MCI exam Comments

Walter & Group....

[GH] We've aired many excellent comments on the MCI exam in general. To go further with this topic may be counterproductive for our MCI Candidates. For that reason, I've labeled this message, FINALE.

After this one, we'll go into discussion of the specific tasks on the MCI Performance Exam.

Please note the first attachment. (A message from Guy Manning re the CCI exam.)

[GH] From Jim Bass :

Gordy:

I am learning a tremendous amount about the thoughts of many of the Masters from the discussions on going. I see several view points on what Gary has to say along with your comments.

I believe there is one very important thing which must be addressed and that is a glossary of terms and guidelines which must be part of any study material for the entire test. If we do not have the same meaning to a word or phrase them the candidate has at least 50% chance to be wrong on any answer he gives. If we have testers who have a different concept from the next set of testers' then one candidate might pass and another fail because we as a group can't agree on the meaning of the words in our FLY FISHINGESE. Until we train our examiners with what is an acceptable test then we will not have consistency and fairness to all who are being tested.

Here is an added though, if the Fresh water and Salt water cast and teaching are so different then we may need to do as the two handed group did make an additional group. I am not in favor of this but it is possible.

Jim Bass

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Jim,

This is why our Glossary Committee has tried to come up with their definitions of basic fly casting elements.

In the meantime, in the absence of an "official" list of definitions, experienced examiners realize this present void and are likely to accept a definition offered by a candidate as long as it bears explanation so that the examiner knows that the term is understood.

Of course, it is much easier for all concerned to have basic solid definitions. Once we do have them, however, memorizing them and quoting them on an exam will be only part of the equation. The examiner will usually request an explanation which may, for example, include the relationship between that definition and others. I can envisage questions something like these :

"OK, you have given us a definition of CASTING STROKE. Now , can you tell us how that relates to CASTING ARC ?"

"Do you think that CREEP is part of the CASTING STROKE ? Give your reasons."

" How would you describe DRIFT ? Is DRIFT part of the casting stroke ? How you teach it to a student ?

" What does DRIFT accomplish ?" "Are there alternatives to DRIFT ? "

As an examiner, I would see the logic used by the candidate more important than the actual memorized wording of the definition. If you quote a definition, however, you need to know from whose or which list it you got it.

Gary Eaton has correctly pointed out that fresh water casting and salt water casting are both based on the same general principles. I added that they differ only with respect to the variables.

The teaching of these casts differs mainly because of the variables of the fishing circumstances and the tackle.

I am guilty of presenting more salty than fresh water fishing comments because that is what I do most.... not because I think it deserves priority. I don't think they should be separated into different disciplines.

Gordy

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[GH] Teaching advice from Lefty Kreh :

Gordy,

I don't normally like to horn in on the site and I really do enjoy reading the comments.

For years I have said the three most important factors to be a good casting coach are the following:

1--- Never display your knowledge but share it. I have seen many instructors who are eager to impress their student instead of having a sincere concern the student is learning what is being taught.

2--- I think it essential the instructor be able to cast fairly well with BOTH hands. Holding the student's hand and helping them to feel the stroke I think is one of the best and quickest ways to convey the information. A right hand instructor will not move a left-handed student's rod the same way one would who could use their left hand.

3-- A good instructor should be able to make many bad casts. It has been my observation that many instructors theorize why casts are going wrong. The advantage of being able to make bad cast is if you can demonstrate to the student his wrong cast followed by the correction--that student will have more confidence in you and you can explain the process more clearly..

Lefty

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[GH] Agree !

On the last revision of the Master's test, there is added the task of casting with the "opposite" hand. It was added for the reason you stated.

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[GH] From Gary Eaton :

Gordy,

Embracing your concept -

"I, and others, have come to think that we should consider having the MCI candidate present documented evidence of teaching experience as a prerequisite to being accepted to take the exam. I know this would result in dramatically increasing our pass rate."

I arrived at my MCI exam with a dossier like those used in academic advancement. I still have it. Dusty Sprague and Pete Greenan commented on how positively they viewed the great volume of teaching I had completed. Pete had apparently researched my on-line publications before the exam and asked me questions to clarify my written positions. This depth blew me away.

Here is my example -

Loose leaf bound notebook 1" thick. Retrospectively, I could have filled two inches.

Gary

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[GH] Gary,

I placed your loose leaf bound notebook in the second attachment.

Exceptional effort for a super good candidate ! Way beyond the expectations.

I don't wish, however, to have our present candidates look at this and think that it is required or even expected as things stand at present.

Gordy

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[GH] From Tim Lawson,

Hi Gordy,

The last thing I needed when I was studying for my certification exams was a “discussion” of the opinions and controversies surrounding the material I was desperately trying to assimilate.

The study group is certainly not going to solve any of these issues, and a wholesale change in philosophy is not likely to sweep the CBOG anytime soon. Can we just get on with the business of learning?

Tim

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[GH] Tim,

Frankly, I hadn't intended to precipitate controversy. Once it emerged, I felt it necessary for the issues to be ironed out.

The controversy over the exam process may well have been disarming for some of our candidates. Others may have seen it as enlightening.

Don't think for a minute, however, that these messages are not being read and heeded by several BOG's including those on our CCI and MCI testing committees. Some of this material may be chosen for publication in the LOOP. Will this result in some changes ? Perhaps.

Your message is timely. I had already labelled this Group message as, FINALE.

We'll now get down to the business of discussing each task on the MCI performance exam.

Gordy

MCI exam Comments - Finale