We are pleased to welcome Bernard Rousseau, M.A., as our guest host tonight, April 15, 2002. He will lead us in a chat about how to prepare for the SLP Praxis Exam Review. Bernard Rousseau, M.A., received his Bachelor of Science and Master of Arts Degrees in Communicative Disorders from the Department of Communicative Disorders at the University of Central Florida. He is currently a doctoral student in the Department of Communicative Disorders at the University of Wisconsin-Madison (UW-Madison). Mr. Rousseau is a research assistant to Diane Bless, Ph.D., Professor and Director of Voice Services at UW-Madison's Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery. He is also on the staff of Licensure Exams, Inc., a multidisciplinary coalition of professional educators formed to prepare students and working professionals to take the professional licensure exam in speech-language pathology. <Robin> Welcome! We are chatting tonight with Bernard Rousseau, M.A. about how to prepare for the SLP Praxis Exam Review. <Adrienne> Thanks for chatting Bernard Rousseau <Bernard Rousseau> Thanks, Robin..thanks for inviting me... <Robin> Bernard , what words of wisdom can you give to the students who will be taking the Praxis exam soon? <Bernard Rousseau> I'll just start off by briefly giving an overview of the exam... and explain why graduate students take praxis..and then I'll open up the discussion to questions. <Adrienne> sounds great, what topics are covered on the Praxis? <Bernard Rousseau> The Praxis exam is a 150 question multiple choice test...that covers several areas....The three major themes are Evaluation, Management, and Administration. <Bernard Rousseau> The test measures academic preparation, clinical application, and decision making regarding diagnosis and treatment. <Bernard Rousseau> The test is developed by the Educational Testing Service (ETS). <Adrienne> same as GRE, SAT, etc? <Bernard Rousseau> yes<Adrienne>...I believe so <Bernard Rousseau> The questions are developed by professional educators, appointed committees, and surveys of what SLPS in the field feel students should know. <Bernard Rousseau> Some of the more specific areas covered are... <Bernard Rousseau> Anatomy and Physiology of the speech mechanism, speech science, theory (language, phonological), etc., and aspects of hearing. <Bernard Rousseau> In preparing for the exam...students should review the following speech language disorders... <Bernard Rousseau> Artic & phonology, swallowing, voice, cleft palate, language, fluency, stroke, brain injury, & hearing impairment. <Adrienne> I heard cultural issues are covered now? <Bernard Rousseau> Yes...since SLP'S will often work with individuals from many diverse backgrounds...cultural diversity is an area which is also covered on the exam... A VERY IMPORTANT ONE !!!! <Adrienne> lol... got it <Robin> We have had some excellent chats on that topic! <Bernard Rousseau> Have you? Who have you had host? <Robin> We have had Terry Saenz from UC-Fullerton chat with us twice about bilingual/bicultural issues. <HLP> Can you give me an example of a question regarding cultural diversity? <Bernard Rousseau> HLP...here's an example.... <Bernard Rousseau> A dialectal speaker is referred to you for a speech evaluation..... <Bernard Rousseau> The results of your evaluation suggest this individual has several sound substitutions, word omissions, and deletions that are commonly used in SAE (standard american english)... <Bernard Rousseau> Then they might ask you...which of the following would you do... <Bernard Rousseau> Some of the answer choices might be to treat the individual with a sound target...others may be to evaluate further... <Bernard Rousseau> Basically what you'll need to know is what is the normal phonological repertoire in the dialect of English that this individual speaks. <Bernard Rousseau> If the errors that came up on your evaluation were errors naturally found in that invidividual's dialect.. <Bernard Rousseau> Then it is not ethical to treat UNLESS...the individual is seeking elective therapy (meaning that they are interested in the treatment you would provide). t <Adrienne> Are most of the questions scenario based then? <Bernard Rousseau> yes... they are <Bernard Rousseau> The questions on the exam are very case specific...most of the questions will be case scenarios. <friskopp> Does the test go into specifics on specific dialects, i.e African American's leaving off the ed of words? <Bernard Rousseau> yes.. Fris...I would at least be prepared to answer questions regarding at least the more general differences among the different dialects of English. <friskopp> General not specific-correct? <Bernard Rousseau> at least....general....I'm not saying that there won't be specific ones on there... <Bernard Rousseau> I don't remember having very specific ones when I took it..if that helps. <Bernard Rousseau> Here is one important study tip. <Bernard Rousseau> It is important to understand that not all areas are covered equally. <Bernard Rousseau> The breakdown of questions goes something like this.. <friskopp> That is what is hard, if you focus on childhood language disorders and only get 2 questions, that is really hard on you. <Bernard Rousseau> only 18% of the questions ('27 questions) related to assessment, treatment, and regulations..... <Bernard Rousseau> roughly 29% of the questions ('44 questions) related to basic professional knowledge (speech science, A&P, etc).. <Bernard Rousseau> and more than half (53% or '79 questions) on speech and language disorders <Bernard Rousseau> therefore...since only 18% of the questions will be on laws, ASHA regulations, etc...don't spend hours and hours studying that (especially if you only have a few nites before the exam)... hint if you're taking it this coming Saturday.... <Bernard Rousseau> and still studying... <Bernard Rousseau> you should be spending most of your time reviewing SPECIFIC speech and language disorders... along with their assessment and treatment. <friskopp> This is a hard test to study for, 7 years of college (or more) crammed into 150 questions, hard to even study at all. <Bernard Rousseau> by the way...how many people are taking the exam this saturday? anyone? <Jana> yes <HLP> yes <friskopp> yes <cherie> yes <jojofeli> no <Bernard Rousseau> I really don't recommend...studying up until the exam...I suggest taking AT LEAST a day off to clear your brain... <friskopp> I have studied significantly, but don't feel prepared at all. <friskopp> Studying has never been my strong suit. <friskopp> I am getting to the panic stage. <Bernard Rousseau> But some people actually prefer that... <Bernard Rousseau> I say...whatever works for you. <Bernard Rousseau> Okay, so here are some more practical tips... <Bernard Rousseau> A few days before the exam... I would sit down for 2 hours (which is how long you have for the exam) without interruptions..and go through a practice test. <Adrienne> yes... duration training! <Bernard Rousseau> ETS actually offers one...that is a previously administered exam... <Bernard Rousseau> away from the tv, phone, significant one, etc. <Bernard Rousseau> Actually if you are taking the exam in your town or even on your college campus..I would recommend going down to the testing room to check out what it is like.. <Bernard Rousseau> How is the lighting?.. is there a clock in the room?.. are the chairs comfortable...is it a cold room? (do I need to bring a sweater..etc) <Bernard Rousseau> As Adrienne pointed out...duration training is very important.. <Adrienne> Another general test tip (final exams are coming up too), eat a peppermint candy when you start drooping- it picks you up. <Bernard Rousseau> If you do the math...you only have 120 minutes to answer 150 questions which means that you have less than a minute (~ 47 seconds per question). <Adrienne> oh geez <Bernard Rousseau> Now some questions may only take you a few seconds to answer...but I GUARANTEE there will be some that take you OVER the minute mark. <friskopp> I did a sample test like that recently, it helped, I did finish early which is surprising. I usually go back and change my answers, not good, but I did pretty well on the sample one. <Bernard Rousseau> Pace yourself thru the exam...bring a watch...divide the exam into sections... tell yourself that after 1 hour you should at least be on question 75. <Robin> good advice <Bernard Rousseau> Don't fret if you're only a few questions off...you can make up the time later...however...check your answer sheet often. <Bernard Rousseau> The last thing you want to do is get to the end of the exam..and then realize you just answered question 151 NOT 150 ! <Adrienne> UGH <friskopp> Wouldn't that be horrible! <Bernard Rousseau> While on that topic...you've heard this a million times...but DO bring a good eraser. <Bernard Rousseau> I wouldn't bring any snacks into the exam room...WATER is okay...but you won't have much time to eat anything... <Robin> I think you need to go into the test knowing that you've had years of study already, and are likely to already know most of the material. <Robin> plus, you've already taken SATs and GREs <Bernard Rousseau> oh...and this test isn't like the SAT or the other exams you've taken where you have (x) amount of time to answer the questions in one section..and then stop... then move on to the other.. <Bernard Rousseau> Once you open the book..you have 120 minutes...thats it...the test isn't divided up into sections. <Bernard Rousseau> Yes...Robin makes a good point.. <Bernard Rousseau> CONFIDENCE is very important... <Bernard Rousseau> There shouldn't be any surprises on the test...you've seen it all before... <Bernard Rousseau> Its just a matter of remembering it all. <Robin> What score is needed to pass? <Bernard Rousseau> Actually... don't even be concerned if there are a lot of questions that you arent too sure about....because you can miss about 50 questions and still receive a passing score on the exam. <Adrienne> 1/3 of the questions?? <Bernard Rousseau> yes 1/3 <Adrienne> wow <Bernard Rousseau> The current passing score is a 600. <Bernard Rousseau> That is like scoring a 60. <Bernard Rousseau> The number one thing in my mind is time... <Robin> Yes, the two hours goes by quickly and pacing yourself is important. <Bernard Rousseau> I know a really good student who failed the exam because they got to the end and still had about 30 questions to answer with about 10 minutes left... NOT GOOD! <Bernard Rousseau> It wasn't even that the exam was difficult for this person...it was all a matter of time. <Bernard Rousseau> Here are some essentials you need to bring on test day! <Bernard Rousseau> Make sure you have at least one form of picture identification....also make sure to bring your PRAXIS registration form that they mail you....laugh if you want..but I actually also recommend ear plugs! <Bernard Rousseau> You don't realize how the littlest things can be SO ANNOYING until you sit in a quiet room and have to concentrate...believe me..its worth it...so what if you have some orange stuff coming out you're ear!! <Bernard Rousseau> If you're not sure about where you're going on test day.... <Bernard Rousseau> Go to mapquest and print out a driving map!... Bring change in case you need it for parking, etc! <Bernard Rousseau> Leave the house extra early! <booms> I've actually driven to places where I'll take a test days in advance just to familiarize myself. <Adrienne> I always leave early and bring extra stuff. <Bernard Rousseau> I would plan on being there 45 minutes before (I think they may actually only recommend 30 min)...but its always good to factor in enough time for stuff like.... using the restroom when you get there.....making sure you find the room okay....and factoring in for traffic, etc. <Robin> This is very good advice...when you're nervous its good to have more time <Bernard Rousseau> So since I'm running out of time...and would like to answer questions some of you might have...let me just say a few things relative to receiving scores..and score reporting... <Bernard Rousseau> First of all...for those of you that still need to register.... <Bernard Rousseau> You can register online at www.ets.org <rebeccasloat> Exactly what does Praxis stand for? <Bernard Rousseau> Professional Assessment for Beginning Teachers...not exactly sure what each letter stands for.. <Bernard Rousseau> The Praxis test code is 0330.... Specialty test in SLP <Bernard Rousseau> Registration & other costs come out to $105.00 <Bernard Rousseau> You want to send your scores to ASHA Certification...that's R5031 on the test form where they ask for it. <Bernard Rousseau> You also want to send your scores to the State Department of Regulation and Licensing (look you'rs up on the web or ask your graduate advisor for the code)... <Bernard Rousseau> and lastly you want to send it to your graduate program so that they have a score on file for you. <Bernard Rousseau> When will I receive my score? You should expect to receive your score in the mail approx. 4-6 weeks following your test date. <Bernard Rousseau> Again.. the current passing score is 600..and you can re-take the exam for up to two years from the time your degree was conferred. <Bernard Rousseau> The next test dates are May 14.... you need to sign up by June 14... <Robin> Thanks, Bernard, for all your advice! Are there any more questions for Bernard? <booms> None here, thanks for all your info. <Bernard Rousseau> My pleasure <jojofeli> What study guides would you recommend? <Robin> Bernard is involved with a website that has study info <Bernard Rousseau> Yes... the url is www.nespaexam.com <jojofeli> Wonderful, thank you for the advice. <Jana> Thank you. <Bernard Rousseau> Robin...I also have some power point slides I presented at the Wisconsin Speech Language and Hearing Association that I can send you if you're interested in posting it in the chat archives with this chat transcript. <Robin> That would be GREAT! <Bernard Rousseau> Thanks again for inviting me... <friskopp> Thank you Bernard. Good Luck to all on Saturday. <Robin> Good luck to all of you!!!!! You will do well! <Bernard Rousseau> Yes...thanks to everyone for chatting.. <Bernard Rousseau> good luck on the exam! |
