Pass the test to build coalitions for Community EmpowermentA \ൣombination of intense study and...
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Pass the test to build coalitions for Community Empowerment Presented at the National Association of Black Social Workers 2013 Annual Conference Thursday April 4, 2013 10:30 am-Noon
Transcript of Pass the test to build coalitions for Community EmpowermentA \ൣombination of intense study and...
Pass the test to build coalitions for Community Empowerment
Presented at the National Association of Black Social Workers 2013 Annual Conference Thursday April 4, 2013 10:30 am-Noon
Pass the Exam to Build Coalitions for Community Empowerment
Presenters Patricia Heard, MSW, MBA, ACSW, LMFT, LCSW
Instructor, University of Phoenix-Charlotte Campus, Charlotte, NC M. Jenise Comer, MSW, LCSW, ACSW
BSW Program Director and Professor of Social Work, University of Central Missouri, Warrensburg, MO Saundra Starks, Ed.D., LCSW, ACSW
Associate Professor, School of Social Work, Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green, KY
Reduce Test Anxiety
Increase Test Preparation Strategies
Increase Knowledge of the Types of Exams
Increase Confidence to Pass the ASWB Licensure Exams
Identify the Effectiveness of ASWB Study Guides and Practice Exams
Presenter
Presentation Notes
This workshop will focus on ways to reduce anxiety related to taking national exams, develop strategies to prepare for taking a test, increase knowledge of types of exams required for social work practice, and increase confidence in ability to pass an exam. The presenters will provide information about study guides for the national social work licensing exams.
Introduction: ASWB Exam Facts
The Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB)
administers the national social work exams.
Several states require the BSW or MSW exam to be employed as a social worker.
Introduction: ASWB Exam Facts
Several employers require a state license to work as a social worker.
ASWB Clinical Exam will be required in all 50 states effective January 2014.
Introduction: ASWB Exam Facts ASWB administered 34,000 exams in 2012.
Exam Pass Rates for 2012 are:
Bachelors: 77.1% Masters: 83.6% Advanced Generalist: 63.3% Clinical : 76.8%
ASWB Exam Format
170 items (questions)
150 scored and 20 pretest items
Each question is multiple choice with four possible answers
There is a 4-hour limit to the exam
LICENSING IS A SOCIAL JUSTICE ISSUE Protects the public – the whole public Ensures everyone seeking services from a
social worker has access to providers who meet minimum standards
Provides recourse to the public if something goes wrong
Manage Test Anxiety
REDUCE ANXIETY
INCREASE EXAM SCORE
Most people experience stress at the thought of taking an exam.
Anxiety is good, as it signals the need to prepare for the event.
Unfortunately for some, the level of anxiety can escalate and interfere with successful performance, especially when the stakes are high.
Reduce anxiety related to taking national exams
Arlin Cuncic identified ten strategies to manage test anxiety
1. Prepare well
2. Watch self-talk
3. Visualize success
4. Use relaxation techniques
5. Stay healthy
Arlin Cuncic identified ten strategies to manage test anxiety
6. Arrive early
7. Focus during the test
8. A little anxiety is good
9. Expect setbacks
10. Reward yourself
1. Prepare well
PURCHASE ASWB PRACTICE EXAMS ONLINE
COMBINE INTENSE
STUDY AND REVIEW USING A STUDY
GROUP OR GET A TUTOR
USE STUDY GUIDES TO PLAN STUDY AROUND CONTENT AREAS
USE TO INCREASE
KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS
ARRIVE WELL-RESTED
Presenter
Presentation Notes
ASWB has full practice exams that can be purchased online. The answers are provided along with the rationale for 30 days. A combination of intense study and review should be used instead of cramming. Consider using a study group or get a tutor to master the content. If you have received feedback from taking the exam and know what content areas need to be strengthened, focus extra time to increase knowledge and skills in those areas.
Full practice exams AVAILABLE FOR EVERY EXAM AVAILABLE FOR 30 DAYS SHOW THE RIGHT ANSWERS GIVE THE RATIONALE FOR WHY
THE ANSWER IS CORRECT
ASWB STUDY GUIDES
Identify the percentage of questions from various content areas
Have sample questions Include test-taking strategies Developed and updated by ASWB Cost less than test preparation programs offered by
other organizations
2. Watch self-talk
LISTEN TO THAT LITTLE VOICE
USE POSITIVE AFFIRMATIONS TO BUILD CONFIDENCE
Presenter
Presentation Notes
Pay attention to what you tell yourself, because whatever you say is true. If you tell yourself you can't pass the test, you won't. What could you say instead? Consider the following: I can do this, failure is not an option, I got this, or I will succeed. Create a mantra and repeat it like a broken record. Adopt a positive attitude and refuse to allow fear and worry to disturb you.
2. Watch self-talk ADOPT A MANTRA
LEARN AND USE MINDFULNESS TECHNIQUES TO STAY IN THE MOMENT
FAILURE IS NOT AN OPTION
3. Visualize success SEE THE WORD "PASSED"
PICTURE THE LICENSE ON YOUR WALL
DESIGN YOUR BUSINESS CARDS
4. Use relaxation techniques
GIVE YOURSELF PERMISSION TO RELAX
BREATHE DEEPLY THROUGH YOUR NOSE
USE PROGRESSIVE MUSCLE RELAXATION
VISUALIZE YOURSELF IN YOUR MOST RELAXING SPOT
Presenter
Presentation Notes
Start by giving yourself permission to relax. Condition yourself to relax by breathing in deeply through your nose, holding your breath to the mental count of four and exhaling out your mouth. Progressive muscle relaxation throughout the body is very effective. Directions can be found online if needed. Visualize yourself in your most relaxing spot and use all of your senses to duplicate the experience. Make a nonsense sound to keep thoughts out of your mind. Spend two, 20-minute periods of relaxation each day for 90 days before taking the exam to reduce stress on command.
4. Use relaxation techniques
MAKE A NONSENSE SOUND
SPEND TWO, 20-MINUTE PERIODS OF RELAXATION PER DAY FOR 90 DAYS.
5. Stay healthy
THE MIND AND THE BODY WORK TOGETHER
TRAIN LIKE AN ATHLETE FOR A MARATHON
WHAT ARE YOU EATING?
Presenter
Presentation Notes
Maintain a healthy lifestyle by eating a balanced diet of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein. Start each day with a wholesome breakfast. Exercise for at least 20 minutes and increase the number of hours you sleep. The goal should be seven to eight hours of sleep nightly. Avoid alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs if possible.
5. Stay healthy
WHAT ARE YOU DOING?
HOW MUCH
ARE YOU SLEEPING?
WHAT SHOULD YOU
STOP DOING?
6. Arrive early AVOID ADDITIONAL
STRESSORS STAY CALM AND POSITIVE BE A CHEERLEADER STAY FOCUSED PRAY AND TURN IT OVER
Presenter
Presentation Notes
Arrive early to avoid additional stressors and apply all of your tools to stay calm and positive. Listen to your inner voice to avoid negative self talk. Use mindfulness techniques to stay focused, including pressing your feet into the floor. Hold your own hand and breathe deeply for reassurance.
7. Focus during the test READ THE ANSWERS FIRST ASK WHAT TYPE OF
QUESTION IS THIS? WHAT DOES IT ASK? DON’T READ MORE INTO
THE QUESTION
8. A little anxiety is good
ADRENALIN IS A MOTIVATOR FIND THE POSITIVES USE YOUR COPING
SKILLS PRAY SOME MORE
9. Expect setbacks HOW CAN YOU
REFRAME THE DISAPPOINTMENT?
USE THE FEEDBACK TO IMPROVE FOR THE NEXT TIME
MAKE SURE THERE IS A NEXT TIME
10. Reward yourself
Reward yourself for the sustained efforts to prepare for the exam.
Understand the score you earn on the test does
not define you.
10. Reward yourself
If you are not successful, use the feedback to think about your plan to succeed the next time.
Evaluate what worked well and what you can improve and harness your power and energy one more time.
The exam is offered in five categories: Associate – non-social work degreed applicants for
paraprofessional social work licenses (only a few jurisdictions) Bachelors – appropriate for BSWs with 0-2 years of experience Masters – appropriate for MSWs with 0-2 years of experience Advanced Generalist – appropriate for MSWs with 2-5 years of
experience in nonclinical settings Clinical – appropriate for MSWs with 2-5 years of experience in
clinical settings
Types of exams required for social work practice
QUESTIONS?
We are available now.
Come by the ASWB booth if you have questions later.
Call or write the ASWB office or your state licensing office if you have questions after this conference.
References
Cuncic, A. (2012, July 8). Test Anxiety: Ten Tips for Coping With Test Anxiety. Retrieved March 23, 2013, from http://socialanxietydisorder.about.com/od/ copingwithsad/tp/Test-Anxiety.htm
CONTACT ASWB
For more information: Website: aswb.org Facebook: ASWBonline Twitter: @ASWB Email: [email protected]
