MCI exam Comments

Walter & Group...

[GH] An important question is raised by Bob Hansell :

Gordy,

As a candidate, I have slowed down my journey towards Master's certification to experience a lot of different fishing, casting, and teaching experiences. As my friends and coaches Eric Cook and Peter Lami asked: "Do you want to be a book smart MCI or an experienced based MCI?" The choice became clear. So my approach has been altered.

So, what I am missing in the MCI exam strings so far is any mention of teaching. I understand the value of the casting demonstrations, understanding the mechanics of the different casting applications, the use of the equipment and relating it to a fishing situation. But the certification is focused on how to teach each, not just how to do each. Am I missing something? I also assume the recertification is based on teaching new discoveries or better ways to teach.

Just asking for clarity.

Thanks,

Bob

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[GH]

Bob,

WOW ! A question which speaks to the very heart of the MCI exams.

Most of our Group comments have reflected the tacit assumption that MCI candidates already knew what I'm about to say. You are right.... the message strings have not covered teaching adequately.

The main thrust of the CICP program is to recognize with certification the ability to TEACH. At our Master Prep Course given at the Intl. Conclaves for the past few years, this point has been emphasized.

The performance part of the test requires that the candidate be able to effectively teach any of the casting tasks.

>From the preamble to the current Master Fly Casting Instructor Performance Test :

"Candidates will be requested to explain and demonstrate how they would teach some or all of the casts included in this performance test. Examiners have the right to ask candidates to expand or give greater detail on any task to confirm knowledge or skills. "

The five topics covered in the MCI oral exam include teaching along with casting mechanics, fly fishing, fly tackle, and fly fishing etiquette.

Years ago, I assumed that all candidates would have acquired copies of the exam early during their preparations and heed them. Having since given many of these tests, I've learned that the candidates who are least prepared didn't do that.

Those BOG's and Masters actively participating as examiners have noted that those who have had many hours and years of teaching experience were most likely to pass no matter how much reading and study they had done or how well they could cast.

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.

Floyd Franke (past BOG Chairman) and I were discussing this very thing 4 days ago. He reminded me of an article in the Loop written in 2000, titled, THREE POINTS. Jason Borger had requested BOG's to list three main points that each member personally felt were of top importance to those aspiring to take the Master's test. I'll quote a few of them :

Floyd Franke : ".... Get at least one year (100hours) of supervised, on-the-job teaching experience under a master."

(Now he feels that this might have been a bit much.)

Phil Gay : " 1. Extensive teaching experience."

Jim Green : " Knowing how to cast properly is important, but the person taking the Master's exam should prove that they know how to teach."

Al Kyte : "Fly fishing knowledge and skills are too narrow. Many fly fishers today have caught trout, salmon and steelhead, black bass, bonefish and tarpon as well as other fish, leading to a concept of 'Mastery' that covers a broad range of fly fishing experience. Where a gap in experience exists, I believe the applicant needs to learn specialty casts and knots and read extensively to understand as much about that type of fly fishing as possible. I believe, for example, he/she should be abler to teach an effective tarpon cast without having fished for one."

Bruce Richards : " 1.) Make sure you can concisely explain the cause and cure of all casting flaws......."

Allan & Barbara Rohrer : "3) TEACHING ABILITY. The applicant should be able to leave no doubt in the mind of the examiner they are able to easily explain their teaching and instructing methods of fly casting...."

Gary Borger : Master's candidates should know more than one way to explain a technique. All explanations should be clear and concise. Explanations that are stumbling, unclear, and/or rambling indicate the candidate had not thought enough about the topic, indicate that the candidate has probably not taught about the subject, and/or indicate that the candidate is trying to bluff h9s/her way through.

Jason Borger : 1.) A Master will be teaching teachers. Do you know enough of other casters' literary work, teaching paradigms, and your own instructional organization to educate another educator ?

Dave Engerbretson : " A good casting instructor...... 2)...must be able to accurately analyze casting strokes for all types of casts. 3) ...must have a wide variety of instructional techniques, tips, and tricks available to instruct those who learn in a variety of ways, and who have a wide range of abilities, backgrounds, and experiences."

I hope this is of help to all MCI candidates .

Gordy

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