What standard for completing requirements do you use?

[Armymutt]

We're trying to correct what I, and the acting SM, perceive as failures of previous adult and youth leaders in our troop, and the troops from which we have received Scouts.  We have a number of Scouts in the Star, Life, and Eagle ranks who can't do basic Scoutcraft.  I'm of the mindset that a Scout should be competent at the skills of the previous rank, and an expert at the skills of the ranks below that.  For example, I expect a First Class Scout to have no problem tying a square knot, two half hitches, or a taught line hitch. 

The Guide to Advancement says this:  It is important to remember that in the end, badges recognize that Scouts have gone through experiences of learning things they did not previously know. Through increased confidence, Scouts discover or realize they are able to learn a variety of skills and disciplines. Advancement is thus about what Scouts are now able to learn and to do, and how they have grown. Retention of skills and knowledge is then developed later by using what has been learned through the natural course of unit programming; for example, instructing others and using skills in games and on outings.

When the requirement says, "Show first aid for the following:", does it mean using the book or from memory?  I lean more toward memory with prompting from the examiner.  That's what we did this weekend.  I have a feeling other leaders have taken a more Cub Scout view of things and if the Scout did it in the class while mimicking the instructor, that was good enough.  Consequently, unless the unit actually follows the last sentence of the relevant portion of the guide, the Scout never develops the skill.  

[mrjohns2]

4 hours ago, Armymutt said:

When the requirement says, "Show first aid for the following:", does it mean using the book or from memory? 

I think it has to all be from memory. If a Scout wants to work with me on a skill, they are more than welcome to use the book. We learn together, we use the book as a guide and aid. That doesn't count for a sign off, though. Come back the next day, demonstrate the skill without an aid, notes, etc, then I will sign it off. 

This is why I find "merit badge days" so hard to staff. It is hard to do that without requiring pre-reqs that are actually done. 

Edited 1 hour ago by mrjohns2