1. Study Habits and Perceived Efficacy of Exam Practice Questions among First-Year Medical Students at a United States Medical School
- Author
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Currey Zalman, Geoff Talmon, and Kari L. Nelson
- Abstract
Medical school curriculum integrates pre-clinical coursework with clinical experiences to impart understanding of pathophysiologic processes and requisite skills for future physicians. Evaluation through examinations measures students' knowledge and skills acquisition, while practice exam questions remain underexplored in studies on student study habits and exam performance. This study addresses the study habits, perceptions, and utilization of practice questions among first-year medical students (M1s). A survey conducted in 2023 revealed that a substantial proportion of students dedicate extensive time to independent study, with a majority expressing a strong preference for utilizing practice questions in their exam preparation. Notably, the survey findings underscored the perceived effectiveness of practice questions in assessing comprehension and identifying crucial content areas. Furthermore, students emphasized the value of practice questions that integrate and synthesize information across different curriculum blocks. The majority of students reported improved perceived performance on content accompanied by practice questions, highlighting the potential benefits of integrating these resources into medical school curricula. By understanding and supporting effective study strategies, educators can potentially mitigate student stress and enhance overall academic performance.
- Published
- 2024