Dwight Stewart wrote:
"Mike Coslo" wrote:

(snip) I want added test material for the
advanced licenses to fill the vacuum left
by the departure of Morse Code testing.
I don't want the additions as a way of
keeping people out - indeed if there are
some more questions, it is just a matter
of studying a little more. I want it to show
that we are not just getting rid of things,
and thereby simply making things easier
to get a ticket. (snip)



Several have said that, but I just don't see what can be added that
wouldn't fundamentality change the nature of the Amateur Radio Service. As I
see it, this is an amateur activity designed with three basic goals in
mind - provide some radio services to others (public service), some benefit
to the participants (recreational radio activities), and a mild introduction
to the field of electronics. Since the first two (and international
goodwill) don't seem to be a consideration, I'll ignore those for now.

Could be simply some more questions added to the test.


This leaves the last and a question about how far that should be taken.
Most are not clear at all about that. Some seem to suggest we add content to
more closely fit a college degree program. If so, do we add science,
history, social studies, general math, politics, language, art, economics,
health, and the other things colleges require? If not, can we honestly claim
the license is comprehensive training? But if we add those things, what
happens to the avocational nature of this activity?

Wow, you slippery sloped that one pretty well, Dwight! I'm not looking
for the equivalent of an engineering degree, and would never suggest
such a thing. I don't think that the addition of some relevant questions
to the writtens is at all a bad thing. And even an EE degree is only
partly relevant to the ARS.

I've looked over the current written tests. I just don't see where they're
lacking as far as the existing goals and purposes of the Amateur Radio
Service are concerned.

This brings up something that I have wondered about for a while. What
is the basis for so many people avoiding education with a passion? It
isn't like even the Extra test is all that difficult. Takes some study
and time, but it isn't like the SAT's or the like.

- Mike KB3EIA -