Help with PADI OW test

[johnfreed0]

My grandson is getting his open water certification for PADI. He is a natural in the water but is having trouble with the written test. He has some learning disabilities such as dyslexia and some ADD. He reads the material but has a problem retaining it without extensive drill. Is there any study aids in addition to the supplied course material that I could use to prepare him? He's already flunked the first try at the written and I don't want him to get discouraged.

Thanks for any help

jr

 

[24940]

How old is he? SSI has a provision which allows the test to be given orally, I's assume PADI has a similar provision. I usually go that route with young students. Some of the wording can be confusing for kids and they often don't understand the question being asked.

On the other hand, he needs to know the material and more importantly, the application of the material in order to be a safe diver.

What does his instructor have to say?

 

[Trixxie]

The Instructor can administer the test orally if he has a problem with written exams - they key is for him to know the material though.


Examination Policy for Students with Learning Disabilities
Although it is preferable for student divers to read exam questions and answers independently, provisions may be made during written examinations for students who have learning disabilities, such as dyslexia. These provisions may include, but are not limited to, the use of reading aids, reading out loud, or having someone read the questions and multiple choice answers to the student.
If a student diver needs special accommodations, ask for a letter from a credentialed health care practitioner (medical doctor, psychologist, etc.) stating that the diver has been diagnosed with a learning disability.

 

[Ann Marie]

Hi jr,

Does your grandson have the OW video or did they view it in class? The video follows the book and may be easier for your grandson to process. I would also quiz him on the quick questions (found in the margins of the book) and with the questions from the knowledge reviews.

Is there something specific that is giving him problems? You can PM me if you'd like and we can try and arrange sometime where I can talk with him on the phone to see if I can help.

Just to let you know the people that have answered you so far are instructors. (Big hugs to you guys for taking the time to answer :giveusahu)

 

[GDI]

Testing Standards aside Not every instructor can teach every student. There are many dimanics which play a role in learning. I work with kids every year doing scuba camps. PM sent

 

[johnfreed0]

He's 14 and very touchy about his leaning disabilities. I didn't make a point of them to his instructor and hoped that he'd be able to get his cert without having to 'embarrass' himself. I'm still trying to get in touch with his instructor (weekend and all) to get his view on what I can do for the next step.

I kept fairly close tabs on his knowledge level while he was attending the class and I could see where he was missing the point: mostly in the area of gas dynamics. I'll bet that a large number of adults get this part correct only by rote memory, a route denied my grandson. His pool work was flawless, according to his instructor, and he is at ease in an ocean setting. We've taken him snorkeling at Pennekamp park and he has gone elsewhere in Florida with his parents. He's a natural in the water. After some explicit examples of what can happen with air embolisms and DCS he understood the importance of observing the limits.

My gut feeling is that he has to really assimilate the knowledge not just learn the answers. After that, I have to find out the best way for him to demonstrate this knowledge to his instructor. He was given the DVD and I'm going to use that as the primary teaching tool since the visual path seems to be the most effective. I will also try to get in touch with his school aide and find out her take but, given the feedback I've gotten from my daughter, she probably won't be much help. His instructor seemed to be competent from what I could gather in our brief meeting but I should have a better handle on things after I get in touch with him this week. My grandson did seem to enjoy the class and did not voice any negatives.

I really appreciate the response I've gotten and thank all of you very much. You've given me quite a bit of very useful information. I'll keep you apprised of the outcome, hopefully successful.

jr