Posted: May 15th, 2023

Did anyone else find the NCLEX practice tests enjoyable?

Did anyone else find the NCLEX practice tests enjoyable? On a different note, as of the time of writing, the link to the NCSBN is giving a 404 error. However, the candidate performance report provides invaluable information for individuals who have failed the exam. It helps identify weak areas that require special attention. Kalet et al. (2016) suggest adopting a programmatic approach, including multiple sources of review, to comprehensively evaluate a student’s progress. This aligns with Oermann’s (2016) view on evaluations, emphasizing the need for a multifaceted assessment.

One of the strongest points made by Kalet et al. (2016) is the importance of establishing an individualized written remediation framework with tailored strategies to suit each student’s needs. Recognizing that every student learns differently, a generic, one-size-fits-all approach would put them at a significant disadvantage.

During my time in nursing school, I had an instructor who was demeaning and made learning difficult. I vowed never to be that type of instructor if given the opportunity. Interestingly, there is published information, such as Oermann (2017), supporting the notion that students learn better in a positive environment. This solidifies my commitment to fostering a safe and nurturing learning environment, free from constant stress and fear.

In terms of future research, I am particularly intrigued by the evolving online approach to distance learning. As someone who prefers hands-on learning and in-person instruction, I am curious to compare evaluations of students with similar backgrounds but different modalities of learning for a single subject matter. Specifically, I would like to explore the comparability of evaluations between in-person and online learning when covering the same topic.

Reflecting on this class, I have gained a deeper understanding of the test construction process, the importance of well-written learning objectives, and the various levels of cognition in relation to SMART goals and Bloom’s taxonomy. I found it interesting to learn about the different assessment approaches for theory and clinical aspects. While observational assessments may not be suitable for theory classes, true or false questions would be inadequate for evaluating IV placement skills. Moving forward, if I become an online instructor, I will make an effort to engage with students in the same way that Professor Jeanne did. Highlighting students’ contributions and using them as teaching points, followed by class-wide questions, is an effective technique that helps alleviate the monotony of discussion boards.

Lastly, I am excited about exploring the use of escape rooms as a classroom learning strategy. I recently learned about this approach from our ED educator, and it offers a departure from the traditional lecture-based and PowerPoint-driven learning model. It sounds both innovative and fun. Below, I have provided two articles that discuss the use of escape rooms in education.

References:
Manzano-León, A., Rodríguez-Ferrer, J. M., Aguilar-Parra, J. M., Martínez Martínez, A. M., García, D. S., & Fernández Campoy, J. M. (2021). Escape Rooms as a Learning Strategy for Special Education Master’s Degree Students. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(14). https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18147304
Podlog, M., Husain, A., Greenstein, J., & Sanghvi, S. (2020). Escape the Trauma Room. AEM Education and Training, 4(2), 158-160. https://doi.org/10.1002/aet2.10410