Performance-based examinations give students the opportunity to demonstrate clinical skills and abilities with standardized patients . These exams, in which students' interviewing and physical examination skills are observed by faculty, occur with increasing frequency throughout the first three years of study. Feedback provided by faculty observers helps students recognize their strengths and weaknesses and acquire advice on how to strengthen identified areas of weakness. Because cases are standardized and performance criteria are pre-set, students are assessed more fairly. The outcome of the assessment would be used in student progress decisions.
Formative assessment is feedback.
The process of assessment and the results of the assessment are recorded entirely for the benefit of student learning. Formative assessment may include student progress review, that is, review by the tutor for the purpose of providing feedback to the student. Total self assessment is a part of formative assessment that includes the feedback component but does not allow results to be conveyed to the tutor or any other administrator. Each person with access to the online assessment system has a view of the data that is appropriate for them. Students are evaluated and receive feedback regarding competencies such as inquiry strategy, diagnosis development, test selection and interpretation, and patient management.