I helped administer a couple tests this past Friday for the Dragon-Phoenix Martial Arts school in Natick, MA. Disclaimer: I’m friends with Jesse Dwire of Dragon-Phoenix Martial Arts, and I’ve known the instructor Paul Castagno for a while as well.Mr. Dwire invited me to join them as he wants to bring in ‘outside eyes’ to observe his students to help pinpoint areas where they need to adjust their teaching. Have they been shortchanging an area of instruction lately? Now was their chance to find out. Additionally, by having me run the test, some of the tasks would be unfamiliar, yet would require the skills that they had learned – one usually gets used to their own instructors ‘tricks’ and preferences.I ran two tests, one for beginner kids, and one for adults and advanced kids.The beginner kids test was shorter, and lower in intensity, but the students demonstrated all of their required material, with a few curve balls thrown in. The kids weren’t perfect, but did a good job, demonstrated everything required of them, and the test demanded a fair bit of physical fitness. Did we grind them into the ground and make sure we churned out hardened killers? No, we administered a responsible, comprehensive test suited to the developmental level of the kids in our care, and they performed very well. Did everyone pass? Yes, this time. Does everyone always pass? No, as then it wouldn’t be a test, just a ‘ceremony’.
The second test was for adults and for kids going for advanced ranks. This was longer, more demanding both physically and mentally, and maintained intensity throughout. I was impressed with the consistency and the competence of the students. Castagno Sensei had prepared his students well.
After the tests came the most important part – the one that mattered for the whole school and not just the students who tested. Master Dwire, Castagno Sensei and I sat down with our notes and picked apart the students’ aggregate performance. We identified any weaknesses and worked to find ways to tweak the curriculum to correct any parts that needed improvement. Maybe it will be how often certain topics are addressed, maybe it’s a new way to teach some facet of the program, but the test was not just for the good of the students that were there that night, but for the school as a whole. I found this commitment to improvement to be a great sign for the long term health of Dragon-Phoenix Martial Arts, and it should be a pretty confidence inspiring thought for the students of Mr. Dwire and Mr. Castagno. I certainly know what I’ll be looking for next time I’m there. So School owners:
- How do you run tests?
- How do they help your school?
Master Barnes,
Again I want to say thank you for administering the test at our Natick school. I find it beneficial to bring in outside people to help with our tests. There is so much information to teach the students that i admit sometimes as a teacher I get sidetracked or tend to pay more attention to some areas and others may not get the attention they need. It is only when an outside eye catches our mistakes or shortcomings, that we able to help our students on their journey. I have brought in many instructors even to my base school to test my students. I highly recommend to any school owner – bring in a teacher from another school so they can give their honest opinion on how things look, but pick these people wisely. You don’t want to bring in someone who will leave a bad mark on your student’s growth. We need to get over ourselves and remember the students. I do not recommend this to anyone who does not want to hear the truth or scared of his or her own insecurities.
Jesse