American Institute Introduces New Anxiety-Buster

American Institute for CPCU/Insurance Institute of Americacompany%> has just introduced a Computer-Assisted, Self-Assessment Supplement to accompany the study materials for the CPCU 2 course, Personal Insurance and Risk Management. The computer disk runs on Microsoft Windows 3.1 or later. It is a self-assessment tool that allows CPCU 2 students to evaluate their understanding of the course material by answering sample exam questions.

The new CPCU 2 disk supplements the course textbooks and workbook and is not required to complete the course. It does, however, simulate the format of the CPCU 2 national exam. It also helps CPCU 2 students evaluate their own answers to national-exam-level questions and test their readiness to take the national exam.

Here's how the disk works. Students install the software on their computer. They select specific assignments and the amount of time they have available for practice-exam writing. The computer then constructs a simulated exam based on those two parameters. Students type in their answers. After completing the test, they can check their answers against a suggested grading key and scoring base.

Karen L. Hamilton, Ph.D., CPCU, CLU, who directs the CPCU 2 course, says, "Flexibility is one of the strengths of the Institutes' programs. People across the country can study them independently when and where they wish. The difficulty for some students, however, is to determine on their own how thoroughly they understand the material."

Using the disk has other benefits, Dr. Hamilton points out. "Particularly, people who are new to Institute study may be anxious about taking a three-hour, essay-style exam," she says. "The CPCU 2 disk helps relieve anxiety by making test taking a more familiar experience. In addition, using the disk helps a student practice identifying what exam questions are asking, writing clear and concise answers, and completing answers within the time allotted on the national exam," she explains.

A booklet that accompanies the CPCU 2 disk explains how to install the software; operate the program; take, save, and score an exam; and create, print, and interpret a grade analysis. It also contains strategies for studying and tips on how to write more effective exam answers.

The Institutes have developed similar self-assessment disks for the three courses in the Program in General Insurance, popularly known as INS. Studies show that INS students who used the supplemental study disks to help prepare for their exams had, on average, a 13.5-point higher passing ratio than did students who did not use the disks. Studies also show that the most effective way to use the disks is as a final review before the national exam. Using the disks periodically through the course and as a final review is also effective.

"More and more people study independently rather than attend classes because of demanding work and travel schedules," Dr. Hamilton says. "The CPCU 2 learning aid will help students who study on their own assess how well they know the material and identify their areas of weakness. We stress, however, that the disk is a study supplement. Nothing replaces careful reading and study of the textbooks and course guide in preparing for the national exam," she adds.

To order the CPCU 2 disk or for more information, contact a customer service representative by telephone at 800-644-2101, fax at 610-640-9576, or e-mail at cserv@cpcuiia.org.