Communication Sciences and Disorders Commons^™

Underrepresented Student Experiences Applying To Speech-Language Pathology Graduate Programs: Challenges And Capital, Jenna Maree P. Wong

Teaching and Learning in Communication Sciences & Disorders

This longitudinal study investigated the challenges and sources of community cultural wealth that underrepresented communication sciences and disorders (CSD) students leverage in navigating each application stage to master’s level speech-language pathology (SLP) programs. Four surveys were distributed over 11 months via Qualtrics to CSD undergraduate seniors enrolled in 12 universities in California. This study included 88 eligible participants who completed at least one round of the longitudinal survey. Applicants recognized the underrepresentation of their identities in the field which served as both a challenge and motivator for becoming a practicing, culturally competent SLP. Obtaining application-related knowledge was the most significant …

Exploring The Use Of An Interprofessional Education Session For Speech-Language Pathology And Pharmacy Students, Sophia Werden Abrams, Heather Macphee, Linnea Hodge, Justine Hamilton, Ashwini Namasivayam-Macdonald

Teaching and Learning in Communication Sciences & Disorders

Interprofessional education (IPE) occurs when students are provided the opportunity to learn with and from others of related professions to improve the potential for future collaboration. The aim of this study was to explore the perceptions of students about working with professionals from different disciplines before and after their engagement in an interprofessional learning activity and determine any changes in their willingness to work in interprofessional teams.

Doctor of Pharmacy students from the University of Manitoba and Master’s speech-language pathology students from McMaster University participated in an online inter-university and inter-provincial education module. Students were invited to complete the Interprofessional …

Student Family Navigators Promoting Language Development In Infants And Toddlers From Lower-Income Families, Abigail Delehanty, Lori Marra, Michelle Catao, Kelsey O'Connor, Marisa Ricciardi

Teaching and Learning in Communication Sciences & Disorders

The purpose of this pilot study was to develop and evaluate the feasibility of an experiential teaching and learning initiative that trained undergraduate students studying speech-language pathology to serve as family navigators promoting social communication and language development in infants and toddlers from lower-income backgrounds. Three students completed one semester of training that included multiple interactive approaches to instruction. They subsequently implemented a nine-month, online prevention and outreach program to nine mothers of infants and toddlers to promote social communication and language development. Results of formative assessments were examined and affective outcomes were explored. The intervention was implemented as intended, …

Pilot Comparison Of Reading Quiz Formats In A Graduate Speech Sound Disorders Course, Sheri Bayley

Teaching and Learning in Communication Sciences & Disorders

The purpose of this study was to explore student performance, self-ratings of learning and preference, and student comments on a variety of reading quiz formats in a first semester speech-language pathology graduate course. Students from two cohorts (n = 34) completed four types of quizzes: closed-book, open-book, open-note, and collaborative group in addition to a note review study option in self-selected order. Scores and reported preference were significantly lower on closed-book quizzes compared to other formats, but few other significant differences were observed across formats. Ranges of preferences, low variability in scores, and student comments supported the practice of …

How Literacy Coursework May Change The Perspectives Of Preservice Speech-Language Pathologists: A Pilot Study, Robyn E. Becker

Teaching and Learning in Communication Sciences & Disorders

This pilot study investigated how perspectives of preservice speech-language pathologists (SLPs) may change after completion of a graduate course in literacy in a Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD) program. Further, the study sought to reflect upon course design and instructional delivery practices related to the class. Data was collected via online survey completed by 21 volunteer CSD graduate students. The results suggested that students' perspectives may evolve over the course of a semester-long CSD literacy class in some areas related to the components of reading, misconceptions about literacy, and the social justice implications of access to quality reading programs. Using …

Reimagining Clinical Education Practices For Autism Through The Multi-Client Multilevel Mentorship Model, George W. Wolford, Schea Fissel Brannick

Teaching and Learning in Communication Sciences & Disorders

Speech-language pathology students require comprehensive graduate education to address the needs of their future autistic clients. Despite this need, survey research suggests that students receive limited didactic and clinical graduate training that sufficiently prepares them to work with autistic clients. Contemporary research into clinical education for autism includes several features, such as more support and group-based services, that do not align with traditional clinical education in the field (Anderson, 1988; Dudding et al., 2017). The purpose of this study is to describe feasibility (by acceptability and implementation) of a new clinical education protocol, the Multi-client Multilevel Mentorship (M³) …

“Beautiful Chaos”: Clinicians’ Learning Experience In Collaborative Theater Programming, Hannah Huff, Karen Whisenhunt Saar

Teaching and Learning in Communication Sciences & Disorders

This study provides insights into speech-language pathology graduate student learning experiences during a community-based clinical rotation that targets skill development within an interdisciplinary theater program. Theater-based programming has shown some utility toward promoting pragmatic language skill development for children and teens outside of traditional clinical practice. In addition, the interdisciplinary nature of the program provides opportunities for student clinicians to engage in interprofessional collaboration with arts professionals.

The purpose of this study was to explore SLP graduate students’ experiences within a collaborative inclusion theater program. Semi-structured interviews collected from three graduate student clinicians were transcribed and analyzed according to Interpretive …

Preservice Augmentative And Alternative Communication Coursework Across 311 Speech-Language Pathology Graduate Programs, Brandon S. Eddy, Emily Sorensen, Mariel Pinto

Teaching and Learning in Communication Sciences & Disorders

Speech-language pathologists often report a lack of preparedness to provide augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) services, suggesting the need for improved graduate level training. Recent studies of AAC coursework offerings found 86% to 88% of programs offered AAC coursework, but these studies relied on survey methods with limited numbers of responses. This study examined AAC course offerings at 311 graduate programs using website and course catalog reviews, supplemented by direct contact with departments when dedicated AAC courses could not be found using online resources. Of these, 282 (90.68%) offered a dedicated AAC course, and 16 (5.14%) offered AAC in combination …

Developing Problems With Strengths In Mind: Problem-Based Learning In Introductory Csd Courses, Laura E. Arrington, Stefanie Becerril, Leilani Iem, Charlotte Clark

Teaching and Learning in Communication Sciences & Disorders

Instructors in Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD) have used problem-based learning (PBL) for a variety of purposes across academic levels. Problem-based learning offers a framework for considering and including student strengths. In this paper, the authors describe the development of a PBL with specific utility to an introductory CSD course, explain how student strengths were considered in the problem development, and provide evidence of student strengths in outcomes of the PBL. This investigation followed 70 undergraduate students registered in introductory CSD courses across two universities as they engaged in a semester long PBL. A thematic analysis of 217 student solutions …

Access To Audiology Care In Rural And Urban Communities: A Methodology Paper, Molly Whitcomb, Antony Joseph

AuD Capstone Projects - Communication Sciences and Disorders

The ability of those affected by hearing loss to access audiology care is imperative as the effects of unmanaged hearing loss are deleterious, and the prevalence is high. Despite the abundance of individuals affected by hearing loss and the implications of the condition when untreated, barriers to access to care remain primarily unresolved, affecting groups disproportionately. These barriers include knowing when a hearing problem warrants intervention, transportation, geographical barriers, a lack of hearing health care providers, affordability, and insurance coverage. Rural and urban communities are each predisposed to a unique set of social determinants of health, which affect their ability …

How To Get Started With Sotl: Reflections From A Novice Sotl Researcher, Janine L. Schmedding-Bartley

Teaching and Learning in Communication Sciences & Disorders

The purpose of this paper is to provide a reflection on successfully engaging in the scholarship of teaching and learning (SoTL) after overcoming common barriers to engagement in SoTL. The author identifies barriers commonly experienced by scholars interested in engaging in SoTL. The author identified a variety of frameworks in the literature that were reported to be helpful in assisting novice SoTL scholars in overcoming barriers related to research question formation. An example is shared to demonstrate how the complementary frameworks can be used to develop answerable research questions.

Finding My Path: Transitioning From Clinician To Professor, Jordan Tinsley

Teaching and Learning in Communication Sciences & Disorders

This manuscript is a reflection on the author’s transition from practicing as a clinical speech-language pathologist (SLP) to entering the academic arena as a clinical assistant professor. The author considers various steps that may be supportive of the transition from clinical practice to academia for SLPs without a research degree (i.e., Ph.D.). Lessons learned throughout the job transition process are shared to illuminate the path for SLPs who are curious entering a university setting. Additionally, the author’s experience in the TLCSD SoTL Fellows Program is discussed.

Qualitative Inquiry: The Case For The Importance Of Considering Student Perspectives In Sotl Research, Aleah S. Brock

Teaching and Learning in Communication Sciences & Disorders

Quantitative methods are often viewed as superior to qualitative methods for clinical research in communication sciences and disorders; however, quantitative methods are unable to answer questions of why or how. Qualitative methodology can be used to address research questions that seek to understand human perspectives. In Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) research, qualitative research can be used to understand student experiences and perspectives. The merit of the application of qualitative methodology in SoTL research is explored here.

Speech-Language Pathology Graduate Students’ Experiences With The Use Of Case-Based Learning To Develop Skills For Evidence-Based Practice, Aleah S. Brock

Teaching and Learning in Communication Sciences & Disorders

The American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA) states that practitioners should use the principles of evidence-based practice (EBP) for clinical decision making. However, speech-language pathologists (SLPs) often report a lack of understanding, time, and resources to implement EBP. Clinicians who were exposed to EBP training during their graduate program or clinical fellowship are more likely to use EBP in their clinical practice; therefore, graduate programs in SLP must provide explicit EBP training to upcoming clinicians. At present, no consensus exists on the best way to train students in the principles of EBP. The present study sought to investigate student experiences and …

Establishing A Scholarship Of Teaching And Learning Fellows Program, Jennifer Friberg, Mark Deruiter

Teaching and Learning in Communication Sciences & Disorders

Teaching and Learning in Communication Sciences and Disorders established a scholarship of teaching and learning (SoTL) Fellows program in 2022. The SoTL Fellows program engaged with five different mentored projects over the course of one year. Fellows were invited to submit manuscripts regarding their reflections on SoTL, as well as their original research, for this issue of TLCSD.

Case Reports Of Two Patients With Sudden Hearing Loss: Idiopathic And Traumatic Brain Injury (Tbi), Lucas D. Lamont

AuD Capstone Projects - Communication Sciences and Disorders

Abstract 1

Introduction: Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL), commonly known as sudden deafness, is an unexplained, rapid loss of hearing either all at once or over a few days. Regardless of the cause, delayed medical attention for patients with SSNHL can lead to permanent outcomes.

Case presentation: A 56-year-old female presented with reduced hearing sensitivity in her right ear beginning the day of the appointment.

Discussion: Many factors influence a patient’s probability of a complete recovery from SSNHL. Understanding these factors can aide in counseling a patient with realistic expectations.

Conclusion: Patients with SSNHL require immediate medical attention. Prompt medical …

The Minority Student Mentoring Group (Msmg) For Csd Students: Perspectives, Goals, And Outcomes Six Years After Inception, Iona Ringgold, Diana C. Emanuel

Teaching and Learning in Communication Sciences & Disorders

Students from historically marginalized racial and ethnic (HMRE) groups often face challenges within the university environment due to implicit biases, microaggressions, and systemic racism. To help counteract these challenges, the Minority Student Mentoring Group (MSMG) at Towson University was launched in 2016 to provide mentoring, support, and a sense of community for students from HMRE groups who are enrolled in speech-language pathology and audiology programs. Rapid growth of the program and anecdotal evidence suggested MSMG participation was impactful; as a result, this study was designed to examine program outcomes more formally using a mixed-methods approach. Eleven participants completed an on-line …

Development Of Interprofessional Socialization In A Multifaceted Live Action Clinical Role-Play Simulation For Speech-Language Pathology And Social Work Students, Cody Marie Busch, Jennifer Anderson, Lynn Gilbertson, Sarah Hessenauer

Teaching and Learning in Communication Sciences & Disorders

Live action clinical role-plays are one of many types of simulated learning experiences that can be crafted for undergraduate and graduate students alike when learning to collaborate interprofessionally. This mixed methods exploratory research project partnered four academic instructors from the disciplines of speech-language pathology and social work, with several additional community members adding their expertise to enrich the experience of a live-action clinical role-play. Students (N = 32) participated in a two-part multifaceted interprofessional education (IPE) experience with the first part consisting of eight hours of online asynchronous training and the second part consisting of eight hours of a multifaceted …

Boosting Confidence In Hearing Loss Services Through An Interprofessional Simulation Led By Peer Instructors, Amanda Stead, Jordan Tinsley, Trent Westrick, Elizabeth Olson, Alexandra Alfieri, Lauren Sams

Teaching and Learning in Communication Sciences & Disorders

Speech-language pathologists have an ethical responsibility to work with clients with hearing loss. Therefore, speech-language pathology (SLP) students must receive specific education and training in working with this population. SLP students may have low self-efficacy about their ability to work with clients with hearing loss if they haven’t participated in specific training. Interprofessional education utilizing peer teaching by doctor of audiology (AuD) students is one method for helping SLP students learn specific skills to address hearing loss in a clinical setting. The purpose of this study was to investigate SLP graduate students' self-efficacy with working with individuals with hearing loss; …

Fostering Empathy In Communication Sciences And Disorders Through Interprofessional Simulation: Bridging The Gap Between Lecture And Practice, Cynthia A. Hovland, Carol Spears, Melissa Volk

Teaching and Learning in Communication Sciences & Disorders

This exploratory study sought to understand the experiences of CSD students participating in an interprofessional simulation focused on empathy development and how it could inform their future practice. This study used a non-random, purposive sample of 29 CSD students from one United States university who attended one of three Team STEPPS seminar training days that were offered during three separate semesters. Post-seminar surveys were completed, and conventional content analysis used to analyze data. Three primary themes, and corresponding subthemes emerged: (a) establish trust (build rapport; identify patient care goals; and encourage active participation; (b) facilitate collaborative plan of care (provide …

Using Ar To Teach Ar: Learning Outcomes Of A Guided, Augmented Reality Hearing Loss And Auditory Rehabilitation Simulation With Slp Graduate Students, Alice Henton, Mathew Vansant

Teaching and Learning in Communication Sciences & Disorders

Recent research has found that practicing speech-language pathologists report feeling underprepared to provide services for individuals with hearing loss. At the same time, graduate SLP programs report that students have fewer training opportunities with low-incidence populations. This study examines learning outcomes for a cohort of graduate SLP students using a novel application of an immersive, augmented reality, hearing loss simulation. Results show encouraging outcomes for the simulation experience’s effects on empathy, knowledge, and clinical skills. This simulation offers a unique way to provide training related to auditory rehabilitation in SLP.

Addressing Bias In Slp Problem-Based Tutorials Through Critical Reflexivity, Curriculum Development And Instructor Training, Harmonie Chan, Courtney Tidd, Justine Hamilton, Deidre Sperry, Michelle Phoenix

Teaching and Learning in Communication Sciences & Disorders

Racism is prevalent in the fields of healthcare and education in North America and speech-language pathology and audiology are no exception. Systemic and individual racism in educational, training, and clinical settings creates barriers for student entry and success, and negatively impacts client care. Although the ability to serve clients of diverse backgrounds is a crucial skill for students and clinicians, current educational curricula appears insufficient in supporting culturally diverse students and preparing all students to work with culturally diverse populations. This is, in part, due to a lack of diverse representation in education and clinical settings, bias experienced by SLP …

Audiologic And Vestibular Testing And Interpretation Of Outcome Data: A Case Series, Kelly Sarhage, Antony Joseph

AuD Capstone Projects - Communication Sciences and Disorders

Abstract 1- Introduction: Nonorganic hearing loss is not typically associated with a detectable pathology.Both adults and children can present to the clinic with nonorganic hearing loss. It is often the result of psychosocial stressors and is more common in children, specifically 6 to 19 years old. Case Presentation: An 11-year-old child presented to the clinic with bilateral mild to moderate sensorineural hearing loss, but prior exams showed unilateral hearing loss on the left side. Discussion: Audiologists need to obtain a detailed case history, determine any underlying complications, inquire about additional auditory diagnoses, and employ objective testing to ascertain test reliability. …

Grammaticality Judgements Of Tense By Young Adult Speakers Of Shona, Mcloddy R. Kadyamusuma

Faculty Publications – Communication Sciences and Disorders

This study examined grammaticality judgements of tense by 40 young adult native speakers of Shona during an online task. This study reports response accuracy and reaction times on the reading of time reference violations in which verb forms do not match a time frame previously set by an adverb. The judgements were elicited using 240 sentences with and without grammatical violations during an online reading task. Overall, in the experimental task, the native speakers performed below 78% across the four conditions, despite the sentences having received acceptability ratings of 1 = acceptable, 2 = unacceptable for grammatical and ungrammatical sentences, …

Communication Supports To Enhance The Community Participation Of Young Children With Complex Communication Needs: A Utilization-Focused Evaluation, Amy L. Yacucci

Theses and Dissertations

This utilization-focused evaluation study aimed to describe augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) supports to enhance communication accessibility for children with complex communication needs in a children’s museum. Utilizing feedback from museum staff and parents of children with communication disabilities, the study sought to identify practical strategies to improve the effectiveness of AAC supports in creating more inclusive community spaces. A utilization-focused evaluation framework (Patton & Campbell-Patton, 2022) guided the assessment of embedded-aided communication supports within the museum, ensuring that findings were relevant and actionable for stakeholders. The evaluation revealed three key insights: (a) the importance of communication access through multiple …

Evaluation And Treatment Of Central Auditory Processing And Sound Tolerance Disorders, Aaliyah Gladney, Antony Joseph

AuD Capstone Projects - Communication Sciences and Disorders

Abstract 1

Introduction: Central auditory processing disorder (CAPD) affects how a listener understands speech even though their peripheral auditory system is intact. Case Presentation: An adult female was seen for a CAPD evaluation after experiencing recent listening difficulties following an automobile accident while 20 weeks pregnant. Results from a comprehensive audiological evaluation revealed audiometrically normal hearing in both ears. Results from the CAPD evaluation suggested a prosodic deficit. Discussion: Although results from testing were consistent with a prosodic deficit, the patient’s case history, original complaints, and recommendations were more consistent with an integration deficit. Conclusion: This case demonstrates that clinicians …

Collapsed Ear Canal And Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss, Emily Adelman

AuD Capstone Projects - Communication Sciences and Disorders

No abstract provided.

Using A Refutation Text To Increase Dyslexia Knowledge In Csd Undergraduates, Dorothy Shiver, Hannah Krimm

Teaching and Learning in Communication Sciences & Disorders

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of a refutation text on conceptual knowledge of dyslexia among pre-professional undergraduate students in communication sciences and disorders (CSD). Undergraduate students (n = 60) majoring in CSD were randomly assigned to two groups. They completed a pre-test to evaluate their conceptual knowledge of dyslexia, then read a text about dyslexia. There were two texts: a refutation text and a control text. After reading the text, students completed a post-test to evaluate their conceptual knowledge of dyslexia. Four weeks after completing the post-test, students completed a maintenance test. The refutation text …

The Development Of Speech-Language Pathologists’ Counseling Self-Efficacy, Audrey Scott, Laura Plexico, Mary J. Sandage, Allison M. Plumb

Teaching and Learning in Communication Sciences & Disorders

The purpose of this investigation was to understand, from the perspective of speech-language pathologists (SLPs), what factors contribute to the essential structure of the experience of SLPs with low perceived counseling self-efficacy (CSE), the factors that contribute to the essential structure of the experience of SLPs with high perceived CSE, and how SLPs can transition from lower to higher perceived CSE. Ten female speech-language pathologists participated in interviews to discuss their counseling experiences and the development of their personal SLP CSE. The interviews were divided into 982 meaning units. The meaning units were categorized to determine the recurring themes contributing …

Better, Faster, Stronger: Outcomes Of A Language Sample Transcription And Coding Training Study, Diane A. Ogiela, Sarah A. Aldrich

Teaching and Learning in Communication Sciences & Disorders

Although language sample analysis (LSA) is considered an important tool for high-quality child language assessment, surveys have found that its use is quite limited by school-based speech-language pathologists (SLPs). Two of the reasons often cited are limited time and limited expertise (Kemp & Klee, 1997; Pavelko et al., 2016). This study aims to evaluate the outcomes of a language sample training program on SLP students’ accuracy, efficiency, and confidence with language sample transcription and coding. Upper-division SLP undergraduates and graduate students participated in a self-paced language sample training and practice program. Participants completed online language transcription and coding training and …