Physiology 116: Exam Reflection and Critical Thinking Assignments

Exam Reflection and Study Habits

Purpose of Exam Wrapper

The exam wrapper is a reflective tool designed to help students analyze their exam preparation strategies and performance. By reviewing study habits and identifying areas for improvement, students can develop more effective approaches for future assessments.

• Self-Assessment: Students are prompted to consider how much time they spent studying, the methods they used, and the effectiveness of their preparation.

• Study Methods: Reflection includes evaluating the use of textbooks, lecture notes, personal notes, and concept mapping.

• Points Missed: Students must analyze which questions they missed and the reasons (e.g., misunderstanding, careless mistakes, lack of knowledge).

• Action Plan: Students are required to list at least three specific strategies to improve their study habits for future exams.

Example Strategies for Improvement:

• Start studying earlier and break material into manageable chunks.

• Practice with past exams or sample questions to become familiar with question formats.

• Utilize active recall and spaced repetition techniques for long-term retention.

Additional info: The exam wrapper encourages metacognition, which is the process of thinking about one's own learning and understanding. This is a key skill for academic success in Anatomy & Physiology and other science courses.

Critical Thinking Assignment: Fact or Crap?

Assignment Overview

This assignment is designed to foster critical thinking by having students evaluate the validity of scientific claims found in everyday life. Students must use credible sources to support or refute these claims.

• Step 1: Find a claim related to physiology or health (e.g., from social media, news, or personal anecdotes).

• Step 2: Use resources such as textbooks, scientific articles, and academic databases (e.g., Google Scholar) to research the claim.

• Step 3: Compile evidence and present findings in a discussion post.

• Step 4: Engage with peers by commenting on at least two other posts.

Evaluating Sources:

• Use peer-reviewed scientific articles and reputable textbooks for evidence.

• Be cautious of anecdotal evidence and non-expert opinions.

Additional info: This assignment helps students develop information literacy, a crucial skill for interpreting scientific information and making informed decisions in health and science.

Best Practices for Academic Reflection and Critical Analysis

• Metacognition: Regularly reflect on your learning strategies and outcomes to identify strengths and areas for improvement.

• Active Learning: Engage with material through self-testing, teaching concepts to others, and applying knowledge to real-world scenarios.

• Critical Evaluation: Always assess the credibility of sources and the validity of claims, especially in the context of health and physiology.

Additional info: These skills are foundational for success in Anatomy & Physiology and are transferable to other scientific disciplines and professional practice.