CICP exams 3

Walter & Group...

>From Gary Davison :

Gordy,

 

Regarding Guy's great input on the reason for seeking CCI status.  It really comes down to Basic Human Needs again what motivates the individual to become a CCI.  The list is broad in scope. 

 

Rex Walker's statement about getting out there and teaching to qualify is a must!   

Rex and I were fortunate to work with the same Master and we had the great fortune of participating in clinics where we both learn the importance of Teaching in order to obtain Certification.

 

An observation based on the feed back provided from the Conclave, is that there are not enough Mentor's to go around for most candidates.  Most candidates came in un-prepared for the test.

 

I will share my feelings on the subject below for those that are in our study group who support our CCI candidates weather they are CCI or Masters.  

 

I lost one of my mentor's this year.  He was the main reason I reached CCI status before his passing.  He not only taught me to Teach, but he also taught me the importance of Listening and Learning, and to continue Learning though out this journey. 

 

That time and effort he and I spent learning and teaching is what made all the difference in obtaining Certification.  It also made my journey so much more rewarding.  I can not stress enough what a disadvantage a candidate has if they are doing this on their own and do not have this valuable resource. 

 

My mentor tested me weekly and provided me feed back almost daily for 3 years straight on a study group.  He did this without compensation.  Luckily we were in close proximity to each other to where he could put me on the spot a number of times during clinics, to give me the opportunity to express my teachings always with his support, always when he knew I had the capability. 

 

I was blessed to have him and this experience in my journey.  I hope I can do as well as he, when I am called upon to assist in helping others to become Teacher's and CCI's.   

 

Fundamental Human Needs come into play.  We all have goals and the reason for those goals.  We need others to help obtain those goal's. 

 

There are Mentor's out there that contribute and share with out expectation of return. 

 

Those are the Mentor's that have my deepest admiration.   

 

They are in my opinion the true stewards of the sport. 

 

The foundation that a Mentor provides a CCI candidate will stay with them through out their journey, in my case that is a life time! 

 

Thanks you Gordy and The Study Group!!

 

Thank you Al Crise!!  A Mentor that is greatly missed!

 

 

All the best,

Gary  

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 

 

 [GH]   CICP = Casting Instructor Certification Program.

Capt. Pete Greenan is past president of the FFF Florida Council.  He is a new member of the BOG. This from him :

Gordy & Group,

I see we are all on the same page when speaking of the pass/fail ratio.  Here are my responses.  I hope they help us understand how important this problem is.

 

1. The reason anglers seek the CI/MCI is paramount.  If they are currently teaching, but want to bring their classes in line with the CICP parameters, I see this as a positive sign.  However, if they are not now teaching nor plan to teach in the future, we might be wasting good energy.  That energy could be better spent on teaching at public forums, writing about casting techniques, etc. in order to promote fly fishing.  This may help bring in new members of the FFF.  I believe that is one of our obligations to the FFF.

 

2. I believe we should spend more time working with current members to increase their teaching abilities so they may help anglers in their local clubs and councils enjoy the benefits of the FFF.  This may require us to encourage candidates who are not teaching to begin to teach at the local level.  Much like Davis Diaz's Foundation Series, this may help us find very enthusiastic candidates; those that really love the teaching art.

 

3. It is possible we could develop an interview of potential candidates.  Asking questions like, " Are you teaching?" or "Why do you want to be a Certified Instructor?" may help sort out actual instructors from merit badge seekers.  In many instances in other organizations a requirement to be "sponsored" or "recommended" is the rule.  Could this work for us?  I believe it can.  The first step for this is to set a standard for the application whereby a MCI or BOG must recommend a candidate.  This would, I believe, increase the quality of our instructors, cut down on wasted effort and increase the pass/fail ratio.  The sponsor would then be obligated to insure the candidate be ready to take the test by directly mentoring or by arranging a mentor for the candidate.  Yes, it is more work for us, but the results may prove very satisfactory.

 

4. Having a good reason to take the CI test helps insure a diligent attention to study and practice.  It may be important to find out the "why".

 

Pete Greenan - BOG Florida