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Walter & Group....
[GH] Dusty Sprague comments on Gary Eaton's message :
Gordy,
Excellent insights from Gary Eaton……..I tested Gary and can tell you he was very well prepared. I particularly like what he says about contradictions, quoted below.
Dusty
"Contradictions
Expect different views on many subjects on the MCCI exam, especially oral questions. This reflects the examiners experience and study as an angler. Understanding any mentor's rationale for their opinion may rise to more importance than the actual answer. This juggling of information and decisive acceptance of the viewpoint you favor may occupy the largest change in methods as one approaches mastery.
>From my article Contradistinction of Terms in winter, 2011The LOOP “In taking FFF tests, I found considerable variation in how one examiner or another defined a term or interpreted written items. Much of this is regional. There is also some local jargon, peculiar to a specific type of equipment, or waterways dominated by a particularly large club, or developed by a few anglers.” http://www.fedflyfishers.org/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=6xhfISXavfU%3d&tabid=4469&mid=3361
Of course, doggedly adhering to past information that has been essentially disproven remains a sure way to extend a candidate's vulnerability. Some currently published information by recognized casting personalities stands-out as practically disproven and the persistence of such misinformation diserves all. Examiners usually concern themselves with the candidate's reasoning and capacity to present their supporting concepts non-confrontationally. Extended disagreements seldom serve the test-taker.
Should one discover conflict between two advisors: - 1) look to the literature,
- 2) Consult your nearest governing board member, maybe more than one Governor
- 3) seek multiple converging supportive sources, preferably current examiners
- 4) ask recent successful candidates, preferably those who have tested with your same examiners
- 5) develop your personal, well-reasoned (practical) basis, & invest time to prepare an oral presentation.
Always be aware there could exist enlightenment opportunities during a test. Preface addressing controversial areas with a preliminary statement like, "There are differing views on this and my current approach is . . ."
Don't become overly concerned on this possibility. Remember the FIVE Essentials from Jay and Bill Gammel. Resist ANY source that attempts to refute them. Prepare and persevere."
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[GH] From Rick Brown :
Gordy,
I think that pre-testing is extremely important and that no serious candidate should consider testing without pre-testing. As a CCI, I think that my answers concerning taking the CCI level test are valid but as far as the Master's exam is concerned, I think that what I have to offer is an ''informed opinion'' and nothing more.
1a) I believe that a Master should pre-test with another Master or preferably other Masters. Per previous discussions, I am including BOG's with Masters.
1b) In my preparation, I pre- tested with Masters Al Crise, Keith Richard (two separate occasions) and Tom Jindra. I also spent two Saturdays with CCI Bill Hoot. I learned something from each of them each time that I was with them. I was also able to learn specific test related skills from Chico Fernandez and Mark Sedotti. I could not have done it alone.
2. If I were the instructor, my purpose in giving the test would be to observe and improve the skills of my student as they related to the tasks on the test.
3 a&b I would ask anyone with superior casting and teaching skills relative to the person being tested. I would ask as many of these people as I could find. I would also ask people who had taken the test before me, whether or not they had passed, you can learn something from them all.
4. Should a mentor be asked to pre-test his/her student? Under ideal circumstances, no, but in real life there may not be an alternative.
5. The reason is that the mentor may see too much of himself in the student and not be as critical as another person.
6. I believe that the entire practical portion of the test should be covered. I believe that the candidate will know his/her weak spots and that concentration should be placed on those.
7. If there is only one answer to question 6, then my answer is 2 months. However, I think that ''as often as possible'' is a better choice.
8. Two months would give the candidate sufficient time to work on problems exposed during the pre-test.
9.If more than one examiner were available, then I think that this would be an advantage. There would be one more observer at a different observation point, there would be an additional teaching method or another way to help the candidate.
10. Corrected as soon as they occur. This would save time and everything is still ''fresh.''
11. Brutally frank can be interpreted different ways. I believe that totally honest (but constructive) is what I would look for. You don't want to destroy the candidate's desire to do better.
12. If I were the candidate and my chance of passing was marginal or worse; I would want to know that. I know that scheduling Masters and BOG's time for testing is difficult so why waste their time and/or take time away from someone else more qualified?
13. If I were the examiner, I would recommend a repeat pre-test if I saw that the candidate was on the verge of passing and needed a tune up at a later date. If I were the student, then I would jump at every chance to pre-test.
14. Masters and BOGs are a rare commodity. I think that the candidate has to consider that and go to the source. Meet everyone that you can and form relationships whenever possible.
best wishes, Rick
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[GH] Next message : Paul Arden weighs in.
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