I took an on-line test for the first time since National took on-line testing away from DIRAUX West. Previously, the answers would appear in the text, worded exactly as one of the multiple choice answers. It seems that is no longer the case. Now a testee must go by inference and surmise the correct answer. Yet another screw-up by National?
It appears you are saying it's more important to regurgitate information exactly from a text as opposed to understanding the concepts. I’ve seen many folks as most of you have, who are great at memorizing text but don’t understand the concepts or reasons behind it. That’s not the kind of person I would like to see as a Coxswain or PIC. If you understand the material (i.e. study) then you shouldn’t have any major issues answering the questions.
I’m not looking for a major discussion on this but thought I’d offer my personal opinion – take it or leave it.
It appears you are saying it's more important to regurgitate information exactly from a text as opposed to understanding the concepts. I’ve seen many folks as most of you have, who are great at memorizing text but don’t understand the concepts or reasons behind it. That’s not the kind of person I would like to see as a Coxswain or PIC. If you understand the material (i.e. study) then you shouldn’t have any major issues answering the questions.
In general, I agree with you. But the questions must be written well. I hate taking exams where questions require clarification from the proctor.
You're correct the questions have to be well written. The software that is being used now allows much better tracking of bad questions so they can be identified and corrected.
Originally posted by 11647622: You're correct the questions have to be well written. The software that is being used now allows much better tracking of bad questions so they can be identified and corrected.
Small correction.....the DirAux West program tracked each question and the reports showed how many had passed or failed a question. Over the years many question where changed and re-written as a result of the tracking....
The test in supposedly on the Operations Policy manual, yet some of the questions refer the testee to other manuals. Is this National incompetence at work or a new learning method? Either way, it stinks.
The test in supposedly on the Operations Policy manual, yet some of the questions refer the testee to other manuals.
You are merely confused, grasshopper. You are about to become enlightened.
It is true that the Online Testing Materials web page lists only the OpsPolMan for the Operations Policy Exam. However, your mistake was believing what you read on a Nat "T" web site.
Now move on over to the "O" Department web site. Scroll down until you find the announcement "February 2007 - SURFACE OPERATIONS POLICY EXAM". Now let us see what the official announcement said the exam covers:
quote:
The exam, a 30 question open book exam, covers surface operations policies located the Operations Policy Manual COMDTINST M16798.3 (series) and Chapter 4 of the Coast Guard Addendum to the United States National Search and Rescue Supplement (NSS) COMDTINST M16130.2 (series).
According to "O" the exam is based on 2 manuals.
Is this National incompetence at work or a new learning method?
We now know it is not the latter. It could be the former.
I am not required to take the test. I just took it to increase my knowledge of the subject. All I did was get aggravated. I'll take the test again, if and when these clowns get their act together and come up with something that makes sense. Like the sea, I do not suffer fools gladly.
