SESSION 1 – PRACTICUM

1. Discuss the test itself; i.e. requirements to qualify for the exam, the dates; the exam organization (Section I, II and III).

2. Ask the group to share their individual fears and trepidations.

3. Stress the fact that the exam is a test of ‘minimal competency’. It’s passable. But, failure of a section is not unusual; none of us is experienced equally in all aspects of the profession. Preparation is necessary. Just the fact that the candidate is attending the Study Sessions is an indication that they are willing to work toward the necessary preparation.

4. Introduce the “tips” from the “NCIDQ Examination Study Guide” (I sent a copy to each City Center) and other tip sheets.

5. Stress neatness and clarity in the drawings they produce. (This really does matter to the graders who have looked at dozens of drawings that day!)

6. Get the candidates working over 1/8” grid paper. (I bring a pad of scaled paper and give each a sheet) We then practice architectural block lettering. No serifs, each letter and number is made up of a series of strokes – straight and curved – and a space between each line of writing. We encourage those with weak lettering to make a habit of “doodling” the alphabet and numerals.

7. Suggest they get a good set of 1/8” scale furniture templates.

MOST IMPORTANT FOR THIS SESSION A BUBBLE DIAGRAM!

8. I have never seen anyone pass the Practicum who did not do a form of bubble diagram. This quick and simple examination of the program is the basis of space planning and will organize the problem as well as open up the possibilities of special organization. A well-executed bubble diagram can save precious time in developing the plan. A sample program was included in the packet – give the candidates about 10 minutes to develop a bubble diagram based on this program or any program you come up with.

9. As a group we look at a solved sample exam. Discuss it.

10. Hand out the first simple exercise for them to do that week. (The ‘coach’ the next week must be willing to review what they did. That first week neatness, clarity and completeness are what we are looking for. Candidates should not worry about the time at this point. But, they must do a bubble diagram. If they do the exercises given each week, they’ll build speed.

11.Encourage the candidates to define their weaknesses in approaching the exam. Discuss.

12. Assign reading of the section on Principles and Practices in the Ballast book, 3rd edition; pages 1 to 237. A lot of reading, but necessary, because that is what you will discuss next week.

Handouts: programming, bubble diagrams, space planning, lettering, graphics and ergonomics. Select from those I sent or anything you find!

Collect payment; make a contact list for participants.

SESSION 2 – PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICES OF INTERIOR DESIGN

CANDIDATES SHOULD HAVE READ THIS SECTION AND IT’S HELPFUL IF THE COACH HAS AT LEAST SCANNED THESE CHAPTERS.

The coach should take a few minutes to look at the space planning exercise the candidates were assigned in the first session. Open them out on a table or pin them up so that all can comment and see the level of graphics. Questions and answers – everyone should be made to talk.

* I have noticed that if the candidates actually do the space planning exercises their graphics will improve week by week and end up being totally acceptable.

I work directly from the Ballast book. Scanning through the chapters, asking for questions from the candidates going over the questions at the end of each chapter. (Hint: I photocopy the answers so that I don’t have to keep flipping back and forth.)

It’s important to get the candidates to answer questions for one another. This empowers them in their own knowledge and allays much “test fright”.

As an example, recently, one candidate who worked for a high-end residential firm had no experience in working with dealerships and asked how they fit into the scheme of things. I asked if any of the other candidates worked for a dealership. One very quiet young woman did, and she was pleased to be asked to explain – she even sketched a rough “organization chart” to show where everyone – from reps. to purchasing agents might fit in. The asking candidate got her answer and the shy one has no longer hesitated to participate.

Handouts: elements and principles of design, materials, finishes etc. Again, what I sent and anything you want to add.

We distribute the two short programs, “Tutoring Center” and “Legal Offices” with the two different storefront plans. They are encouraged to resolve each program in each plan; returning the next week with 4 solved plans. They must do a bubble diagram for each program. This exercise prepares them the possibility of any configuration of a problem.

SESSION 3 – CONTRACT DOCUMENTS AND ADMINISTRATION

CANDIDATES SHOULD HAVE READ THIS SECTION AND IT’S HELPFUL IF THE COACH HAS AT LEAST SCANNED THESE CHAPTERS.

The coach should take a few minutes to look at the space planning exercise the candidates were assigned in the second session. Open them out on a table or pin them up so that all can comment and see the level of graphics. Questions and answers – everyone should be made to talk.

Again, I work directly from the Ballast book. Scanning through the chapters, asking for questions from the candidates going over the questions at the end of each chapter. (Hint: I photocopy the answers so that I don’t have to keep flipping back and forth.)

It’s important to get the candidates to answer questions for one another.  Many have never actually written or negotiated a contract. The handouts are important for this session. Also, it helps if the candidates are led to tell of instances where there was ‘conflict’ and resolution on their jobs.

We go over basic codes. See new synopsis of codes. Anything can come up in the written section of the exam; but it is good to remind the candidates that, on the Practicum, they are given the specific code requirements.

Handouts: sample contracts, Master Spec. list, sample specs. Again, what I sent and anything you want to add.

We distribute the first section, or morning section, of an actual Practicum exam. Candidates must do the bubble diagram. This time they should time themselves.

SESSION 4 – PRACTICUM

1.The coach should take a few minutes to look at the space planning exercise the candidates were assigned in the third session. Open them out on a table or pin them up so that all can comment and see the level of graphics.

2. Discuss the test taking hints/tips. If you can get accurate information, discuss he actual physical aspects of their testing center,

3. Ask the group to discuss their individual fears and trepidations and how their preparation to date may have helped.

4. Stress, again, the fact that the exam is a test of ‘minimal competency’ and passable.

5. Neatness and clarity in the drawings will have improved with practice. Point this out; encourage them.

MOST IMPORTANT FOR THIS SESSION A BUBBLE DIAGRAM! They will recognize this as a fact by this point.

6. We go through Chapter 30 “Sample Design Practicum” very closely. Discuss.

7.We look closely at the solved Practicum we viewed in Session 1.

Handouts: Anything you find!

We distribute the both sections of an actual Practicum exam. Candidates must do the bubble diagram. Timing themselves gets more important each week.

SESSION 5 – PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICES OF INTERIOR DESIGN

CANDIDATES SHOULD FAMILIAR WITH THE INFORMATION IN THIS SECTION AND HAVE LOTS OF QUESTIONS.

The coach should take a few minutes to look at the space planning exercise the candidates were assigned in the forth session. Open them out on a table or pin them up so that all can comment and see the level of graphics.

2. Again, I work directly from the Ballast book. Scanning through the chapters and asking for questions from the candidates etc.

Handouts: Anything you find!

We distribute the both sections of an actual Practicum exam. Candidates must do the bubble diagram. Timing themselves gets more important each week.

SESSION 6 – CONTRACT DOCUMENTS AND ADMINISTRATION

CANDIDATES SHOULD FAMILIAR WITH THE INFORMATION IN THIS SECTION AND HAVE LOTS OF QUESTIONS.                                                                                                                      

1. The coach should take a few minutes to look at the space planning exercise the candidates were assigned in the fifth session. Open them out on a table or pin them up so that all can comment and see the level of graphics.

Again, I work directly from the Ballast book; scanning through the chapters and asking for questions from the candidates etc.

We review the test taking tips, especially any relating to the last minute preparation.

Handouts: Anything you find!

We distribute the both sections of an actual Practicum exam. Candidates must do the bubble diagram. Timing is everything.

WE ADDRESS THE PRACTICUM ON THE FIRST OF SIX STUDY SESSIONS BOTH TO GIVE THE CANDIDATES TIME TO DO MULTIPLE PRACTICE SPACE PLANNING EXERCISES AND BECAUSE IT IS THIS SECTION OF THE EXAM THAT IS MOST FEARED.