BSAC PIE/TIE week after next

[Janos]

Probably best not to post too many questions as they probably recycle them...

Janos

[MattS]

Probably best not to post too many questions as they probably recycle them...

Agreed - particularly posting the answers.

Have to admit that I feel exams should stick to asking questions that have been covered in the syllabus. It's not supposed to be a game of Trivial Pursuit. I was also dissapointed at the MOD of 32% question as the answer is very BSAC oriented - 33m is not the _wrong_ answer IMHO.

With branch exams there is a bit of leeway to verbally check understanding. We do not get that luxury in National Eams. Personally I think they should stick to 'safe' questions. If a question is going to cause any ambiguity, don't ask it. The purpose of the exam is to check required knowledge, not catch the candidate out IMVHO.

Just my 2p.

[Woz]

Originally Posted by Janos

Probably best not to post too many questions as they probably recycle them...

Janos

No no keep posting I promise I won't read them,

And the MOD depends on whether you take 1.44 from the Basic nitrox course or 1.4 from the Advanced.

The exam I'm pretty chilled about as I have recently done my AD and Advanced Nitrox so am pretty up to date. The lecture should be fine too. I could probably pass it by winging it with an A1 flip chart and some crayons (not that I will though!).

[Paul Beal]

Originally Posted by tiewrapdiver

I seriously thought the questions were easier than DL standard, and the tables questions werent quite upto sports diver level, nothing extremely taxing on the table questions at all.

A lot of it is common sense, but there are a few nasty questions chucked in, i got "what lights does a boat show at night for diving operations?"

Tim

Remember that altitude tables are now in sports diver!

Paul

[Paul Beal]

Originally Posted by Woz

No no keep posting I promise I won't read them,

And the MOD depends on whether you take 1.44 from the Basic nitrox course or 1.4 from the Advanced.

The exam I'm pretty chilled about as I have recently done my AD and Advanced Nitrox so am pretty up to date. The lecture should be fine too. I could probably pass it by winging it with an A1 flip chart and some crayons (not that I will though!).

You would actually get extra brownie points if you prepared a flip chart and used it well. It shows you have thought about it rather than just writing a PPP.

As to the nitrox, remember that even in advanced 1.44 is allowed (officially) for a no stop dive.

Paul

[Woz]

Originally Posted by Paul Beal

I think there is only one exam paper which is why we count them out and count them back in again before anyone is allowed to leave!

Excellent

Will get my flip chart done over the next week or so. I also usefully have an A0 printer at work which might get a hammering too...

[fluice]

Originally Posted by Woz

And the MOD depends on whether you take 1.44 from the Basic nitrox course or 1.4 from the Advanced.

The thing is knowledge of this isn't assumed from a BSAC nitrox course, it's from the new sports diver syllabus. Sports diver exams have nitrox MOD questions in them, so if they're expected to be able to do them (using 1.44 as the no deco concession and 1.4 otherwise) then anyone instructing them should be happy doing it too.

Lou

[Hickdive]

I probably shouldn't say this but, don't worryover whether or not
the answer is based on 1.4 or 1.44 bar PO2 or is otherwise ambiguous. The
paper may set nationally but it usually marked there and then, the exam boss
doesn't usually want to have to do it alone when he/she gets home and they
don't have access to the candidates. The examiners are well aware of the
questions that are like that* and will generally give the benefit of the
doubt. They genuinely want you to pass. They also know that, for many
people, it can be their first stab at sitting a nationally set exam paper
since leaving school or they may have dyslexia or they might just be a
nervous heap and be misreading questions. If that's the case they'll often
ask the candidate in for an informal chat, just to probe their knowledge.
Most of the time, it's perfectly plain that the candidate had a slightly
different take on the question and if it is rephrased for them verbally then
they come out with the correct answer. If you're a clear fail then any
ambiguity will not make any difference but the difference between a
pass/fail or a pass/merit will not usually be left to whether or not you
misunderstood the question or had a different but valid reason to give an
answer that wasn't exactly as on the paper. For example, you may have
calculated the MOD on a nitrox mix as being something other than the answer
given because you used a different max. PO2. What the exam is actually
looking for is the fact that you can actually calculate a MOD (although it's obviously preferable for BSAC candidates to know BSAC standards). As I've said before, anyone who has passed DL theory (whatever syllabus) and paid
attention on their IFC/OWIC should have no problems with the paper. Don't
sweat it.

The Lecture and Practical are marked on the essential criteria, STEP and
PAVE. Hit those and you pass. Hit most of the less essential criteria and
you'll probably get merit. It matters not whether you use OHP, PP or
flipchart but, as we accentuate the positive when marking, features like
noting the effects of steel objects on a compass, interesting use of
audience participation or unusual but effective visual aids make it easier
to write up a positive report. When we peer review the reports at the
examiners meeting at the end of the day such things can make the difference
between a pass and a merit. They make writing the reports a joy rather than
a chore and don't be surprised if you hear of any of your clever ideas being
plagiarised by the examiners on other courses or exams.

Overall remember, (1) the examiners want you to pass (2) they assume you
HAVE passed (innocent until proven guilty) i.e. you have to do something or
things that are singly or cumulatively negative to fail, missing one of the
essential criteria will do this (3) The emphasis in marking is more on the
positive that the negative (4) The marking report must REAP and woe betide
the examiner that writes one that doesn't!

I've probably said too much but some of the posts above seemed to me to be
emphasising the negatives of the exams and possibly discouraging people or
winding them up. Even if you fail, the exam report will give you pointers on
what to improve on next time and, if you do need help, don't be afraid to
ask for it via the Regional Coach. They'll usually be able to put you in
touch with an ITS staff instructor.

I'm off now to pack my kit for another OWIC tomorrow, probably my last now I've said too much

*I know I've asked Sean Gribben, when he was OWI CE for it to be re-written
and I'm sure Alan Goodwin, the current OWI CE will have been asked too. I
guess it isn't a priority.

[tiewrapdiver]

Originally Posted by Hickdive

The Lecture and Practical are marked on the essential criteria, STEP and PAVE.

errr whats STEP and PAVE? I'm either being really stupid and can't remember them or never heard them before.

Tim

[Hickdive]

they're the new mnemonics for the 'essential criteria'

Practical lessons: STEP
SAFE
TECHNICALLY CORRECT
EFFECTIVE
PROGRESSIVE

Theoretical lessons: PAVE
PROGRESSIVE
ACCURATE
VISUAL
EFFECTIVE

The essentials haven't changed but the mnemonics were only started in March 2005