Characterizing post-disaster reconstruction training methods and learning styles

Purpose A questionnaire survey was conducted to collect information from clinical audiologists about rehabilitation options for adult patients who report significant auditory difficulties despite having normal or near-normal hearing sensitivity. This work aimed to provide more information about what audiologists are currently doing in the clinic to manage auditory difficulties in this patient population and their views on the efficacy of recommended rehabilitation methods. Method A questionnaire survey containing multiple-choice and open-ended questions was developed and disseminated online. Invitations to participate were delivered via e-mail listservs and through business cards provided at annual audiology conferences. All responses were anonymous at the time of data collection. Results Responses were collected from 209 participants. The majority of participants reported seeing at least one normal-hearing patient per month who reported significant communication difficulties. However, few respondents indicated that their location had specific protocols for the treatment of these patients. Counseling was reported as the most frequent rehabilitation method, but results revealed that audiologists across various work settings are also successfully starting to fit patients with mild-gain hearing aids. Responses indicated that patient compliance with computer-based auditory training methods was regarded as low, with patients generally preferring device-based rehabilitation options. Conclusions Results from this questionnaire survey strongly suggest that audiologists frequently see normal-hearing patients who report auditory difficulties, but that few clinicians are equipped with established protocols for diagnosis and management. While many feel that mild-gain hearing aids provide considerable benefit for these patients, very little research has been conducted to date to support the use of hearing aids or other rehabilitation options for this unique patient population. This study reveals the critical need for additional research to establish evidence-based practice guidelines that will empower clinicians to provide a high level of clinical care and effective rehabilitation strategies to these patients.

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Training Methods With Clinicians and Students—A Personal Story and Change: Narrative Therapy for Stuttering

Perspectives on Fluency and Fluency Disorders ◽

10.1044/ffd18.1.37 ◽

2008 ◽

Vol 18 (1) ◽

pp. 37-42 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Margaret Leahy

Keyword(s):

Narrative Therapy ◽

Evidence Based Practice ◽

Theoretical Background ◽

Evidence Based ◽

Training Methods ◽

Sense Of Control ◽

Case Description ◽

General Outline ◽

Personal Story ◽

Fluency Disorders

Abstract Educating students and informing clinicians regarding developments in therapy approaches and in evidence-based practice are important elements of the responsibility of specialist academic posts in universities. In this article, the development of narrative therapy and its theoretical background are outlined (preceded by a general outline of how the topic of fluency disorders is introduced to students at an Irish university). An example of implementing narrative therapy with a 12-year-old boy is presented. The brief case description demonstrates how narrative therapy facilitated this 12-year-old make sense of his dysfluency and his phonological disorder, leading to his improved understanding and management of the problems, fostering a sense of control that led ultimately to their resolution.

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Student Anticipations and Reactions to Hybrid Format Education

Perspectives on Issues in Higher Education ◽

10.1044/ihe11.2.76 ◽

2008 ◽

Vol 11 (2) ◽

pp. 76-82 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Sarah M. Ginsberg

Keyword(s):

Qualitative Study ◽

Learning Styles ◽

Student Perceptions ◽

Course Design ◽

Learning Experience ◽

Learning Experiences ◽

Traditional Classroom ◽

Traditional Learning ◽

Online Platform ◽

Hybrid Format

Abstract This qualitative study examined student perceptions regarding a hybrid classroom format in which part of their learning took place in a traditional classroom and part of their learning occurred in an online platform. Pre-course and post-course anonymous essays suggest that students may be open to learning in this context; however, they have specific concerns as well. Students raised issues regarding faculty communication patterns, learning styles, and the value of clear connections between online and traditional learning experiences. Student concerns and feedback need to be addressed through the course design and by the instructor in order for them to have a positive learning experience in a hybrid format course.

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