Selfexams

Selfexams, or self-examinations, are procedures performed by individuals on themselves to assess knowledge, skills, or health status without a clinician or tester's intervention. The term is used in educational settings to describe self-assessment and self-testing, and in medicine to refer to checks individuals perform to monitor for signs of disease.

In education, self-exams typically involve answering questions, grading one's work against rubrics, and reflecting on learning progress. Common formats include practice quizzes, flashcards, and guided revision with answer keys. Benefits include increased metacognition, better retention through retrieval practice, and the ability to identify gaps between learning objectives and current understanding. Limitations include potential bias in scoring, varying motivation, and risk of inaccurate self-rating without external feedback. Effective practice uses explicit criteria, calibration with external benchmarks, spaced repetition, and opportunities for feedback from instructors or peers.

In medical contexts, self-exams may include breast, skin, or testicular examinations. They are often promoted as a means of symptom awareness and early detection, but guidance on routine self-exams varies. Some guidelines advise focusing on symptom reporting and routine clinical screenings rather than universal self-exams, while others encourage regular self-checks as an adjunct. Individuals should seek professional evaluation if new lumps, changes, or persistent lesions are detected.

Overall, self-exams function as a user-driven approach to monitoring knowledge or health, complementing formal assessments and professional care when used appropriately.