Reading something over and over does not make it palpable. In the essence of OT, it is necessary to find the “just right challenge” so modify your strategies/ tip accordingly.
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1. Mock Exam to Assess Knowledge, Strength and Limitation
I took a mock exam just to see my knowledge strength and limitation. From there, I knew the areas which I needed to work on more and which areas A LOT more.
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2. Real World Application
On top of numbers, I knew that my fieldwork experience prepared me for certain content and not others. Having school-based and acute, I knew that mental health would something be something that I would have to learn independently.
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3. List, Map, Compare & Contrast
I did go through the material in the Therapy Ed book. It is overwhelming but I like how they chunk the information. I like to list, map, compare and contrast. What are the different pediatric assessments listed? Which ones are motor? Which ones are for function? With more than one motor, what are the differences?
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4. YouTube Videos
YouTube videos are extremely helpful for breaking down material and hearing it: SUPER THANKFUL for Miri and Nya Caudell
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5.Understand WHY You Got it Wrong
Whenever I go over the practice test- I go down each answer that I got wrong and truly understand WHY I got it wrong. This means not only the correct choice but the other wrong choices as well. It helps you master the material if you haven’t learned it OR at least prepare you for the mindset that NBCOT wants you to have. I personally have found a couple that I still don’t agree with but at least I know where the test makers are coming from.
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6. Prioritize! You Aren't Going to be Able to Learn Everything
Decide for yourself if it worth stressing/ learning it. For example, in the last couple days, I knew going in to the exam without knowing ALL the medication and ALL the splints. That was something I was willing to not stress about but instead reinforcing what I thought was more big picture: different conditions and how to evaluation, assess, and treat; childhood development and what is deemed typical and atypical.
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7. Go in Knowing You Did Your Best
You worked so hard to get to this point. Doesn’t matter how many times you need to take it. No one is going to ask you once you start practicing.