|
[GH]
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
b. CCI candidates? yes
2.) What is your concept of the purpose in giving a pre-test ?
To prepare the candidate for the exam and broader teaching knowledge, especially in the case of the CI who likely has little or no real experience.
3.) Who should be asked to administer the pre-test ?
a. Master level. Two preferably three different MCIs with experience of training MCI and examinations, not together but separately over a period of time. I don't believe that one mentor is preferable for MCI.
b. CCI level. An MCI, with experience of training CCI and examinations
4.) The candidate has been working with a mentor for the past 6 months. Should the pre-test be given by this mentor ? not after six months mentoring.
5. ) Why ? After six months mentoring I very much doubt you could give a proper pre-test.
6. ) What should be covered during this pre-test ?
a. Master level. Comprehensive understanding of the test, not just the answers, casting should be spot on, experienced fault diagnosis and correction and preferably the Master prep should occur with several MCI candidates and not only one. There should also be time devoted to CCI training.
b. CCI level. One-to-one is best in my experience. The CI test and basic teaching skills.
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. All three for MCI, at least twice for a good CCI, for someone just starting out then all three times.
8.) State the reason for your decision on question 7. Because the first run or two through the test you end up instructing the candidate. The second time should be operated as close to test conditions as possible with very little prompting.
9.) Do you think the pre-test should be given by more than a single examiner ? No this is unnecessary.
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 ?
First test, yes everything should be corrected after and even sometimes during the task. One would hope that for the last pre-test there would be little or no prompting, but I would still correct problems as they occur.
11. ) Do you think that the examiner(s) should be brutally frank about any deficiencies or lack of proper performance during the critique ? Yes. So long as it's constructive with solutions given and a proper plan to correct the performance.
12.) Should the candidate be informed of his/her likelihood of passing the actual exam after taking the pre-test ? Yes of course. All candidates have to be prepared to pass as well as fail and setting up false hopes is not a good course of action. Of course being optimistic is important.
13.) When (if ever) would you recommend a repeat pre-test ?
Two weeks later.
14.) How should a candidate go about arranging a pre-test ?
They should ask the association for advice on who to see.
Cheers, Paul
Gordy
|