Building Blocks of Knowledge: A Close Look at Prerequisite Coursework for Graduate Programs in Speech-Language Pathology

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (5) ◽  
pp. 1262-1271
Author(s):  
Lesley Sylvan ◽  
Kris L. Brock ◽  
Andrea Perkins ◽  
Jessica Garrett
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
General Education ◽  
Graduate Programs ◽  
Building Blocks ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Speech Language Pathology ◽  
Student Body ◽  
Language Pathology ◽  
Set Up ◽  
Prerequisite Courses

Purpose The purposes of this exploratory study were to examine the variability among prerequisite courses required by speech-language pathology graduate programs and to explore how faculty in leadership positions within graduate programs approach decision making about these courses. Method This research involved gathering data about the number and type of prerequisite course requirements from American Speech-Language-Hearing Association–accredited speech-language pathology master's degree programs ( n = 272) and conducting interviews with a small sample of speech-language pathology department faculty ( n = 12). Results The large majority of speech-language pathology graduate programs required the same four general education prerequisite courses. The number of prerequisite courses specific to communication sciences and disorders ranged from three to 17. The rationale for which and how many courses to include as prerequisites varied across programs. Issues related to student preparation and foundation for graduate coursework, the composition of the student body, administrative and logistical factors, and traditions and history of each program influenced how faculty made decisions regarding prerequisites. Conclusion While there is not a clear consensus across programs about the number and type of prerequisites necessary to start graduate school in speech-language pathology, most programs feel their ongoing decision making in this area has set up students within their own programs for successful outcomes.

Student Experience Applying to Graduate School for Speech-Language Pathology

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 192-205
Author(s):  
Lesley Sylvan ◽  
Andrea Perkins ◽  
Carly Truglio
Keyword(s):  
Graduate School ◽  
Master's Degree ◽  
Graduate Programs ◽  
Student Experience ◽  
Degree Programs ◽  
Speech Language Pathology ◽  
Application Process ◽  
Master's Degree Programs ◽  
Language Pathology ◽  
Master’S Degree

Purpose The purpose of this study is to better understand the experiences faced by students during the application process for master's degree programs in speech-language pathology. Method Data were collected through administering an online survey to 365 volunteers who had applied to master's degree programs in speech-language pathology. Survey questions were designed to gain the student perspective of the application process through exploration of students' deciding factors for top choices of graduate programs, emotional involvement in the application process, biases/rumors heard, student challenges, advice to future applicants, and what students would change about the application process. Results Factors that influenced participants' reasoning for selecting their “top choice” programs were largely consistent with previous studies. Issues that shaped the student experience applying to graduate school for speech-language pathology included financial constraints, concern regarding the prominence of metrics such as Graduate Record Examinations scores in the admissions process, a perceived lack of guidance and advising from faculty, and confusion regarding variation among graduate program requirements. Conclusion Gaining insight into the student experience with the application process for graduate programs in speech-language pathology yields useful information from a perspective not frequently explored in prior literature. While the data presented in this study suggest the process is confusing and challenging to many applicants, the discussion highlights practical solutions and sheds light on key issues that should be considered carefully by individual graduate programs as well as the field as a whole.

A Proposal to Establish Standardized Learning Outcomes for Resonance Across Graduate Programs in Speech-Language Pathology

2014 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 21-26
Author(s):  
Helen M. Sharp ◽  
Mary O'Gara
Keyword(s):  
Learning Outcomes ◽  
Training Programs ◽  
Graduate Training ◽  
Graduate Programs ◽  
Core Knowledge ◽  
Speech Language Pathology ◽  
Entry Level ◽  
The Public ◽  
Language Pathology ◽  
Graduate Training Programs

The Council for Clinical Certification in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CCFC) sets accreditation standards and these standards list broad domains of knowledge with specific coverage of “the appropriate etiologies, characteristics, anatomical/physiological, acoustic, psychological, developmental, and linguistic and cultural correlates” and assessment, intervention, and methods of prevention for each domain” (CCFC, 2013, “Standard IV-C”). One domain in the 2014 standards is “voice and resonance.” Studies of graduate training programs suggest that fewer programs require coursework in cleft palate, the course in which resonance was traditionally taught. The purpose of this paper is to propose a standardized learning outcomes specific to resonance that would achieve the minimum knowledge required for all entry-level professionals in speech-language pathology. Graduate programs and faculty should retain flexibility and creativity in how these learning outcomes are achieved. Shared learning objectives across programs would serve programs, faculty, students, accreditation site visitors, and the public in assuring that a consistent, minimum core knowledge is achieved across graduate training programs. Proficiency in the management of individuals with resonance disorders would require additional knowledge and skills.

scholarly journals Conscious Clinical Education: The Evidence-Based Education—Clinical Education Model

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (04) ◽  
pp. 279-288
Author(s):  
Mark DeRuiter ◽  
Sarah M. Ginsberg
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Education ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Clinical Decision Making ◽  
Graduate Programs ◽  
Clinical Decision ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Speech Language Pathology ◽  
Clinical Educators ◽  
Language Pathology ◽  
Education Model

AbstractThe fields of speech-language pathology and audiology, collectively referred to as communication sciences and disorders, are driven by evidence-based practice (EBP). As accountability in clinical service delivery continues to increase, there are few who would argue that encouraging clinicians to engage in methods that have withstood the rigors of peer-review is the wrong approach. Graduate students are typically given many opportunities to learn about the evidence for their discipline, and graduate programs are required to provide these opportunities under accreditation standards. While EBP is critical to our discipline's clinical function, we assert that evidence-based education (EBE) is equally as important as EBP to our discipline's function in educating our students. This article discusses EBP and EBE with a focus on elements that may not have been considered in the past, particularly within the complex dynamic of the EBE and clinical education interface. We present current and proposed models, including a new model of EBE in clinical education. We share insights into how the new and proposed models fit within the broader context of clinical decision making and the scholarship of teaching and learning. We conclude by addressing future needs for the education of clinical educators.

scholarly journals Preservice Education in Augmentative and Alternative Communication: An Update

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (5) ◽  
pp. 1243-1261
Author(s):  
Katherine M. DeJarnette ◽  
Jane R. Wegner
Keyword(s):  
Augmentative And Alternative Communication ◽  
Department Chairs ◽  
Graduate Programs ◽  
Faculty Members ◽  
Preservice Education ◽  
Clinical Experiences ◽  
Speech Language Pathology ◽  
Alternative Communication ◽  
Language Pathology ◽  
Survey Responses

Purpose This survey sought to gather information from graduate programs in speech-language pathology concerning their preservice education in augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). The results were compared to similar previous surveys to identify improvements, continued challenges, and common barriers in providing preservice education in AAC. Method Two hundred fifty-one program directors, department chairs, clinical directors, and faculty members of Council on Academic Accreditation graduate programs in speech-language pathology were surveyed to explore the characteristics of preservice education in AAC. Results A total of 85 survey responses were received for a 33.8% return rate. Data revealed that there has been a general trend toward an increase in the number of graduate programs that offer coursework in AAC, the number of graduate students who are receiving knowledge and skills in AAC, and the number of students who obtain clinical experiences in AAC. However, results indicate that graduate programs in speech-language pathology continue to face barriers in providing comprehensive preservice education in AAC. Specifically, these barriers included limited funding, lack of faculty members with expertise in AAC, access to AAC systems and technologies, and time constraints. Results from this study may be helpful in addressing said barriers in future practice. Conclusions Graduate programs in speech-language pathology have improved their preservice education in AAC over the past 10 years. Survey responses indicate a continued need for improvement in clinical experiences, funding, and an increase in the number of faculty members with expertise in AAC.

Using Qualitative Methodologies in Speech-Language Pathology: An Example From Serving Students With Hearing Loss

2020 ◽  
Vol 42 (2) ◽  
pp. 100-110
Author(s):  
Carol E. Westby
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
General Education ◽  
Qualitative Methods ◽  
Intervention Program ◽  
Speech Language Pathology ◽  
School Students ◽  
Speech Language Pathologist ◽  
Language Pathology ◽  
Interpretive Method ◽  
Qualitative Methodologies

This article demonstrates the use of qualitative methodologies to provide a description of an intervention framework and goals for students with hearing loss in general education. Because of advances in technology, the majority of students with hearing loss are now educated in general education classrooms. Many of these students are not eligible for special education services although their hearing loss does compromise their functioning in many areas of daily life. This investigation employed two qualitative methods—the biographical narrative interpretive method and ethnography—to provide insight into the personal experiences of a speech-language pathologist with a hearing loss and the way her experiences influenced the nature, rationale for, and content of the intervention program she implemented for students with hearing loss in general education programs. The qualitative methods are described, examples of qualitative analyses are provided, and the components of the program for elementary school students are presented.

Bias Effects in Speech-Language Assessment and Decision-Making

1988 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 153-159 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fred M. Grossman ◽  
N. Kathleen Franklin
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Special Education ◽  
Socioeconomic Status ◽  
Language Assessment ◽  
Speech Language Pathology ◽  
Education Programs ◽  
Language Pathology ◽  
Special Education Programs ◽  
Assessment Decisions

Within recent years, much research has been conducted with regard to possible biasing factors that impact upon the placement of children in special education programs. The present study examined the effects of a child's sex and socioeconomic status on referral, assessment, and decision-making in speech-language pathology. Results suggested that some referral and assessment decisions may be biased solely by the child's sex and socioeconomic status.

On Teaching Counseling: Getting Beyond Informational Counseling

2020 ◽  
Vol 29 (2) ◽  
pp. 903-908 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Luterman
Keyword(s):  
Graduate Programs ◽  
University Teaching ◽  
Speech Language Pathology ◽  
Counseling Education ◽  
Counseling Training ◽  
Personal Adjustment ◽  
Educational Counseling ◽  
Current State ◽  
Language Pathology ◽  
Review Current

Purpose The purpose of this article was to examine the current state of counseling education and to present examples of strategies for teaching counseling based on the author's 40 years of university teaching. Conclusion Current research suggests that students and clinicians are not getting sufficient training in personal adjustment counseling. A recent unpublished survey suggests that only a few graduate programs require a counseling course for speech-language pathology students. Additional research suggests that, although audiology students do have access to counseling coursework, these courses focus primarily on informational/educational counseling strategies and not on teaching personal adjustment counseling strategies. The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association should review current standards for including counseling training in the curriculum, and graduate programs should review how they are teaching counseling and determine if their processes are effective.

An Attributional Model of Supervisors' Decision-Making Behavior in Speech-Language Pathology

1983 ◽  
Vol 26 (4) ◽  
pp. 537-549 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joanne Erwick Roberts ◽  
Rita C. Naremore
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Achievement Motivation ◽  
Speech Language Pathology ◽  
Instructional Behaviors ◽  
Language Pathology ◽  
Attributional Model ◽  
Decision Making Behavior ◽  
Therapy Sessions ◽  
Information Requests ◽  
Supervisory Practice

An attributional model of speech-language pathology supervisors' decision-making behavior based on Weiner's achievement motivation attributional model was applied. Forty-six supervisors were asked to imagine hypothetical good or poor therapy sessions and to cite causes for the session's outcome, request information to understand the outcome better, and suggest actions they would take in response to the particular outcome. Results indicated that clinician attributions were cited most frequently and few client, supervisor, or other attributions were made. Clinician factors were generally described in terms of planning behaviors, instructional behaviors, and strategies. Session outcomes were attributed primarily to factors controllable by the participants and were expected to vary over time. Supervisors most frequently requested information about the clinician, client, and structure of therapy. They suggested actions that focused primarily on the clinician, occurred after the session, and were directed by the supervisor. Supervisors' causal attributions, information requests, and action responses differed for good and poor sessions. Implications for supervisory practice are discussed.

Viability of Online Learning for Ensuring Basic Skills in Speech-Language Pathology

2017 ◽  
Vol 2 (10) ◽  
pp. 49-58 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hannah Krimm ◽  
Melanie C. Schuele ◽  
Cynthia Brame
Keyword(s):  
Online Learning ◽  
Graduate Students ◽  
Speech Language Pathology ◽  
International Phonetic Alphabet ◽  
Learning Module ◽  
Phonetic Transcription ◽  
Viable Solution ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Language Pathology ◽  
Prerequisite Courses

Students begin graduate school with a wide range of knowledge and disparate levels of skill established in undergraduate education and/or prerequisite courses. This study evaluated an online learning module for ensuring basic phonetic transcription knowledge and skill in matriculating graduate students. Students' knowledge of International Phonetic Alphabet symbols and their skill transcribing familiar and unfamiliar words improved after completing module activities, and gains maintained in the absence of module activities. Knowledge and skill discrepancies diminished between students who had previously taken a phonetics class and students who had not. Online learning may be a viable solution for ensuring foundational knowledge in speech-language pathology graduate students.

Teaching Transnasal Endoscopy to Graduate Students Without a Hospital or Simulation Laboratory: Pool Noodles and Cadavers

2017 ◽  
Vol 26 (3) ◽  
pp. 709-715 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shari Salzhauer Berkowitz
Keyword(s):  
Graduate Students ◽  
Student Development ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Graduate Programs ◽  
Endoscopic Examination ◽  
Speech Language Pathology ◽  
Transnasal Endoscopy ◽  
Training Opportunity ◽  
Language Pathology

Purpose This study reports on a training opportunity in endoscopy in which speech-language pathology graduate students use inanimate objects and cadavers. Best practices for transnasal endoscopy in vivo require a physician to be nearby, but many graduate programs do not have this access. Method Endoscopy was offered as a graduate elective. Students (13 women) initially learned to manipulate the endoscope through the lumen of a swimming pool noodle that was embedded with trinkets. Endoscopic examination of inanimate objects became increasingly complex, followed by endoscopic examination of a cadaver. Results Pre- and postexamination measures and qualitative data from the 13 students revealed that students increased in confidence and in interest in this aspect of the field. All students met practical competencies for handling the endoscope, passing the endoscope on a narrow tube, and visualizing objects. Some students had the opportunity to pass the endoscope on a peer and did so successfully. Conclusion For programs with a cadaver lab available, this protocol offers an affordable option compared with purchasing a simulator. For those with neither a cadaver lab nor a simulation lab, passing the endoscope on inanimate objects alone is beneficial to student development and learning.

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