Assignment 2: Study Plan
To Prepare
- Reflect on your practice exam question results from Week 2. Identify content-area strengths and opportunities for improvement.
- Also reflect on your overall test taking. Was the length of time allotted comfortable, or did you run out of time? Did a particular question format prove difficult?
The Assignment
- Based on your practice test question results, and considering the national certification exam, summarize your strengths and opportunities for improvement. Note: Your grade for this Assignment will not be derived from your test results but from your self-reflection and study plan.
- Create a study plan for this quarter to prepare for the certification exam, including three or four SMART goals and the tasks you need to complete to accomplish each goal. Include a timetable for accomplishing them and a description of how you will measure your progress.
- Describe resources you would use to accomplish your goals and tasks, such as ways to participate in a study group or review course, mnemonics and other mental strategies, and print or online resources you could use to study.
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
Preparing for a national certification exam can be a daunting task, but with a well-thought-out study plan, you can significantly increase your chances of success. As a medical professor tasked with creating assignments and providing feedback to medical college students, I understand the importance of developing a study plan tailored to your individual strengths and weaknesses.
Strengths and Opportunities for Improvement:
Upon reviewing the practice exam question results from Week 2, it is essential to identify content-area strengths and opportunities for improvement. This data is vital to pinpointing areas that need more attention during study time. In addition, reflecting on overall test-taking experiences such as allotted time, question format, and difficulty, can also inform future study plans.
Study Plan:
To prepare for the certification exam, I recommend creating a well-planned study plan, consisting of SMART goals and tasks to accomplish each objective. SMART goals are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-based, making it easier to follow and track progress.
Goal 1: Improve understanding of pharmacology
Tasks:
-Review assigned reading from textbooks on pharmacology
-Memorize essential drug classifications and their indications
-Use online flashcards to test knowledge of drug interactions
Timetable: 3 weeks
Measurement: Score an 80% or higher in the next practice exam regarding pharmacology.
Goal 2: Enhance the understanding of clinical decision-making
Tasks:
-Attend a clinical decision-making course
-Apply decision-making methodologies in case study reviews
-Participate in a study group dedicated to discussing clinical decision-making
Timetable: 4 weeks
Measurement: Write a paper and compare your solutions to others to evaluate clinical decision-making skills.
Goal 3: Improve understanding of medical ethics
Tasks:
-Read the recommended textbook on medical ethics
-Participate in small group discussions on ethical topics
-Attend lectures on ethical topics
Timetable: 6 weeks
Measurement: Score an 85% or higher on the next exam that covers ethical topics.
Resources:
To accomplish these goals, it is essential to have various resources. I recommend joining study groups, attending conferences or lectures, using online educational websites, and using mental strategies such as mnemonics for effective memorization.
In conclusion, creating an effective study plan is crucial to preparing for a certification exam properly. By reflecting on your strengths and opportunities for improvement, developing SMART goals, measuring progress, and utilizing valuable resources, you can increase your chances of success. Good luck!
