CAP Talk

General Discussion => Membership => Topic started by: Ethan Larsen on July 26, 2017, 04:49:38 AM

Title: Mitchell Aerospace test
Post by: Ethan Larsen on July 26, 2017, 04:49:38 AM
Literally the last thing I had for my Mitchell was the Aerospace test. I was sure I had this cat in the bag, and then boom, the floor wen't out from under my feet :( I failed the test with 78%, 80% minimum. I had been doing review for the test from quizlet, which had 115 flash cards on the Mitchell. I had them all 100% down, but when I went to take the test, literally nothing I had studied was there. This maked me feel like I picked thr wrong edition of test. The options for the Ae were 2nd and 3rd edition, but the quizlet cards did not have and edition marked out that they were made for. Does anyone know anything about the editions that the quizlet thing was on, or about any advice in general?

Flash cards I used: https://quizlet.com/6607894/flashcards
Title: Re: Mitchell Aerospace test
Post by: abdsp51 on July 26, 2017, 04:53:10 AM
Study your books...
Title: Re: Mitchell Aerospace test
Post by: SarDragon on July 26, 2017, 05:17:19 AM
Yup. The books are your best source. Look at the objectives they call them outcomes) in each section, and see what they want you to take away from the lesson. That's where the test questions are supposed to be taken from.

Here's a sample -
Module 2 - AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS AND AIRPORTS
Chapter 1 - Airplane Systems

Learning Outcomes
- Explain how a reciprocating engine operates.
- Identify parts of the airplane engine when viewed externally.
- Describe how a jet engine operates.
- Identify basic cockpit-mounted powerplant controls.
- Identify basic flight instruments.

If you can recall that info from memory, for each module and chapter, you can pass the test.

Also, make sure the test you are taking and the Aerospace Dimensions Modules you are studying are the same edition.
Title: Re: Mitchell Aerospace test
Post by: Spam on July 26, 2017, 01:16:42 PM
Amen to all the above. As the Navy says "in gouge we trust" (gouge being the unofficial study guide) but the corollary to that is "live by the gouge, DIE by the gouge" because the unofficial stuff can so often be very outdated and WRONG...


So, my advice is the same: don't rely on amateurish quizlets as an authoritative source (any more than you should be using Wikipedia as an authority for ANY research).  In general, you shouldn't to use ANY unofficial, non-peer reviewed, inaccurate sources produced by amateurs as the sole basis for your academic preparation. Stick with the real source material (as cited here) and those learning objectives as your guide.


Best wishes - repost in a week or two and let us know when you've passed - hopefully with a 90 something plus percent!


Good luck to you!
Spam
Title: Re: Mitchell Aerospace test
Post by: Ethan Larsen on July 26, 2017, 04:00:46 PM
Quote from: Spam on July 26, 2017, 01:16:42 PM
Amen to all the above. As the Navy says "in gouge we trust" (gouge being the unofficial study guide) but the corollary to that is "live by the gouge, DIE by the gouge" because the unofficial stuff can so often be very outdated and WRONG...


So, my advice is the same: don't rely on amateurish quizlets as an authoritative source (any more than you should be using Wikipedia as an authority for ANY research).  In general, you shouldn't to use ANY unofficial, non-peer reviewed, inaccurate sources produced by amateurs as the sole basis for your academic preparation. Stick with the real source material (as cited here) and those learning objectives as your guide.


Best wishes - repost in a week or two and let us know when you've passed - hopefully with a 90 something plus percent!


Good luck to you!
Spam

Thank you so much for the help.
Title: Re: Mitchell Aerospace test
Post by: Ethan Larsen on July 26, 2017, 04:05:44 PM
Quote from: SarDragon on July 26, 2017, 05:17:19 AM
Yup. The books are your best source. Look at the objectives they call them outcomes) in each section, and see what they want you to take away from the lesson. That's where the test questions are supposed to be taken from.

Here's a sample -
Module 2 - AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS AND AIRPORTS
Chapter 1 - Airplane Systems

Learning Outcomes
- Explain how a reciprocating engine operates.
- Identify parts of the airplane engine when viewed externally.
- Describe how a jet engine operates.
- Identify basic cockpit-mounted powerplant controls.
- Identify basic flight instruments.

If you can recall that info from memory, for each module and chapter, you can pass the test.

Also, make sure the test you are taking and the Aerospace Dimensions Modules you are studying are the same edition.

I think this is the main reason I didn't pass. I took the wrong edition. Even though I will not continue to use the quizlet thing for review, pretty much all of it matched with my books. But the night after I failed, nothing on the 2nd edition test I took seemed to be in the books, so I'm pretty sure I was reviewing for the wrong edition, which would explain it. It's a bit annoying since I am positive I could have passed the 3rd edition test with something like a 95% score, but a little mistake like selecting the wrong edition is what let me down. Made more frustrating because our next meeting will be in a month.
Title: Re: Mitchell Aerospace test
Post by: MSG Mac on July 26, 2017, 10:25:28 PM
The Testing Officer should have shredded the old test as soon as the last cadet studying under the old book either passed or left the program. But the questions on either test are generally the same or have slight differences. If possible have the TO set you up on the Internet version of the test, so it is aligned with the latest version.
Title: Re: Mitchell Aerospace test
Post by: Ethan Larsen on July 26, 2017, 11:47:31 PM
Quote from: MSG Mac on July 26, 2017, 10:25:28 PM
The Testing Officer should have shredded the old test as soon as the last cadet studying under the old book either passed or left the program. But the questions on either test are generally the same or have slight differences. If possible have the TO set you up on the Internet version of the test, so it is aligned with the latest version.

A quick look inside my book shows me that I have a 3rd edition book. As long as I click on the 3rd edition test, I should be fine, right?
Title: Re: Mitchell Aerospace test
Post by: MSG Mac on July 27, 2017, 03:30:24 AM
yes
Title: Re: Mitchell Aerospace test
Post by: PHall on July 28, 2017, 12:19:39 AM
Cadet, it's up to you, the one taking the test, to make sure you're taking the correct test.
Since you're the one who has to deal with the results, not the Test Control Officer...
Title: Re: Mitchell Aerospace test
Post by: Ethan Larsen on August 13, 2017, 07:20:05 PM
Quote from: Spam on July 26, 2017, 01:16:42 PM
Amen to all the above. As the Navy says "in gouge we trust" (gouge being the unofficial study guide) but the corollary to that is "live by the gouge, DIE by the gouge" because the unofficial stuff can so often be very outdated and WRONG...


So, my advice is the same: don't rely on amateurish quizlets as an authoritative source (any more than you should be using Wikipedia as an authority for ANY research).  In general, you shouldn't to use ANY unofficial, non-peer reviewed, inaccurate sources produced by amateurs as the sole basis for your academic preparation. Stick with the real source material (as cited here) and those learning objectives as your guide.


Best wishes - repost in a week or two and let us know when you've passed - hopefully with a 90 something plus percent!


Good luck to you!
Spam

Have been studying from the books and have failed again, 78%. Hopefully I will get it next time.
Title: Re: Mitchell Aerospace test
Post by: Eclipse on August 13, 2017, 09:37:54 PM
Don't be too hard on yourself - your experience is fairly typical.  The AE test
seems to be the one that gives many cadets some difficultly, and multiple attempts isn't uncommon.
Title: Re: Mitchell Aerospace test
Post by: GaryVC on August 13, 2017, 11:02:53 PM
Quote from: Eclipse on August 13, 2017, 09:37:54 PM
Don't be too hard on yourself - your experience is fairly typical.  The AE test
seems to be the one that gives many cadets some difficultly, and multiple attempts isn't uncommon.

This is certainly true in our squadron.
Title: Re: Mitchell Aerospace test
Post by: Airplane girl on August 14, 2017, 01:23:12 AM
If you're using quizlet, it might be helpful to make your own flashcard sets, since typing things can help information stick in your brain better. That's what I did when I was studying for my Mitchell.
Title: Re: Mitchell Aerospace test
Post by: Spam on August 14, 2017, 03:39:35 AM
Quote from: Ethan Larsen on August 13, 2017, 07:20:05 PM
Quote from: Spam on July 26, 2017, 01:16:42 PM
Amen to all the above. As the Navy says "in gouge we trust" (gouge being the unofficial study guide) but the corollary to that is "live by the gouge, DIE by the gouge" because the unofficial stuff can so often be very outdated and WRONG...


So, my advice is the same: don't rely on amateurish quizlets as an authoritative source (any more than you should be using Wikipedia as an authority for ANY research).  In general, you shouldn't to use ANY unofficial, non-peer reviewed, inaccurate sources produced by amateurs as the sole basis for your academic preparation. Stick with the real source material (as cited here) and those learning objectives as your guide.


Best wishes - repost in a week or two and let us know when you've passed - hopefully with a 90 something plus percent!


Good luck to you!
Spam

Have been studying from the books and have failed again, 78%. Hopefully I will get it next time.

Pause. Deep breath. Go to original source material (NOT ONLINE QUIZLETS WRITTEN BY POTENTIALLY FLAWED PEERS) and study the real manuals. Read the "learning objectives" for each chapter. Then, after making notes, try it again.

Don't forget, these "quizlets" are not done by CAP. They are done by other teen agers trying to help, and although well intentioned could be very, very inaccurate.

Keep plugging. Orville and Wilbur took months to figure out the basics.

V/r
Spam

Title: Re: Mitchell Aerospace test
Post by: Ethan Larsen on August 23, 2017, 10:50:01 PM
Quote from: Spam on July 26, 2017, 01:16:42 PM
Amen to all the above. As the Navy says "in gouge we trust" (gouge being the unofficial study guide) but the corollary to that is "live by the gouge, DIE by the gouge" because the unofficial stuff can so often be very outdated and WRONG...


So, my advice is the same: don't rely on amateurish quizlets as an authoritative source (any more than you should be using Wikipedia as an authority for ANY research).  In general, you shouldn't to use ANY unofficial, non-peer reviewed, inaccurate sources produced by amateurs as the sole basis for your academic preparation. Stick with the real source material (as cited here) and those learning objectives as your guide.


Best wishes - repost in a week or two and let us know when you've passed - hopefully with a 90 something plus percent!


Good luck to you!
Spam

Thank you for the help, I have finally passed. Sadly I didn't make a 90%, but I was close. Got my Mitchell.
Title: Re: Mitchell Aerospace test
Post by: Spam on August 23, 2017, 11:15:42 PM
Very well, C/CMSGT (P) Larsen. Press on, and do your best on the next Achievement!

V/r
Spam

Title: Re: Mitchell Aerospace test
Post by: Ethan Larsen on August 23, 2017, 11:59:35 PM
Quote from: Spam on August 14, 2017, 03:39:35 AM
Quote from: Ethan Larsen on August 13, 2017, 07:20:05 PM
Quote from: Spam on July 26, 2017, 01:16:42 PM
Amen to all the above. As the Navy says "in gouge we trust" (gouge being the unofficial study guide) but the corollary to that is "live by the gouge, DIE by the gouge" because the unofficial stuff can so often be very outdated and WRONG...


So, my advice is the same: don't rely on amateurish quizlets as an authoritative source (any more than you should be using Wikipedia as an authority for ANY research).  In general, you shouldn't to use ANY unofficial, non-peer reviewed, inaccurate sources produced by amateurs as the sole basis for your academic preparation. Stick with the real source material (as cited here) and those learning objectives as your guide.

Yes, I have finally passed. Just a little note, the questions do not seem to be taken from learning outcomes.

Best wishes - repost in a week or two and let us know when you've passed - hopefully with a 90 something plus percent!


Good luck to you!
Spam

Have been studying from the books and have failed again, 78%. Hopefully I will get it next time.

Pause. Deep breath. Go to original source material (NOT ONLINE QUIZLETS WRITTEN BY POTENTIALLY FLAWED PEERS) and study the real manuals. Read the "learning objectives" for each chapter. Then, after making notes, try it again.

Don't forget, these "quizlets" are not done by CAP. They are done by other teen agers trying to help, and although well intentioned could be very, very inaccurate.

Keep plugging. Orville and Wilbur took months to figure out the basics.

V/r
Spam

I finally passed. Just a note, the test's questions do not seem to be taken from learning objectives. I didn't find much similarity. The way I passec was by using 500+ sticky notes and annotating every book...
Title: Re: Mitchell Aerospace test
Post by: jeders on August 24, 2017, 05:44:06 PM
Quote from: Ethan Larsen on August 23, 2017, 11:59:35 PM
I finally passed. Just a note, the test's questions do not seem to be taken from learning objectives. I didn't find much similarity. The way I passec was by using 500+ sticky notes and annotating every book...

Unfortunately I've heard this a number of times. The leadership test seems to be ok, but the Mitchell aerospace test is almost a roll of the dice if you pass it or not, unless you memorize every word in the books; and even then you're not guaranteed.
Title: Re: Mitchell Aerospace test
Post by: Майор Хаткевич on August 24, 2017, 06:37:48 PM
Quote from: jeders on August 24, 2017, 05:44:06 PM

but the Mitchell aerospace test is almost a roll of the dice if you pass it or not, unless you memorize every word in the books; and even then you're not guaranteed.


What?


That's bollocks. It's based on the AE modules, and AE terms/concepts that cadets are expected to learn over the course of their membership up to the Mitchell. Not once did I have a cadet report that the test had zero to do the books they used to study. And if my passive review of it is correct, it's no different than the tests I took in 2005 (in terms of material, not necessarily lack of changes).
Title: Re: Mitchell Aerospace test
Post by: SarDragon on August 24, 2017, 08:35:54 PM
Learning objectives aren't the answers; they are the concepts behind the answers.

Here's a sample: List the forces of flight.

If you can do that, you know the answers. (Thrust, drag, lift, gravity)

Here's another: Describe the Otto Cycle. Very simply - suck, squeeze, bang, blow.
Title: Re: Mitchell Aerospace test
Post by: Ethan Larsen on August 24, 2017, 10:34:46 PM
Quote from: Майор Хаткевич on August 24, 2017, 06:37:48 PM
Quote from: jeders on August 24, 2017, 05:44:06 PM

but the Mitchell aerospace test is almost a roll of the dice if you pass it or not, unless you memorize every word in the books; and even then you're not guaranteed.


What?


That's bollocks. It's based on the AE modules, and AE terms/concepts that cadets are expected to learn over the course of their membership up to the Mitchell. Not once did I have a cadet report that the test had zero to do the books they used to study. And if my passive review of it is correct, it's no different than the tests I took in 2005 (in terms of material, not necessarily lack of changes).

I mean, I find that learning objectives are way to broad, given lots of questions are very specific. Anyway, outcomes did not really help, I just went through every page and annotated on everything that I assumed or knew to be relevant. Writing things helps you remember them.
Title: Re: Mitchell Aerospace test
Post by: Ethan Larsen on August 24, 2017, 10:38:26 PM
Quote from: jeders on August 24, 2017, 05:44:06 PM
Quote from: Ethan Larsen on August 23, 2017, 11:59:35 PM
I finally passed. Just a note, the test's questions do not seem to be taken from learning objectives. I didn't find much similarity. The way I passec was by using 500+ sticky notes and annotating every book...

Unfortunately I've heard this a number of times. The leadership test seems to be ok, but the Mitchell aerospace test is almost a roll of the dice if you pass it or not, unless you memorize every word in the books; and even then you're not guaranteed.

I just about annotated and took note of every important concept in all the books. Then I did tons of review and used my experience with the past 2 attempts to determine what would be important on the test. Even so, I didn't even make 90, so yeah, I definitely know what your talking about.
Title: Re: Mitchell Aerospace test
Post by: Майор Хаткевич on August 25, 2017, 04:14:55 PM
Quote from: Ethan Larsen on August 24, 2017, 10:34:46 PM


I mean, I find that learning objectives are way to broad, given lots of questions are very specific. Anyway, outcomes did not really help, I just went through every page and annotated on everything that I assumed or knew to be relevant. Writing things helps you remember them.


Learning objectives are broad because they are...objectives.


You need to know the specifics, which is what the test is looking for. It's a cumulative test, on the leadership, aerospace, drill, C&C, etc that you've learned through at least 18 months of membership. Congrats on the pass, because what you describe as your successful process, was the intended goal. Just remember not to forget the material, and pass on your knowledge and experience to the newer cadets.
Title: Re: Mitchell Aerospace test
Post by: SarDragon on August 25, 2017, 11:40:42 PM
This is perhaps drifting a bit, but it is still relevant.

Test questions are (supposed to be) written to meet the objectives. An objective is usually an action statement that asks for completion of a behavior, or recall of knowledge.

Here's one from The Journey of Flight, Ch 1Describe what makes air power unique. If you can explain, from memory, the requested info, you have achieved the objective.

Yes, it's broad, but doing the ? Test Your Knowledge ? questions gives you the opportunity to assess your retention. I'll bet they closely resemble the information in the test questions.

Take a look at chapters 3, 4, and 5 of AIR FORCE MANUAL 36-2236 (http://www.au.af.mil/au/awc/awcgate/edref/afman36-2236.pdf) to see the detailed process. Be forewarned, it's a snoozer, but it's good info to be familiar with.
Title: Re: Mitchell Aerospace test
Post by: flyboy_x on September 25, 2017, 09:57:12 PM
One problem is that during the training up to the Mitchell, most tests are open book. A quick Ctl-F <searchterm> will find the answer to the questions in the PDF.  NO prior reading required.

Perhaps making them all proctored would benefit the cadet more.

I've looked over a cadets shoulder when she was reviewing the questions after she failed the test for the sedond time.  Some of the questions are so "off the wall" and trivial that I don't know if I could answer enough Questions correctly to pass the test. 

Although this does help me as asst and former AEO prepare them for the test.
Title: Re: Mitchell Aerospace test
Post by: TheSkyHornet on September 26, 2017, 01:31:21 PM
Quote from: flyboy_x on September 25, 2017, 09:57:12 PM
One problem is that during the training up to the Mitchell, most tests are open book. A quick Ctl-F <searchterm> will find the answer to the questions in the PDF.  NO prior reading required.
...
I've looked over a cadets shoulder when she was reviewing the questions after she failed the test for the sedond time.  Some of the questions are so "off the wall" and trivial that I don't know if I could answer enough Questions correctly to pass the test. 


Welcome to the era when answering the question correctly suffices over understanding the logic behind the question.

Can't say I'm not guilty of Ctrl-F a time or to on things I thought were a waste of my time. So I can't hold that over their heads. Our cadets don't see that the exact same way. There are some things that we just fail to see the importance of. Frankly, I don't think I'm necessarily wrong on those of those perspectives.

But I, too, have cadets who take the same test repeatedly and just can't pass. You can only do so much to help them work through it.
Title: Re: Mitchell Aerospace test
Post by: Ethan Larsen on September 29, 2017, 10:49:58 PM
The test does not have 0 to do with the books, it has 0 to do with the quizlet I used at first. That's what I wrote.