Thanks for the clarification.
To me the provisional rating is a "delayed fail" unless the instructor is committed to actually getting the student to the bar.
That's the difference between how I understand this approach and what I've experienced with my IANTD training. In the IANTD training, the instructor was "all in" in making sure that the students either got to the bar or threw in the towel. That's a big difference from the approach of giving people a 2nd chance that may end in the same result, which is how I understand the meaning of provisional. The IANTD way shows commitment to delivering what has been sold.
I'm not saying that the course has no value, but I don't believe in "selling" something that you're not willing (or able) to deliver. They've set the bar very high in order to attract a certain type of diver to the course but in the process what's come out is that the bar is so high that few actually pass it outright. And to me, if the instructor isn't "all in" on getting the student to the bar then what they've done is create a course that *definitely* has some value (don't get me wrong) but doesn't deliver what it promises. And I do have a problem with that.
The provisional rating is a "delayed pass" if the student is committed to actually getting themself to the bar. There is plenty of feedback and analysis from the instructor to work with to get to that bar.
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So I'll repeat my point. Upholding standards is making sure that the student reaches the bar. Copping out is when you say "you fail" because you either don't have the time or the inclination to keep working with that student until the bar is achieved. That's nice and easy for GUE.... set the bar nice and high, convince a bunch of people to spend a LOT of money on a course and then tell most of them "you fail" because they don't have the time to actually teach what they said you would learn. Easy money but a serious crock if you ask me.
I honestly think as an instructor that I could say "you fail" to someone. I would have to say "*I* fail".
R..
Everything that needs to be taught in the course IS taught. The students applying the skills is what determines whether they earn a Tech pass, Rec pass, or a provisional.
The student that leaves the course with a provisional was still taught all of the skills.
My instructor was hardly earning easy money during our class.....they put in a LOT of time and effort with us during the class.
I never felt that my success in the course was dependent on the instructor...My attitude (for any class) is that my success depends on how I apply myself during the class, and how much I prepared beforehand.
If I ever "failed" a class, or for the sake of this discussion, got a provisional...... I certainly wouldn't blame my instructor for my failure.....I would just practice what I had already been taught and return later to be evaluated.
Do you feel (from your example above) that as an instructor, if one of your students earned a "D", and another earned an "A"...that you, as an instructor failed the "D" student somehow?
It's probably more accurate to say that both received equal training, and that the "D" student just needs to practice more if they desire an "A" rating.
GUE DOES have ways to define various levels of success....it is not a black-and-white "you pass" or "you fail" experience.
My attitude, as a student, is that it's up to me to earn my grade, and not my instructor.
-Mitch
To the OP: AOW and then go diving more, before considering intro to tech.