Mentoring a class

I was teaching a class a few weeks ago and the subject of the certification test for the class came up. The gist of the conversation was that a few of the students wanted the focus of the class to shifting from one of a learning environment to one of test-preparation – specifically a “focused” test-preparation environment. This was not the intent of the class and I could not and would not condone this action. Now this caused all sorts ethical dilemmas as can well be imagined. There were several problems with scenario as any trainer will tell you. Trainers want their students to do well and pass their certification tests, but in a fashion that doesn’t compromise the student, certification or the instructor. That is the crux of the issue – integrity of the exam, class, students and instructors. Yes, there are “study guides” available and there are some individuals who will use them and indeed, may pass the certification test. They won’t know the material and may contribute to the overall malaise facing the IT field – the paper certification. The problem lies not in the fact that some individuals will use these study guides but rather being so blatant about using them. I have no problems helping students prepare for their certification tests, after all, isn’t that what we want for our students? I do draw the line when it involves the use of brain dumps in class. What students use for their own studies outside of class is their own business – they are the ones who will have to answer for their actions when they cannot perform their job. What I am concerned about is that their employer will blame the training center or me for the employee’s inability to do their job. Again, we can only encourage the students to not use brain dumps and study for the test. There are programs you can purchase that will aid in preparing for a certification and again, nothing beats hands-on experience! In the end – I kept everyone focused on the class and not having it become the “focused” exam prep class that a few students wanted.