Hi, just wanting to know if anyone is interested in hearing about a poorly run sommelier program I attended this past summer. It is put on by a big name organization that refuses to take any responsibility for hiring a teacher that produced a 90% failure rate for their students. Also, has anyone else had similar experiences, and what was your recourse of action?montedyoung@wineandfoodtastingathome.com

I don't think the failure rate of any course is any indication of it's quality. Frankly, when it comes to wine, a 90% failure rate might indicate a really first rate program. Need more details. And ditch the spammy signature for a little while too, would you?

PH

Sig is gone, MDY.

quote:

that produced a 90% failure rate for their students.

Are you absolutely certain that y'all ain't just a bunch of idjits?

Redundant title

I don't think we were idiots. The level info we were told about in class was not even close to the level we were tested over. If it were just one or two failures, then I could say it probably was the students faults. But, a 90% failure rate? That shows the class was not prepared correctly.

I was interested to see how this would turn out. I would think the written test wuold be easier than the tasting test. It is still tough to say whether the program was good or not. Did they tell you what to study. Were you expected to learn and then apply knowledge to unfamiliar questions. Perhaps they asked for a higher level of thinking than just recalling facts. You should look at your test and try to figure out why your answers were wrong. If it is just recalling facts, learn more facts. If it is applying knowledge and you do not know how to go about it, ask your instructor for some advice. Try and analyze why you failed. Never mind the others.

I am not trying to say you did something wrong or did not study. I am just saying sometimes instructors will not tell you exactly what is on the test and what you need to know. In educatinaol circles its called "teaching to the test" and it is frowned on.

Good Luck, Monte.