Testing....Joe Libeu

Walter & Group:-

 

This from Joe Libeu, who was chairman of the MCI testing Committee last year :

 

 

On the other side of the coin, the individual that is taking the test should take some responsibility.  If I were going to take a CI or MI test I would contact the group, individuals that are giving the test and find out where the test is going to be given, will it be on the water, on grass, time frame, etc.

I would want to prepare myself for every situation.  Not all test can be given in a user friendly place.  If you are testing in the LA, Ca area, you will be tested on water, however, the testers do not always control the testing places.  I do not test at the 3 shows in the LA area because of poor testing conditions.  Here are some of the areas we concern ourselves with.

1.     Quite room needed for written, workshop or Oral.

2.    Out of the way place with water for performance when available.

3.     Enough room for forward and back cast.

4.    Entry into complex.

5.     Enough time for testing with out interruptions.

6.    Proper lighting.

7.    Enough overhead room.

8.    Contact person availability.

9.    Restrooms

10    Enough testers to conduct the test within a given time frame.

11    Proper paper work.

12    Paid up individuals taking the test.

13    Proper authorization form FFF to give the test.

 

 

 

Proper planning, this past year we tested 7 individuals on the CI test during one setting.  Most of the individuals have been preparing with us at the LBCC.  This presents a problem, if we have worked with individuals within 6 months, they are a club member, a friend we can not test them without a witness.  Well we have 1 BOG, 8 MIs and I think 13 CIs at the club.  Non of which can test without a outside witness.  The MI, had to work at not helping or becoming involved with any input or training of the individuals that were working on there CI test or MI test so we could use them at testing time with a witness.   We had to have MI and CIs from out of the area help with the testing.

 

What about the time, $, effort of the tester? We do the prep, travel and testing at our own expense. 

 

In the past 2 yrs at the conclave, we have passed less than 25% of the individuals taking the MI test.  What's the reason, they come to test and are not prepared properly for various reason.    Do you think we like saying to a individual that we would like to give them the opportunity to take the test again and that they have some things to work on?

 

Let me give you and example of not being prepared.  Several years ago we gave a MI test to a individual and did not pass him.  In discussing the test with him, I asked the question, what  did you do to study  for the test.  The individual said to us that he downloaded the performance test and oral questions 2 days ago.  No pretest, no study group. no individual coaching, nada.  What a waste of our time and an insult to those that have been working towards taking the test for over a yr or two. Guess what, I now ask what they have been doing to prepare for the test upfront.

 

Testers  work very hard at providing a fair, honest and objective test, however, there will always be subjectivity in the test and this is why we in generally test with more than one individual.   

 

The performance part of the test is very important, but I look much harder at the individuals ability to teach.  The program is about looking for and working on becoming a better teacher. 

 

I invite any and all of you to come to Ca and test with us, we will enjoy the experience of learning together.

 

 

Joe Libeu
310-749-6771