CPCE evaluates a student’s mastery of foundational and counseling-related concepts. It provides the students with helpful feedback on their strengths and weaknesses within the critical areas of CPCE. Throughout the course, I have developed some strengths in some sections and have weaknesses in others. However, I have developed plans to help me deal with my shortcoming and uphold my strengths. This reflection paper will show how I scored on the CPCE exam and use the results to determine my strengths and areas of improvement.
Level of Preparedness for The Exam
Before taking the exam, I completed the core units of the course and thoroughly revised the course material. I had spent most of the time reading the lecture notes, spent time in the library researching further in any area that I was not conversant with, and actively participated in group work. During the weekend before the exam, I spent most of the time at home reading my notes or surfing the internet for any relevant information regarding the course. When I got into the exam room, I was confident that I was ready for every topic discussed in class. However, I was still anxious that I might underperform. This was the last exam I was taking before going for an internship, and I was afraid that failing this exam would negatively impact my image to my new employers. All in all, I recollected myself and decided to believe that I had done my utter best to prepare for the exam and I would perform well.
Experience Taking the Exam
When the exam was presented to me, I exhaled. Looking at the first questions page, everything looked familiar. I remembered most of the answers to the questions. I had done my research and made sure I prepared well for the exam. I had created a pretest to jog my memory the week before and timed myself as I would in the exam. This experience helped me calm my nerves and accustom myself to the tense environment of an exam room. Therefore, I was cool, calm, and collected when taking the exam. I was confident and just let the answers flow out of me. There were a few questions that I had no idea what to answer from the helping relations area and cultural foundations. Still, I trusted my experience from the practicum and applied general knowledge to answer them. I had a good experience in the exam room, and all the preparation was worth it.
How I Scored On the Exam
Due to my maximal preparation, I got a better score than the previous exam. In the last exam we did for the course, I was unprepared and had various weaknesses. I identified the flaws and studied harder, and the results from this exam reflected that. I attained a grade above the minimum pass mark as I was hoping I would. For this exam, I scored 102 out of 136. I am very proud of the grade because it reminded me that I could achieve anything I set my mind on with enough preparation and determination. I focused on passing this exam, and I outperformed myself.
Areas in Which I Struggled
I struggled with research and program development, helping relations, and cultural foundations sections. However, I knew I would struggle with the research and program development sections and did my best to read and understand them. The helping relations and cultural foundation areas in the exam were challenging. I have a habit of going back to books and trying to find out the answers to questions that I was not sure of their answers in the exam room either for reassurance or correction. During my revision, I realized that the sections I struggled with in the exam were not in my notes because they were covered in class on the days I was absent.
Plan to Improvement
My weakest points were caused by absenteeism, and therefore, the first improvement plan is ensuring class attendance consistency. Additionally, when absenteeism is unavoidable, I should consult my group members, get the class notes, and ask for clarifications in areas I did not fully understand.
Progress Towards My Stated Supervision Goals During Practicum
After my performance in the practicum, my goal was to focus on class attendance, group work, and revisions. I have noticed general improvements in every plan. I only missed four classes; I have two groups in class where we hold various discussions, and I spent most of my free time revising for the exam. Generally, my progress towards my stated supervision goals during practicum has been positive (Al-Kindi & Al-Khanjari, 2021). Students need to make goals and achieve them for mental and academic productivity.
How I Will Utilize What I Have Learned as I Progress to The Internship
This course made me appreciate my personality flaw: a weakness in consulting or asking for guidance as it makes me feel weak. I have learned that I should be ready, willing, and enthusiastic to ask for explanation and clarification for whatever I do not fully understand. I often spend time on the internet or the library trying to find answers to questions I do not understand rather than consult someone with a better understanding. However, I am starting to appreciate that it is graceful to ask and because I do not know something does not mean I am stupid.
Current Self-Care Practices
My current self-care practices emphasize physical and mental exercise, adequate sleep, and a healthy diet. I try to go for a job four times a week and do some light exercises and stretches. I purpose to eat healthily and regularly without skipping any meals. I have a sleep schedule to ensure I am well rested for the next day. I do mental exercises by doing puzzles and Sudokus.
Reference
Al-Kindi, I. R., & Al-Khanjari, Z. (2021). Exploring factors and indicators for measuring students’ performance in Moodle learning environment. International Journal of Emerging Technologies in Learning (iJET), 16(12): 169-185. Web.