Competencies
Mastery of the knowledge, skills, and behaviors that are expected of the entry-level medical assistant
Critical thinking
The constant practice of considering all aspects of a situation when deciding what to believe or what to do
Empathy
sensitivity to the individual needs and reactions of patients
Learning Style
the way an individual perceives and processes information to learn new material
Mnemonic
a learning device (image, rhyme, or figure of speech) that a person uses to help him or her remember information
Perceiving
how an individual looks at information and sees it as real
Processing
how an individual internalizes new information and makes it his or her own
Reflection
the process of thinking about new information so as to create new ways of learning
Stressor
an event, activity, condition, or other stimulus that causes stress
2 Main Accreditation
CAAHEP-(we are accredited by them)
ABHES
Adult Learners and Competency-Based Education
Competency-based education is ideal for adult learners who are attempting to understand new information and achieve new skills
Adult students learn material at different rates
Instructors can design laboratory activities that meet all students' needs
Portfolios
A comprehensive portfolio can be used to create an interview portfolio tailored to prove your competency in the skills outlined in a specific job description
Items that can be featured in a portfolio include:
Samples of projects completed
Samples of key p
Who You Are as a Learner: How Do You Learn Best?
First, you must perceive the information (watch, observe, and reflect)
Then, you process the information (jump in and start doing)
Four Stages of Learning Style Inventory by Kolb
Stage I learners: Concrete reflective style (these students want to know the purpose of the information and have a personal connection to the content)
Stage II Learners: Abstract Reflective (eager to learn just for the sheer pleasure of learning)
Stage II
Adaptive coping mechanisms
Strategies used to reduce stress (time management)
Learning new skills to manage the problem
Practice relaxation techniques
Use positive self-talk
Nonadaptive coping mechanisms
May actually increase stress (procrastination)
Relying on drugs and alcohol
Doing everything you can to avoid the stressful situation
Time Management
Determine your purpose
Identify your main concern (Plan time, guard time, and discover time)
Be organized (Record time; optimal time)
Stop procrastinating (Make the work meaningful; prioritize; ask for help)
Remember you!
Study Skills: Tricks for Becoming a Successful Student
Organize information into recognizable groups so that the brain can find it easily
Create an association with something you already know
Be physically active while learning
Create songs or word associations (or a mnemonic device)
Teach the information to
Test-Taking Strategies: Taking Charge of Your Success
Go into a test adequately prepared
Use time management skills
Read directions carefully
If possible, begin with shortest/easiest questions
Critical thinking involves:
A crucial step in critical thinking is evaluating the results of your learning
Sorting out conflicting information
Weighing your knowledge about that information
Ignoring or letting go of personal biases
Deciding on a reasonable belief or action
Problem Solving and Conflict Management
The first step is to identify the central issue
Then, determine whether it is worth the effort to resolve it
Brainstorm solutions
Implement chosen solution
Evaluate outcome
Follow chain of command to reach a reasonable resolution to the conflict
Resolve i
Passive communication
Consistently protect the interests of another person over your own
Keeps eyes downcast
Shifts his or her weight when talking
Has a slumped posture or wrings the hands
Whines or uses hesitant tone of voice
Uses phrases like...I quess or I wonder if you'd m
Aggressive communication
Demand that your interests/needs are met at the expense of another
Raises voice; sounds arrogant
May use phrases like:
"You'd better...."
"If you don't watch out...."
"Do it or else."
"You should do it this way.
Assertive communication
Attempt to defend both your rights and those of the other individual in the conflict
Allows you to express your feelings and thoughts honestly; enables you to stand up for yourself without making an emotional scene
A behavior that must be learned
Use "I