CompuServe Messages

tsk, tsk, tsk, Steven, falling into the 'ole "does the test tell me everything" syndrome! I'm surprised that we could catch an old "andragogue" like yourself! <g> Not to worry, I'm sure these are only "right angle" questions meant to produce a lively discussion, (a favorite ploy of mine too), and look, it worked! <g> In any case as for your question of the person with the certificate and no experience and vice versa, hardly a comparative sample I should think. Depending on the job opening, pay scale and other conditions it would be an easy decision I think. The point of the exam is to provide a DIAGNOSTIC tool, more than ANY other attribute. Upon exiting the exam, an individual has in their hands a complete breakdown of how the rated in 14 different areas of AutoCAD use. Each of these 14 are independent, and depending on what the individual used AutoCAD for on the job, it could be totally acceptable that they scored low on an area that they have no need for. All of this is also aimed at preparation for the MODULAR approach to learning, wherein the student would need to know what they do and do not know before they can choose the module they need. Think about it as an educator, how much would it help you to know more accurately what each of your students knows and doesn't know as they come to you? Now imagine if you could "map" this against a given job or list of competencies for an occupational cluster to know just what the student needs to focus on! Whoa! Hang onto those hot little typing fingers! I am NOT saying we are there already, far from it. We have a long way to go to be sure, but would you have us not even start? We think not, and have spent a lot of time getting the AutoCAD exams to where they are now and more time on the National Skill Stds to add to this. Just wanted to lay out some of the background that has lead us to where we are currently. So now that we are all up to date, let's roll up our "sleeves" and get down to some serious discussion on the "where to from here" issues. We are always looking for "course correction" in our journey's so any and all critique, suggestions, and ideas will be openly and gladly received. wayne