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Walter & Group...
[GH] Gary Eaton has prepared a very detailed message on the subject of pre-tests at a Master level, under the heading of Mock Tests. Since it is detailed, extensive and includes five pages of information, I've included it in an attachment.
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[GH] Answers to our questions from Pat Damico. Note his short, crisp answers which are right on target. A good way of answering questions on an oral exam. I was present at the venue where Pat took his MCI exam and after discussing his excellent performance was made aware that this is the way he answered questions on his own exam :
Gordy,
This is a great series of questions.
Let's see how you would answer these questions :
1.) Do you agree that a pre-test should be undertaken before a candidate takes the formal exam ? :
a. Master candidates? Yes, I did 3 different ones
b. CCI candidates? yes
2.) What is your concept of the purpose in giving a pre-test ? To give the candidate the experience and have the tester give him/her their opinion of their readiness
3.) Who should be asked to administer the pre-test ?
a. Master level. Ideally a BOG member or Master with testing experience
b. CCI level. At least Master level
4.) The candidate has been working with a mentor for the past 6 months. Should the pre-test be given by this mentor ? Could do it for first one, but a different examiner would be ideal
5. ) Why ? Another opinion would be very helpful. Would help with the variety of testing we have been discussing
6. ) What should be covered during this pre-test ?
a. Master level. Do it as you would a regular test
b. CCI level. Same as above
7.) When would you recommend taking a pre-test ?
a. A few days before the actual exam.
b. Several weeks prior to the actual exam.
c. Soon after starting to prepare for the exam.
b. at least two months before test date
8.) State the reason for your decision on question 7. If candidate needs help, time is available to do necessary work. If help is not needed (very rare) candidate will be more relaxed and know he/she is on a winning track. Candidate may have to reschedule and give someone better prepared an opportunity to test
9.) Do you think the pre-test should be given by more than a single examiner ? A single examiner with testing experience would be fine for first one
10.) Would you recommend that the examiner(s) correct faults after each answer or casting task ? No
Or do you feel that the pre-test should be given just the way the real exam is administered and corrections/critique be held until the end ? Yes, unless candidate is very poorly prepared
11. ) Do you think that the examiner(s) should be brutally frank about any deficiencies or lack of proper performance during the critique ? Absolutely! The rate of passing will dramatically improve.
12.) Should the candidate be informed of his/her likelihood of passing the actual exam after taking the pre-test ? Yes
13.) When (if ever) would you recommend a repeat pre-test ? If candidate needs more than a little work. Repeat with same examiner to see if specific areas have improved and then a pre-testing with a different examiner would be advisable
14.) How should a candidate go about arranging a pre-test ? In case of Master, contact closest BOG for guidance. CCI candidate can contact local Master with testing experience.
Pat Damico, MCI
St. Pete Beach, FL
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[GH] From Maryann Townsend. (As many of you may know, Maryann is a professional educator at University level). She answers questions not only from her teaching experiences, but also in the first person as she looks back upon her own experiences during her journey to certification :
Gordy here are a few of my thoughts on Pre-Test-
Maryann
Here at the University we often struggle with just such a question - -
The first question we ask ourselves is "What is the desired outcome"?
1.) Do you agree that a pre-test should be undertaken before a candidate takes the formal exam ? :
It depends on the desired outcome of the FFF. If the FFF is looking for the best instructors possible, I feel what is wrong with giving them all of the tools possible to become a better instructor. Example: In my case, I did not pass the CCI the first time, in a sense it was (after the fact) a pre-test. Even though I was disappointed, it helped me become a better caster and a better instructor.
2.) What is your concept of the purpose in giving a pre-test ?
To help the candidate to become the best I instructor they can.
3.) Who should be asked to administer the pre-test ?
a. Master level. In some areas it is difficult to find a BOG – (2 Masters if available)
b. CCI level. (2 Masters if available) I like the idea of two people giving input
4.) The candidate has been working with a mentor for the past 6 months. Should the pre-test be given by this mentor ?
No
5. ) Why ? I worked with a mentor for quite some time - - at some point a new point of view can be very
helpful. Like stepping outside of the box, the mentor may become too familiar or comfortable with the candidate – a new perspective is always welcome in my book! It is never too late to learn something new. I am always looking for opportunities to increase my technique and skills.
6. ) What should be covered during this pre-test ?
As a candidate they have full access to the exam – so why not run through the exam as if it were the real thing – but in this case – suggestions could be offered by the examiner during and after the pre-test.
a. Master level.
b. CCI level.
7.) When would you recommend taking a pre-test ?
In my opinion I would try for all three – again it only leaves room for improvement.
Prepare, Learn take a breath and learn some more.
C. In the beginning, it might help answer the question that everyone wants to know. “What exactly am I getting myself into? and even though it is spelled out in black and white - - what is it the examiners are looking for?” It would allow me to ask questions as I work through the process too.
B. Several weeks prior to the actual exam – Continue to learn from the experience, get a few more pointers and work out any kinks.
A. A few days before the actual exam. Calm down the nerves - even though it is only a day or two before – there is still time to learn and become even more comfortable. I’m sure many of you still remember the Mayflies doing flips in your stomach the day of your testing.
8.) State the reason for your decision on question 7.
Stated above
9.) Do you think the pre-test should be given by more than a single examiner ?
Yes…when available, an additional opportunity for learning – also a pre-test in my opinion is just that, an example of the original – two members are present during the actual testing.
10.) Would you recommend that the examiner(s) correct faults after each answer or casting task ? Or do you feel that the pre-test should be given just the way the real exam is administered and corrections/critique be held until the end?
Again, it depends on the final expectation of our CCI’s and MCI’s. Do we punish and or discourage them during the pretest or do we help them become better instructors?
11. ) Do you think that the examiner(s) should be brutally frank about any deficiencies or lack of proper performance during the critique ?
Yes . . . that would be my understanding as the candidate for testing – I am there to improve – how can I fix something if I don’t know it is broken?
12.) Should the candidate be informed of his/her likelihood of passing the actual exam after taking the pre-test ?
Yes … In both cases - if not ready help them to continue learning and prepare for the exam.
If the examiner feels they are ready it would be a huge confidence booster.
13.) When (if ever) would you recommend a repeat pre-test ?
As I explained above in question #7. Multiple times as long as they continue to improve. I also think the candidate should walk away with a few notes for improvement - - not a guarantee of success of course, but areas in which need to improve before they can sit for any additional pre-test. Or possibly they could only retest once every 3-6 months???
14.) How should a candidate go about arranging a pre-test ?
One question first - where – when and by who- will these exams be given?
These answers may have an impact on the question above. If the pre-tests are given at the conclaves student will need to sign up for them in advance - - if they are given as needed they would just have to be arranged via possibly email to the testers in their area. Keeping in mind if it were limited to conclaves it might be difficult for everyone – I know at the Oct conclave in Mt. Home the number of candidates just about outnumber the examiners.
My vote would be to arrange them individually.
Maryann Townsend Ed.D
FFF Certified Casting Instructor
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Attachment:
MCI mock tests.doc
Description: MS-Word document