Communication Sciences and Disorders Commons^™

Enhancing Intercultural Competence: Can It Be Done Without Studying Abroad?, Lata A. Krishnan, Lan Jin, Charles A. Calahan

Teaching and Learning in Communication Sciences & Disorders

Participation in intensive, immersive, service-learning study abroad programs with intentional intercultural activities embedded in the course curriculum has been shown to enhance cultural competence as measured via the Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI®) (Krishnan, Masters, Holgate, Wang & Calahan, 2017; Krishnan, Lin & Benson, 2020). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relative impact of embedding intercultural learning activities on students’ intercultural competence when included in an on-campus course compared to a study abroad program. The intervention group consisted of 34 students enrolled in the on-campus course which incorporated intentional intercultural activities. Forty-one students who did not take the …

Student Perceptions Of A Simulated Clinical Experience: A Pilot Study, Haley Elliott, Klaire Brumbaugh

Teaching and Learning in Communication Sciences & Disorders

Purpose: The purpose of this qualitative study was to document the experience of using a computer-based simulated (Simucase, 2019) learning opportunity in a Master of Science in speech-language pathology program.

Method: Focus groups were held utilizing a semi-structured interview format. Themes were identified using a qualitative methodological approach. Participants were first year graduate students (N=10) that were interviewed after completing an eight-week simulated learning opportunity.

Results: Seven themes emerged from the data. The themes were as follows: setup of the computer-based simulation, the incorporation of computer-based simulation in courses, supplemental information that assisted in development of clinical knowledge, …

Establishing Diagnostic Skills In Novice Bilingual Clinicians: A Scaffolded Approach, Carlos D. Irizarry-Pérez, Mirza J. Lugo-Neris, Lisa M. Bedore, Elizabeth D. Peña

Teaching and Learning in Communication Sciences & Disorders

This study sought to scaffold administration performance of a standardized bilingual screener to sufficient levels of accuracy for data collection using principles of Cognitive Load Theory by managing task complexity when training pre-service clinicians. Before training administration skills, two students were given copies of the manual for the Bilingual English Spanish Oral Screener (BESOS) and asked to administer the protocol independently. During the intervention phase, students were scaffolded through administration tasks of increasing complexity and given explicit instruction, which included tailored goals, modeling and feedback. Performance for four skills was assessed using a fidelity rubric and analyzed using visual analysis. …

A Pilot Study Investigating The Effect Of The Supervision-Questioning-Feedback Model Of Supervision On Stimulating Critical Thinking In Speech-Language Pathology Graduate Students, Samantha J. Dalessio (Procaccini), Nancy Carlino, Mary G. Barnum, Denise Joseph, Melissa M. Sovak

Teaching and Learning in Communication Sciences & Disorders

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of the supervision-questioning-feedback (SQF) model of supervision on critical thinking in graduate students studying speech-language pathology. The researchers hypothesized that students who were provided with the SQF model of supervision would score higher than students who received the non-SQF (NSQF) style of supervision on the selected critical thinking measures.

Method

Seventeen out of 24 first semester graduate students in speech-language pathology completing their on-site university-based clinical practicum experience consented to participate in the study. Of the 17 participating first semester students, 9 were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 …

Three Speech-Language Pathology Graduate Programs, One Model: Using Systematic Instruction To Develop Students’ Clinical Decision-Making Skills, Bryan M. Ness, Therese O'Neil-Pirozzi, Peter Meulenbroek

Teaching and Learning in Communication Sciences & Disorders

To prepare graduate students to implement evidence-based practice effectively, educators must integrate instruction on rational clinical decision-making into course curricula. Three faculty members at different universities adopted an educational approach derived from the Rehabilitation Treatment Specification System (RTSS) to teach and assess clinical decision-making in the context of treating acquired cognitive-communication disorders for people with traumatic brain injury. Using treatment theory illustrated in the RTSS, the authors piloted instruction and assessment materials to examine potential usefulness of the approach and effects on student knowledge and confidence in clinical decision-making. The results indicated that the instructional approach effectively bolstered students’ knowledge …

A Capstone Course In Speech-Language Pathology, Linda C. Murdock, Carson M. York

Teaching and Learning in Communication Sciences & Disorders

Capstone courses are considered a high impact practice with the potential to positively affect student learning. This article describes the design and implementation of a capstone in speech-language pathology designed to round out the undergraduate experience by shifting the learning focus away from disorder characteristics and onto individuals living with disabilities. The course is designed to teach students compassion, self-evaluation, and strategies for personal growth.

Interprofessional Experience For Future Education Professionals: School Psychology And Speech-Language Pathology Students, Shari L. Deveney, Brian Mckevitt

Teaching and Learning in Communication Sciences & Disorders

Educational training programs are tasked with addressing potential barriers to interprofessional practice through experiences that promote interprofessional collaborations. The present study of interprofessional experiences (IPE) had both research and pedagogical purposes. The research purpose was to describe graduate student self-perceptions related to interprofessional teaming/collaboration before and after an IPE involving two educational training programs, school psychology and speech-language pathology. The pedagogical purpose was to convey a detailed description of a case-based IPE offered as a course assignment and offer implementation suggestions. Participants in this course-based IPE were 109 students in the school psychology and speech-language pathology graduate programs at a …

Simulation-Based Training Improves Student Assessment Of Oral Feeding Skills In Preterm Infants, Courtney K. Broadfoot, Julie M. Estis

Teaching and Learning in Communication Sciences & Disorders

Advancements in medical technology have contributed to increased rates of preterm birth. Prematurity places infants at high risk for feeding difficulties, however. Early identification and assessment of preterm infant dysphagia is critical to maximize nutrition and hydration, feeding safety, and growth and development. The purpose of this study was to assess the ability of a simulation-based training toolto increase non-health care and entry-level clinical student sensitivity to signs of feeding distress in preterm infants. Data were collected from 60 students (20 masters-level Speech-Language Pathology, 20 undergraduate nursing, 20 undergraduate non-health care) in a pre-test/post-test design. All participants completed a …

Assessing Outcomes Of Simulation In Communication Sciences And Disorders, Erin S. Clinard

Teaching and Learning in Communication Sciences & Disorders

Assessment is an ongoing process that is necessary at every stage of designing, implementing, and evaluating simulation-based learning experiences (SBLEs). Designing and aligning a high-quality assessment process provides instructors and researchers with valuable data to understand if students have met the desired simulation learning objectives, where students are in their learning, and opportunities to enhance the SBLE. This reflection discusses the importance of assessing student learning outcomes as well as the effectiveness of all simulation-based learning experiences (SBLEs) in communication sciences and disorders (CSD). While the benefits and effectiveness of simulation have been demonstrated in other health professions, simulation research …

Developing An Acute Care Simulation Lab And Practicum, Erin Clark, Lori Lombard

Teaching and Learning in Communication Sciences & Disorders

The benefits of simulation-based education have been well-documented in health-related disciplines and are emerging in speech-language pathology. Several clinical training paradigms for acute care speech-language pathology skills have been successful when implemented in high fidelity, nursing simulation labs with price tags that are cost prohibitive for most speech-language pathology programs. Through funding support from a grant and a four-phased simulation development program, the authors developed an acute care simulation lab dedicated to speech-language pathology students for under $9,000 and simultaneously piloted a one-credit, acute care, adult- and geriatric-focused clinical practicum course. The clinical practicum was structured to scaffold student learning …

Standardized Patients In Communication Sciences And Disorders: Past, Present And Future Directions, Richard I. Zraick

Teaching and Learning in Communication Sciences & Disorders

Standardized patients (SPs) are increasingly being used with students in the field of communication sciences and disorders (CSD). The purpose of this paper is to describe the use of SPs with CSD students. Challenges to the clinical education of students are described, and a call is made to expand the use of SPs to facilitate student learning of clinical skills and to assess students’ clinical competency.

Comparing In Vivo Versus Simulation Training For Transnasal Endoscopy Skills, Laura L. Wolford, George W. Wolford

Teaching and Learning in Communication Sciences & Disorders

Fiberoptic endoscopic evaluations of swallowing (FEES) is as important of a swallowing evaluation as the videoflouroscopic swallow study, but far fewer speech-language pathologists are competent in its use (Ambika, Datta, Manjula, Warawantkar, & Thomas, 2019; Brady & Donzelli, 2013; Pisegna & Langmore, 2016). One hurdle in FEES training is the necessity of practicing transnasal endoscopy on volunteers. The primary aim of this study was to compare the learning effectiveness of practicing transnasal endoscopy via simulation with practice in vivo for a student’s first passes of the endoscope. The end goal of this study was to determine the most cost-effective and …

Using Think-Alouds To Uncover Expert-Novice Gaps In Aac Intervention Planning Skills, Allison M. Sauerwein, Jane R. Wegner

Teaching and Learning in Communication Sciences & Disorders

Because few studies have explored preservice speech-language pathologists’ (SLP’s) learning outcomes in augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) coursework and clinical practica, there is a need to investigate student learning in this area. This article represents a portion of a larger study that explored the expert-novice gap in planning for intervention with children who use AAC. The companion article reports clinical reasoning skills, whereas the present study revealed intervention planning skills. The methods are the consistent with those reported in the companion article. In summary, eight novice (i.e. preservice) SLPs and eight expert SLPs completed think-aloud tasks while they developed intervention …

Clinical Reasoning Skills In Aac Intervention Planning: Investigating The Expert-Novice Gap, Allison M. Sauerwein, Jane R. Wegner

Teaching and Learning in Communication Sciences & Disorders

Clinical reasoning skills underlie the decisions speech-language pathologists (SLPs) make during practice. Although clinical reasoning is included in speech-language pathology accreditation standards in the United States, there is limited research on preservice SLPs’ development or use of clinical reasoning skills. Because clinical reasoning skills specific to augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) service provision have not been identified or reported in depth, this qualitative study focused on two cases of children with developmental disabilities who used AAC systems. Eight novice (i.e. preservice) SLPs and eight expert SLPs completed think-aloud tasks while they developed intervention plans, which made their clinical reasoning skills …

Communication Sciences And Disorders Faculty Perceptions Of Interprofessional Education, Janine L. Schmedding-Bartley, Courtney Karasinski

Teaching and Learning in Communication Sciences & Disorders

Engagement in interprofessional collaborative practice is critical for communication disorders professionals to provide quality clinical services. Given limited research on implementation of interprofessional education (IPE) within communication disorders pre-professional training programs and research highlighting potential barriers to implementation of IPE, this investigation assessed communication sciences and disorders (CSD) faculty attitudes toward IPE. One hundred fifty-eight CSD faculty from accredited CSD graduate programs completed the Interprofessional Attitudes Scale (Norris, Carpenter, Eaton, Guo, Lassche, Pett, & Blumenthal, 2016). Collectively, the faculty supported CSD students learning from and with students from different disciplines and endorsed IPE as beneficial. Faculty with master’s degrees were …

The Impact Of Active Learning In A Speech-Language Pathology Swallowing And Dysphagia Course, Rebecca H. Affoo, Justin L. Bruner, Angela M. Dietsch, Ciara E. Nellenbach, Theresa M. Jones, Mark E. Lehman

Teaching and Learning in Communication Sciences & Disorders

The signature pedagogy in Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) higher education programs has been criticized for its instructor-centric lecture format and emphasis on the lower tiers of Bloom’s taxonomy (simply memorizing knowledge) at the expense of helping students develop the clinical problem-solving skills required for a lifetime of practice and learning. The purpose of this study was to examine the responses of a cohort of graduate speech-language pathology students to an active learning-oriented swallowing and dysphagia course design. A potential relationship between student perceptions of the active learning pedagogy and academic performance was also explored. The results suggest that active learning positively …

Guiding Students' Clinical Writing And Critical Thinking: Utilizing Scholarly Teaching To Develop And Implement A Clinical Writing Rubric, Bonnie Halvorson-Bourgeois, Mary Riotte, Susan Lambrecht Smith, Lesley Maxwell

Teaching and Learning in Communication Sciences & Disorders

The purpose of this paper is to describe the scholarly teaching approach used to develop, implement and refine a clinical writing rubric used to provide formative feedback to graduate students in an in-house Speech-Language Pathology graduate clinic. In addition to outlining the approach, details of the rubric and supporting documentation are provided.

A Comparison Of Face-To-Face Versus Online Instruction In The Correct Pronunciation Of Anatomical Terms In Communication Sciences And Disorders. An Initial Investigation, Ann L. Cralidis, Shannon W. Salley

Teaching and Learning in Communication Sciences & Disorders

Accurate pronunciation of anatomical terms in the clinical practice of speech-language pathology (SLP) and audiology (AUD) enables a clinician to express and comprehend a conversation with peers and other professionals. It is also an important component of ensuring patient safety and in providing quality, patient-centered care. To date, no studies have explored whether differences may exist between the pronunciation skills of students who elect to complete a human anatomy and physiology course online versus in a face-to-face (FTF) format. This pilot study explored the ability of 98 undergraduate student participants to correctly pronounce 20 identical key terms that were a …

Levels Of Stress And Characteristics Of Perfectionism In Csd Students, Ann R. Beck, Heidi R. Verticchio, Ali Miller

Teaching and Learning in Communication Sciences & Disorders

An electronic survey was sent to the Midwest Clinic Directors’ Listserv requesting they distribute it to students in their CSD programs. The survey collected information about demographics, and students’ top three stressors and stress management practices. Students were also asked to complete the 10-item Perceived Stress Scale (PSS; Cohen, 1994) and the Almost Perfect Scale-Revised (APS-R; Slaney, Rice, Mobley, Trippi, & Ashby, 2001). A total of 278 CSD undergraduate and graduate students from 15 Midwest institutions responded to the survey. No differences were found between undergraduate and graduate responses to the PSS and the APS-R. Twenty-six percent of the respondents …

Student Learning Of Perceptual Skills Related To Differentiating Motor Speech Disorders, Johanna Boult, Jessica Brownell

Teaching and Learning in Communication Sciences & Disorders

Purpose: This study aimed to determine if Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) graduate students’ perceptual skills improved after taking an MSD course by comparing pre- and posttest performance. The potential relationship between posttest perceptual-skills performance and academic performance was also investigated.Method: Before beginning instruction in MSD course content, students in a Master’s program in SLP were given a pretest (The Baseline & Post Learning Assessment of Listening & Diagnostics Skills (BPLALDS; Duffy, n.d.a)). Throughout the semester, students were exposed to didactic learning in the classroom supplemented by audio and video modules. At the end of the course, the BPLALDS was used …

Graduate Student Retention Of Prerequisite Course Content, Carol A. Tessel, Vikas Grover

Teaching and Learning in Communication Sciences & Disorders

Although most graduate schools for Speech-Language Pathology require the same core prerequisite classes, there is still variation in class requirements as well as variation in course content. Sixty-one instructors completed a survey regarding what they felt was essential course content from their prerequisite communication sciences and disorders (CSD) classes. This information was used to create a student survey that consisted of 55 multiple choice questions chosen to assess knowledge from eight typically required prerequisite courses. Students preparing to enter their first year of their master’s program were asked to take the survey. Instructors that reported teaching a course in audiology …

Toward The Development Of A Quick, Reliable Assessment Tool For Reflective Journals, April Garrity, Casey Keck, Janet L. Bradshaw, Keiko Ishikawa

Teaching and Learning in Communication Sciences & Disorders

Reflective practice, including reflective writing, can facilitate enriched learning, especially when implemented as part of a service-learning (SL) experience. Reflection is a central component of service-learning (SL) experiences. Students’ reflective abilities are often measured through reflective journaling; however, assessment of students’ reflective journals is not always efficient and straightforward. The goal of the present study was to establish a simple, reliable, and relatively quick tool for use by busy college instructors seeking to encourage students’ deep learning through reflective writing. A total of 258 reflective journals from 43 graduate students in speech-language pathology were evaluated by three raters using a …

Creating Head Space: Using Spaced Retrieval Practice To Teach Cranial Nerves To Graduate Slp Students, Rachel K. Johnson, Anne Michalek, Corrin Richels

Teaching and Learning in Communication Sciences & Disorders

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of spaced retrieval practice on graduate speech-language pathology (SLP) student’s long-term retention of cranial nerves. This is a quasi-experimental design study using a repeated measures and between group design where the control group was not randomly assigned. The accuracy and quality of cranial nerve knowledge was measured in graduate SLP students who did not practice spaced retrieval (control), and those who practiced spaced retrieval for three (EG1) or four (EG2) semesters. The quality and accuracy of cranial nerve knowledge improved significantly for both experimental groups compared to the control group. …

Cognitive Dissonance Of Graduate Students During Clinical Sessions Of A Literacy Program: Types Of Episodes And Their Resolution, Pam Britton Reese, Ludwika Aniela Goodson

Teaching and Learning in Communication Sciences & Disorders

This study provided an authentic context for examining cognitive dissonance of graduate students who were learning clinical skills in a six-week language and literacy project designed for young children. These student-clinicians received instruction four days a week in classroom sessions and began clinical sessions with children after each class. Signature pedagogies in communication sciences and disorders (CSD) provided the foundation for the instruction and clinical supervision. In their sessions with the children, the student-clinicians were expected to apply knowledge gained from the classroom and supervisor guidance. Journal entries, supervisor notes, clinical observation records, and transcripts from interviews were coded for …

“That’S So Much More Important Than The Grades”: Learning Client Centered Care Through Experiential Learning At Aphasia Camp, Esther S. Kim, J. Renzo Garcia

Teaching and Learning in Communication Sciences & Disorders

Interventions aimed at increasing life participation for people with aphasia (PWA), such as camp-based programs, are being increasingly implemented throughout North America. Such camps present a unique experiential learning opportunity for students in speech-language pathology (SLP) programs. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of participation in aphasia camp on SLP students’ acquisition of the skills and attitudes required for client-centered care for PWA. Ten SLP students who volunteered at a weekend-long aphasia camp participated in focus groups examining their learning outcomes following their camp experience. Conventional content analysis was used to analyze the focus group transcripts. …

The Gendered Experiences Of Male Students In A Speech-Language Pathology Graduate Program: A Multi-Case Study, Jairus-Joaquin R. Matthews, Derek E. Daniels

Teaching and Learning in Communication Sciences & Disorders

Speech-language pathology is a profession with a gender disparity wherein the majority of speech-language pathologists are female. This disparity is also reflected in speech-language pathology graduate programs. The American Speech, Language, and Hearing Association has developed many initiatives over the years to address this issue, yet the gender disparity still remains. The purpose of this study was to develop some initial insights into reasons that men enter into the profession of speech-language pathology, and their experiences in graduate programs. In this qualitative case-study approach, interviews were conducted with four male graduate students. The interviews were transcribed and analyzed for major …

Journey Of Change: A Summative Assessment Transformation, Karen A. Fallon, Diana C. Emanuel

Teaching and Learning in Communication Sciences & Disorders

Abstract

Program review indicated the need for substantive change in a summative assessment process for a speech-language pathology graduate program. A group dynamics approach was used to facilitate change that involved an emphasis on quality culture and faculty input. The result was a productive and collaborative journey of transformation resulting in a more time-efficient and valid summative evaluation of student knowledge and skills.

Interprofessional Education For Pre-Service School-Based Professionals: Faculty And Student Collaboration, Julie Strunk, Debi Kipps-Vaughan, Stacey L. Pavelko, Dannette Allen-Bronaugh, Karen Myers, Tammy Gilligan, Michele Kielty, Elizabeth Richardson, Joseph Tacy

Teaching and Learning in Communication Sciences & Disorders

Interprofessional collaboration is necessary for school-based professionals who provide services for students with disabilities. Most pre-service training, however, takes place in separate programs and does not afford students opportunities to learn effective collaborative techniques. This study examined the effects of a one-day interprofessional learning experience for pre-service school-based professionals. The goals were twofold: 1) increase students’ understanding of the core competencies for interprofessional collaborative practice (Interprofessional Education Collaborative, 2016) and 2) provide an opportunity for students to participate in interprofessional collaboration within a simulated school-based context. A mixed method design examined changes in students’ knowledge of the IPEC competencies. Students …

Speech-Language Pathology Students’ Motivation For Learning, Amie M. King, Steffany M. Chleboun

Teaching and Learning in Communication Sciences & Disorders

The primary purpose of this exploratory study was to attempt to gain a better understanding of speech-language pathology students’ motivations for learning. Motivation was assessed in undergraduate and graduate students in two categories of coursework. Results showed statistically significant differences between undergraduate and graduate students in the overall areas of Intrinsic and Extrinsic Motivation, while there were no significant differences in other areas of motivation. These results were situated in potential implications for students, professors, and programs as well as the need for follow-up studies.

What’S In A Question? A Comparison Of Student Questions In Two Learning Spaces, Julie Griffith, Mary Lou Vercellotti, Hannah Folkers

Teaching and Learning in Communication Sciences & Disorders

Active learning pedagogy is thought to allow more opportunities for student interaction. Given that students are more interactive, student questions may reveal how active learning pedagogy may enhance student learning outcomes. The purpose of this research was to investigate the frequency, distribution, and type of questions asked by students during class meetings in two instructional contexts: a traditional lecture classroom and an interactive learning space classroom. A neuroanatomy and neurophysiology for speech, language and hearing course was taught in the two spaces in subsequent semesters. A total of 99 enrolled students gave consent. Six 75-minute class meetings from each classroom …