I am posting this here because I
know you can relate.
We just finished the week of classroom
instruction for twenty-three hunter
education students. Every year, we have
several nine year olds. In my state a
youngster can take the class if he will
turn ten before the end of the year.
These youngsters tend to be the most eager
of all the students. We have a team of five
instructors plus a state wildlife officer.
Each instructor is well versed in his
specific area of responsibility. With our
classroom teaching, the textbook,and the
videos, these students receive all te information they need to successfully complete the course.
On Friday night the hundred question written
exam is administered. The problem is..these
youngsters can't read! In years past, we
would note those who appeared to be struggling and offer to read the questions
to them. We are not obligated to do so.
This year we decided not to offer that service. Our thinking was that one's ability
to read has a bearing on one's maturity level. If one takes a drivers' license test,
one is required to read; hunting is no less
serious.
This year, three of the nine year olds failed
the written exam. Our obligation as instructors is to certify those who have passed the class and who we truly believe will be safe, responsible hunters.We have
dismissed older students in the past who
have displayed "attitude" problems or who
have demonstrated immaturity.
My general feeling is that while age can be a
factor, maturity is the real key. It's that
latter element we're looking for.
I would appreciate your thoughts.
know you can relate.
We just finished the week of classroom
instruction for twenty-three hunter
education students. Every year, we have
several nine year olds. In my state a
youngster can take the class if he will
turn ten before the end of the year.
These youngsters tend to be the most eager
of all the students. We have a team of five
instructors plus a state wildlife officer.
Each instructor is well versed in his
specific area of responsibility. With our
classroom teaching, the textbook,and the
videos, these students receive all te information they need to successfully complete the course.
On Friday night the hundred question written
exam is administered. The problem is..these
youngsters can't read! In years past, we
would note those who appeared to be struggling and offer to read the questions
to them. We are not obligated to do so.
This year we decided not to offer that service. Our thinking was that one's ability
to read has a bearing on one's maturity level. If one takes a drivers' license test,
one is required to read; hunting is no less
serious.
This year, three of the nine year olds failed
the written exam. Our obligation as instructors is to certify those who have passed the class and who we truly believe will be safe, responsible hunters.We have
dismissed older students in the past who
have displayed "attitude" problems or who
have demonstrated immaturity.
My general feeling is that while age can be a
factor, maturity is the real key. It's that
latter element we're looking for.
I would appreciate your thoughts.