of Poland.

Both guests were really impressed by the smooth course of the finals, and particularly appreciated the fervour of the organizers, and indeed the extent of the event. They also consider the co-operation between the competition organizers, the Ministry of Education, and schools to be a very positive point. “The Logical Olympiad is a great event for both Mensa and for children. The mission of Mensa is to care for gifted children, and Mensa CR has created a way to do it through the Logical Olympiad. In this respect, Mensa CR is an example for other countries who should try to utilize that know-how”, summarized Eliza Ropka.

Related topics

• Logical Olympiad
• News and reports from the Logical Olympiad

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