Common Curriculum - CT Community Colleges

Published

I am in the first class at my school to go through the program under the new common curriculum. Prior to implementing this, our school had a 95% pass rate on the Boards.

80% of my class is failing after the first two exams. For example, our EKG interpretation class was two hours, when it used to be two weeks. We have lecture on a topic, are tested on it, then have the lab 3 weeks later. I'm very nervous, and scared. I'm actually thinking of withdrawing, until the kinks can be worked out. Otherwise, there is a very good possibility that I will fail out, and it will permanently bring my GPA down. I also have to consider not being able to get back in. I am in my third semester, and am due to graduate in May 2010.

The instructors make up their own test questions, and I'm wondering if this is common practice?

Anyone out there with some suggestions? Thoughts?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
I am in the first class at my school to go through the program under the new common curriculum. Prior to implementing this, our school had a 95% pass rate on the Boards.

80% of my class is failing after the first two exams. For example, our EKG interpretation class was two hours, when it used to be two weeks. We have lecture on a topic, are tested on it, then have the lab 3 weeks later. I'm very nervous, and scared. I'm actually thinking of withdrawing, until the kinks can be worked out. Otherwise, there is a very good possibility that I will fail out, and it will permanently bring my GPA down. I also have to consider not being able to get back in. I am in my third semester, and am due to graduate in May 2010.

The instructors make up their own test questions, and I'm wondering if this is common practice?

Anyone out there with some suggestions? Thoughts?

which of the schools do u go to?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I'd rather not say for a number of reasons.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Ok, thats okay. I understand. But if 80% of the class are failing hmmn!

Something is wrong. Someone needs to look into it.

I understand that its a very intensive program. Just be courageous. I will pray for you.

Its very hard to study hard and wake up everyday for each day of physicals and end up with those

kind of hard exams!

I will PM you!

Good luck before the end of the semester!and your finals.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in New Critical care NP, Critical care, Med-surg, LTC.

I'm applying to the program next year. I'm not aware of changes, I guess because I've just started getting information this summer. What changed about the program? Any idea what made it so different? Sounds like you're definitely in a tough position, I hope that things work out for the best for you.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hi

Each school is different, I'm sure, but all of the Connecticut Comm Colleges went to a "common curriculum" where we are all learning the same things in the same semesters, using the same books, the same paperwork for clinicals..etc

I just wasn't sure if all the instructors were making up exam questions or if it was just my school.

Best of luck to you, I hope you get accepted.

Thanks for respondind.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Psych, education.

Part of learning to be an educator is learning to develop tests and other evaluation tools. Nursing programs look to evaluate students' knowledge in all areas of the nursing process and the ability to critically think. Often times, the only way to do that is to make up questions based on material you know was covered or look for previously validated questions that cover the areas you want.

I don't know if the quizzes and tests are the same across the schools like the curriculum is.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thanks for your reply. That makes sense. What doesn't make sense however is that up until this semester (3), my class was at a B average as a whole. This semester we have new instructors, and 80% of the class has failed the last two exams. It's frustrating as a student. I'm trying to figure out what to do. I practice NCLEX review questions, record the lectures, do the reading, listen to the lectures again...I'm studying so hard. Some of the (correct) answers from the last exam contradict what the book says. That's frustrating as well. We don't have quizzes, only exams, so there's no chance to redeem yourself. ha ha.

Any advice?

Thanks again.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Psych, education.

If the book contradicts the exam, then that is something to follow up on with the instructor or your advisor. At the very least, you could get an answer as to why one or the other was correct pending the clinical situation in the question. At worst, you keep the same score. At best, you may be correct and get credit.

If you haven't, it is always important to get rationales for exam answers. For the ones you got correct, make sure your thinking in answering was correct. For the ones you got incorrect, find out what your thinking was compared to the rationale. If you have questions, ask; clarify rationales so you understand. Once you are clear on rationales, it will help you apply your knowledge to situations that may not be clear.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Great advice. Thank you.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion