A
Analysis
The process of examining and breaking down complex information or data to understand its components and relationships. This involves identifying patterns, trends, and insights to make informed decisions or evaluations.
Artifact
Any product or piece of evidence used to demonstrate a examinee's learning, skills, or competencies.
Assessment
The process of gathering, evaluating, and interpreting information to understand and measure a student's knowledge, skills, and competencies. This can involve various methods such as tests, observations, and assignments.Would you like any further definitions or clarifications?Source: Conversation with Copilot, 9/18/2024(1) Assessment Definition - The Glossary of Education Reform..(2) Defining Assessment - University of Alberta.(3) The 7 Principles of Assessment: A Comprehensive Guide.(4) What Is Assessment? / Accreditation & Assessment / About.
Assessment technique
The specific methods or strategies used to evaluate, measure, and document a student's learning, skills, or competencies. Examples include quizzes, observations, interviews, and performance tasks.
Assessment tool
Any method or instrument used to evaluate, measure, and document a student’s knowledge, skills, or competencies. Examples include tests, surveys, interviews, and observations.
B
Bulletin of Information (BOI)
The Bulletin of Information that examinees must review and become familiar with the Bulletin before completing your application for USMLE Step 1, Step 2 CK, or Step 3. It includes information on all aspects of USMLE, such as eligibility requirements, scheduling test dates, testing, and score reporting.
C
Carrel
A small cubicle with a desk for the use of a reader or student in a library
Clinical Knowledge (CK)
The ability to apply medical knowledge, skills, and understanding of principles of clinical sciences and basic patient-centered skills essential for the provision of patient care under supervision, including health promotion and disease prevention.
Commision on Osteopathic College Accreditation (COCA)
COCA is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as the accreditor of colleges of osteopathic medicine. COCA accreditation signifies that a college has met or exceeded the Commission’s standards for educational quality. The COCA only accredits osteopathic medical education programs operating in the United States.
Comprehensive Basic Science Self-Assessment (CBSSA)
The NBME's Comprehensive Basic Science Self-Assessment is a practice test designed for students planning to take the USMLE Step 1. It features multiple-choice questions on content typically covered during basic science medical education courses.
Comprehensive Clinical Science Self-Assessment (CCSSA)
The NBME's Comprehensive Clinical Science Self-Assessment is a practice test designed for students planning to take the USMLE Step 2 CK. It features multiple-choice questions on content typically covered during the core clinical clerkships
Computer-based Case Simulation (CCS)
Computer-based Case Simulations (CCS) are dynamic, interactive simulations of a patient-care situation designed to evaluate your approach to clinical management, including diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring. The cases provide a means for observing your application of medical knowledge in a variety of patient care situations and settings over varying periods of simulated time. As simulated time passes, a patient's condition may change based on the course of the underlying medical condition(s), or your management, or both. Patients may present with acute problems to be managed within a few minutes of simulated time or with chronic problems to be managed over several months of simulated time.CCS are used in Step 3.
D
Data
The information and evidence collected to evaluate student learning, performance, and progress. This can include test scores, assignment results, observations, and survey responses.
Data-collection tools
Instruments or methods used to gather information, facts, and evidence about student learning, behaviors, or outcomes. Examples include surveys, interviews, observations, and questionnaires.
Differentiation
The process of tailoring assessment methods to meet the diverse needs, abilities, and learning styles of students. This involves modifying content, processes, and products to ensure all students can demonstrate their understanding and skills effectively.
Diversity
Recognizing and valuing the different backgrounds, abilities, and perspectives of students. This includes considering factors such as race, ethnicity, gender, age, language, and socioeconomic status to ensure fair and inclusive evaluation practices.
E
Evidence
The information and data collected to demonstrate and evaluate a student's learning, skills, and competencies. This can include both direct measures (e.g., tests, assignments) and indirect measures (e.g., surveys, self-assessments).
F
Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB)
A non-profit organization that represents the 70 state medical and osteopathic boards of the United States and its territories. The individual medical boards are responsible for licensing physicians, investigating patient complaints, and disciplining physicians who violate the law. FSMB acts on behalf of its state board members in providing a national assessment program, providing tools that facilitate the documentation and distribution of credentials, sponsoring a national data base for tracking disciplinary actions, and acting as a national voice for the individual boards on issues of importance to licensing and practice.
I
Item
The term item is used to describe a test question in any format.
L
Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME)
The Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) is an accrediting body for medical education programs leading to the MD degree.
M
Multiple choice question (MCQ)
A type of objective assessment where respondents select the correct answer from a list of options. Each question consists of a stem (the question or problem) and several alternatives, including one correct answer and several distractors (incorrect answers).
N
NBME
NBME is a mission-driven organization that specializes in the creation of high-quality assessments and learning tools. In addition to offering assessment tools for every stage of the medical school journey, NBME aims to build meaningful collaborations and make lasting contributions to the medical education community. (NBME = National Board of Medical Examiners)
P
Passing Standard
A level of performance and proficiency an examinee must achieve to pass. The USMLE Management Committee reviews data for each Step examination approximately once every three to four years and decides whether to change the recommended passing standard.
R
Rationale
The reasoning or justification behind the choice and design of an assessment task. It explains why the task is important, what learners will gain from it, and the criteria used for evaluation.
Rubric
Written criteria for evaluating a performance that indicates the qualities by which levels of performance can be differentiated and that anchor judgments about the degree of success of a school leader candidate’s assessment
S
Standards
The established criteria or learning goals that define what students are expected to know and be able to do at specific stages of their education. These standards guide the development of curriculum and assessments to ensure consistency and quality in education.
U
United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE)
The USMLE is a highly reliable and relevant three-Step examination for medical licensure in the United States. It is sponsored by FSMB and NBME. The USMLE assesses an examinee’s ability to apply knowledge, concepts, and principles, and to demonstrate fundamental patient-centered skills. These skills constitute the basis of safe and effective patient care.