Leaves of Grass and Accuracy, Part 2 of 3
Leaves of Grass and Accuracy, Part 2 of 3
By Monette Benoit, All Rights Reserved.
Part I was posted January 4, 2010
This month’s column initiates a dialogue – one I discussed with many. I have permission for each quote from students and reporters. Successful professionals said, “And call it a New Year’s resolution! You need to do this.”
I deal with this conversation every day with test prep as a tutor and coach working with students and court reporters.
I softly share this topic is like a splinter. Sometimes it gets irritated.
I salute the students now preparing to enter our field and court reporters advancing our skills. And thus we move forward as keepers of the record.
Part II:
I tutor (and help with NCRA national and state test prep) individuals who share “the secret to success” discussed on forums and in class regarding how to pass tests is “by using a steno machine with paper and reading through garbage paper notes.” Really? Really?
As shared: Many agree that “writing from memory and transcribing through trash can be done.”
Students, “We were shocked when classmates and teachers validated that, telling us that our notes would clean up once we are working.”
“Secret to success” individuals shared this gem: “Just get your tests no matter what, and then when you’re working it will be easier. And your notes will clean themselves up later.” (This includes notes – gasp – with drops, errors, missing Q&A banks, and punctuation.)
These conversations are from students not writing an accurate speed to get into a dictation room, and then hope for the “gift” tests with similar questions that simply (as an example) change wording only in exhibit numbers “a whole lot” – a gift (their term) of well over 12 times on occasion.
They always add, “It hasn’t helped others to pass state and NCRA RPR exams, but I need to get out of here. Besides, I can find a job somewhere. I’m willing to start low and work my way up. I’ll take less money … to learn.”
I could not disagree more with this “secret to success.”
If individuals are going to work on their accuracy after transcribing, after ‘reading through’ tests, after earning a certificate and/or graduation, what will get the person to accuracy later?
Where will the graduating individuals work? Captioning? Not live.
Attorneys and litigators now expect real-time due to technology, yes? Yes.
CART? That’s a whole other topic for accuracy, fingerspelling, knowing your dictionary, software, and deaf sensitivity.
Who is going to hire individuals ‘working on accuracy after I graduate’? Read any NCRA JCR magazines and articles on technology?
Those who hire students and court reporters who are going to “figure it out (write accurately) later” ask: “They must know the best-paying real-time jobs are given to reporters who write accurately, right?”
A technology manager insisted I share: “There’s always low hanging fruit on the trees; it just doesn’t pay very well, and doesn’t have steady work or any job security.”
Part III will be posted January 20, 2010.
Monette may be reached: Tutoring@CRRbooks.com
Monette Benoit, B. B.A., CCR, CRI, CPE, Paralegal
Motivation Management & Life Coach,
Tutor and Multiple Title Author of Books & Test Prep for the Court Reporting & Captioning Industry
Realtime Court Reporter, Instructor, Consultant, Columnist
Court Reporter Reference Books & CDs: www.CRRbooks.com
Blog: Monette’s Musings, www.monettebenoit.com
* Educational/Career Advancement; Private Tutoring/Customized Coaching
All American RealTime/Captioning Services, Inc.: www.ARTCS.com
Have you failed NCRA’s RPR, RMR or a state court reporting exam? I want to help you and others to pass your test and to exceed career goals. http://crrbooks.com/index.php?cPath=61
Did You Know: www.CRRbooks.com has material to help you advance skills for NCRA exams and state certifications?
Did You Know: You can accelerate your career with private tutoring and coaching?
Court reporting veteran Monette Benoit can help you achieve your goals.
Coaching and tutoring topics include:
• Motivation skills to keep you moving forward,
• Time-management skills,
• Process learning for more effective retention,
• Communication skills and daily interaction improvement skills, and much more.
Who comes to Monette for tutoring and coaching?
• Veteran court reporters, CART providers and captioners brushing up on their skills for test-taking requirements,
• In-class students who feel they’re falling behind or aren’t ready for the required tests,
• Students or veterans who struggle with focus, goal-setting, time-management or other life skills that might be interfering in their upward success,
• At-home students who want to ensure they’re on track for their exam and career goals,
• Veteran court reporters and captioners expanding their career options in related fields,
• Students and veterans alike who find they’re struggling with one or two key areas of daily practice,
• Students or veterans who have begun to question their career or whether they’re on the “right track” …
Check It Out: Reach Your Goals! Tutoring and Coaching
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Monette Benoit can help you achieve at much high levels. Where do you want to go? What have you really wanted to do with your career, and ultimately, your life? Specific custom-designed guidance efficiently assists you!
About Monette Benoit:
As a 25+year court reporter, CART provider, author of NCRA test prep material and an instructor, Monette Benoit has taught multiple theories, academics, all speed classes and the 225 homeroom within NCRA-approved schools and a community college. She understands the challenges many adults now face in our industry and schooling.
Monette Benoit has worked with thousands of professionals, court reporters, students and instructors. She has also helped create new court reporting training programs, worked with federal grants, and assisted instructors in developing curriculum for both in-class and at-home students.
Her one-on-one tutoring has greatly assisted thousands of students, novice and experienced professionals to privately reach the next level.