We have designed our examinations and assessment methods in close cooperation with educational experts. Our examinations and assessment methods are varied and consist of case presentations and knowledge tests for individual modules, as well as a test on alarm symptoms based on PLATO standards. As a result, students are tested at different times and in different ways, providing snapshots of students’ progress, as well as sketching a more detailed picture of students’ general knowledge and proficiency. Moreover, this new way of testing increases the usefulness of the programme for therapists, as they will find it easier to remember the material and be able to put what they have learned into practice.
As of September 2016, Con Amore’s examinations and assessment methods have consisted of the following four components:
Open book tests (formative)
Assessment of case presentations (pass/fail)
Knowledge tests (summative)
Alarm symptoms test (summative)
For the open book tests, students answer questions in the online learning environment. These tests are formative, which means that they are not assessed. Answering these questions is mandatory and helps students in their learning process.
Case presentations take place during class and are given by groups of two or three students. Case presentations are assessed pass/fail. In order to graduate, students must pass their case presentations. In online classes, students are assessed by going through the entire history-taking process in pairs.
The knowledge tests take place at the end of days 1 to 9 and consist of several questions about the main issues and alarm symptoms, marked with a (!) in the online learning environment. Students must revise these questions when preparing for class. Students have to answer multiple-choice questions and propositions. The tests may also include material covered in class. The average grade for the knowledge tests makes up 60{eec1dcc347b24be8017a63c0d427c52af8b2c11c898243f3ec9ca1df4a87ea9c} of the student’s overall grade. On days 10 and 11, students take formative tests that do not count towards the student’s final grade. All tests are taken digitally via an online testing system.
The alarm symptoms test takes place at the end of day 12 and consists of questions about alarm symptoms (serious or life-threatening situations). The grade for the alarm symptoms test makes up 40{eec1dcc347b24be8017a63c0d427c52af8b2c11c898243f3ec9ca1df4a87ea9c} of the student’s overall grade. Students must have a passing grade (5.5 or higher) to graduate. If a student fails the alarm symptoms test, they may retake it. For more information, see the general terms and conditions.