PHILADELPHIA, PA — The National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME) is taking significant strides to enrich the medical education landscape with the introduction of innovative assessment tools designed to offer a more dynamic and comprehensive evaluation of medical students’ learning progress. At the heart of this transformation are the Customized Assessment Services (CAS) Practice option and the INSIGHTS learner dashboard, both aimed at bolstering the educational journey from classroom learning to licensure readiness.
In response to feedback from medical educators seeking more versatile assessment options, the NBME has expanded its Assess and Learn Portfolio. The newly introduced CAS Practice option allows for the creation of customized, lower-stakes exams that can be seamlessly integrated into medical curricula, providing immediate feedback to facilitate targeted discussions on performance and areas of improvement. This feature represents a departure from traditional high-stakes, summative assessments, offering a more flexible approach to evaluating student knowledge and understanding.
“With the CAS Practice option, we’re enabling educators to craft a more tailored assessment experience that aligns with their specific curriculum needs,” said Renee Gagliardi, NBME Vice President of Product Management. “This initiative is part of our broader effort to provide a richer, more nuanced view of each student’s learning trajectory.”
Complementing the CAS Practice option is the INSIGHTS learner dashboard, which aggregates results from various NBME assessments, including Self-Assessments and Subject Examinations. Launched in June 2023, INSIGHTS grants medical students direct access to their performance data across multiple assessments, facilitating a deeper analysis of their strengths and areas requiring further study. This tool is especially valuable for gauging readiness for critical milestones such as the United States Medical Licensing Examination® (USMLE®).
Jennifer Wise, NBME Senior Manager of Product Management, emphasized the benefits of these innovations, stating, “INSIGHTS and the CAS Practice option are designed to paint a clear picture of learners’ progress, empowering educators to guide students more effectively toward their goals.”
These developments signal NBME’s commitment to evolving medical education assessment practices to better meet the needs of both educators and students. By offering immediate feedback, reducing administrative burdens, and providing a holistic view of student performance, NBME aims to enhance the learning experience and support the successful transition from medical student to practicing professional.
As the NBME continues to refine and expand its portfolio of assessment tools, medical students and educators are encouraged to explore how these new services can enhance educational outcomes. For those interested in discovering more about the CAS Practice option and the INSIGHTS learner dashboard, further information is available on the NBME website.
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