Pre- and Post-Course Self-Assessments to Promote Recognition of Learning in Veterinary Students

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Education
• Medical Simulation
• Learner Self-Assessment

Background:

• Student recognition of learning achievements is crucial for academic progress.
• Self-reflection tools can enhance the learning process and skill acquisition.
• Assessing learner confidence in applying knowledge to practical situations is important in veterinary medicine.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of pre- and post-course self-assessments on veterinary students' confidence.
• To determine if self-assessment based on authentic veterinary interactions improves learner self-efficacy.
• To explore a simple tool for fostering student reflection on learning.

Main Methods:

• Implementation of pre- and post-course self-assessments in three veterinary courses over two academic years.
• Utilized self-assessment questions based on realistic veterinary clinical scenarios.
• Collected data on student confidence levels before and after course completion.

Main Results:

• Consistent and significant increases in student confidence were observed across all courses.
• Students reported higher self-assurance in applying learned concepts to authentic veterinary practice settings.
• The self-assessment tool proved effective in promoting learner reflection and confidence.

Conclusions:

• Pre- and post-course self-assessments are valuable tools for enhancing veterinary student confidence.
• Authentic veterinary interactions within self-assessments effectively bridge the gap between academic learning and clinical application.
• This reflective practice method supports learner development and self-efficacy in veterinary education.