TY - JOUR
T1 - ‘Exam preparedness’
T2 - Exploring non-academic predictors of postgraduate exam success
AU - Ashokka, Balakrishnan
AU - Lee, Tat Leang
AU - Verstegen, Daniëlle M.L.
N1 - Publisher Copyright:
© 2021 TAPS. All rights reserved.
PY - 2021/10/1
Y1 - 2021/10/1
N2 - Introduction: There are certain factors in exam preparedness that are not well studied in the postgraduate medical education context. Non-academic predictors have been extensively researched but usually in isolation. Methods: The study involved a sequential explanatory mixed methods research design. The study was conducted among anaesthesia postgraduates appearing for high-stake nation-wide primary examination. Data obtained by a questionnaire assessing pre-examination attributes were compared with the students’ reflections through focus group discussions (FGD) after the formal declaration of results. The examination had an overall pass rate of 42.9% (18 out of 42). Results: The study showed that pre-examination questionnaire could identify attributes and study behaviours in the postgraduates who passed. Passers procrastinated three times lesser, pursuing a timetable-based study (conscientiousness); had higher metacognitive self-regulation (p value<0.05) applying concentrated self-directed learning & effective group study and higher self-efficacy compared to those who failed. The focus group discussions affirmed of these attributes in candidates who ‘breeze through exams’. Postgraduate success required better ‘work-study’ balance, self & cross regulation and peer and faculty support. Conclusion: Implementing a composite tool to assess ‘exam preparedness’, we propose, would help the learners and teachers to skim for non-academic factors (metacognitive self-regulation, self-efficacy, conscientiousness) that influence the chances of success. Understanding & predicting this would help educators to identify the ‘candidates with difficulty’ and delegate personalised faculty attention. This could guide the exam candidates to have a ‘reality check’ to plan and pace their effort with peer learning, consolidated study and goal orientation.
AB - Introduction: There are certain factors in exam preparedness that are not well studied in the postgraduate medical education context. Non-academic predictors have been extensively researched but usually in isolation. Methods: The study involved a sequential explanatory mixed methods research design. The study was conducted among anaesthesia postgraduates appearing for high-stake nation-wide primary examination. Data obtained by a questionnaire assessing pre-examination attributes were compared with the students’ reflections through focus group discussions (FGD) after the formal declaration of results. The examination had an overall pass rate of 42.9% (18 out of 42). Results: The study showed that pre-examination questionnaire could identify attributes and study behaviours in the postgraduates who passed. Passers procrastinated three times lesser, pursuing a timetable-based study (conscientiousness); had higher metacognitive self-regulation (p value<0.05) applying concentrated self-directed learning & effective group study and higher self-efficacy compared to those who failed. The focus group discussions affirmed of these attributes in candidates who ‘breeze through exams’. Postgraduate success required better ‘work-study’ balance, self & cross regulation and peer and faculty support. Conclusion: Implementing a composite tool to assess ‘exam preparedness’, we propose, would help the learners and teachers to skim for non-academic factors (metacognitive self-regulation, self-efficacy, conscientiousness) that influence the chances of success. Understanding & predicting this would help educators to identify the ‘candidates with difficulty’ and delegate personalised faculty attention. This could guide the exam candidates to have a ‘reality check’ to plan and pace their effort with peer learning, consolidated study and goal orientation.
KW - Non-Academic Predictors
KW - Postgraduate Exam Success
KW - Self-Regulation
U2 - 10.29060/TAPS.2021-6-4/OA2456
DO - 10.29060/TAPS.2021-6-4/OA2456
M3 - Article
SN - 2424-9335
VL - 6
SP - 80
EP - 91
JO - The Asia Pacific Scholar
JF - The Asia Pacific Scholar
IS - 4
ER -