[SPAM] MCI exams not identical

It seems that the MCI is somewhat impromptu. Are not all MCI tests the same? It would seem quite unfair that the tests would vary and actually be different for some than for others at different testing dates and locations.

We wish to gain a firm impression that the candidate has a well rounded grasp of the teaching of fly casting. To that end, the practical (casting) portion is standardized. The required tasks ARE all the same. Judgement of performance, however must include consideration as to whether the task was completed in such a manner as to be a good demonstration for students. (Not enough to make the distance or hit the target.) Accompanying explanation must match the performance.

The candidate does need to diagnose and come up with at least one method of correction of standard casting faults that we all find as we teach. Slight differences are to be expected in testing because of the number of different examiners.....but the basics remain the same. As in advanced education, there are bound to be some examiners who are more demanding than others. To help level this, we have the exam given by two CBOG's or by one CBOG and two MCI's.

Added to this is the need for us to know that the candidate is truly expert in his/her customary fly fishery. Obviously, that will differ between candidates. This is to the candidate's advantage. As a dyed in the wool salt water fly fisherman, for example, I could ask a wide range of questions on that subject which a trout fisherman could not hope to answer. I would never do that.

As you can see from a study of the Master Study Guide, there are 5 basic topics which are to be covered in the oral exam. We all stick to that format, though the exact questions won't all be the same. In the event that we asked identical questions, it wouldn't be long before preparation for the test would degenerate into an exercise in memorization. A low level, indeed. We seek advanced deep understanding of the topics. Those candidates who have achieved that have no trouble passing.

The FFF is not trying to turn out "Master Automatons".....cookie cutter identical instructors. That is one reason why a wide range of questions may be asked. For example, I might ask, "How do you teach" (in general or a particular kind of casting). The candidate may come up with an answer which is entirely different from the way I might teach, but if he/she has good reasons for that method and the method makes sense, it will pass. We want to explore the candidate's, "bag of tricks" for teaching. As we do that, examiners sometimes learn, too.

We respect and encourage diversity among our masters. That helps us learn from one another as we communicate. This is also one reason that we want our candidates to be familiar with our teaching language as well as that of others.