Evidence-Based Practice in Speech Pathology Week 1

Welcome to Evidence-Based Practice in Speech Pathology

  • Introduction and welcome remarks from the lecturer, Sarah Pillar.

  • Emphasis on the importance of evidence-based practice in speech pathology.

Course Structure

  • Duration: 13 weeks.

  • Goals of the course:

    • Introduction to baseline information.

    • Understanding expectations and requirements to pass the unit.

    • Interactive activities following an initial lecture.

Acknowledgement of Country

  • Acknowledges the land and collaborates with the Aboriginal community in research.

Personal Introduction

  • Introduction of Sarah Pillar, speech pathologist with over 13 years of clinical experience and 9 years in research.

  • Graduated from ECU in 2013; completed honors.

  • Worked in various settings across WA, including regional and metropolitan areas.

    • Mention of experiences traveling for work to locations like Longan Hills and Katanning.

  • Strong advocacy for communication access for children.

  • Currently a lecturer at ECU, also involved in autism research at the Kids Research Institute Australia.

Importance of Academic Success

  • Encouragement for students to aim for high academic standards (credits, distinctions, honors opportunities).

Interactive Icebreakers

  • Students to engage with peers through light activities to help form study groups and connections.

    • Example questions: "If you were a season, what would you be?" and "What is a hidden talent?"

Attendance and Responsibility

  • Introduction of the A+ attendance tool to track mandatory attendance.

  • Not all sessions are mandatory; importance of self-management emphasized.

Guiding Values of the Unit

  1. Integrity: Responsibility for personal learning and independence.

  2. Respect: Courtesy and listening within the classroom community.

  3. Rational Inquiry: Using evidence-based teaching and learning methods.

  4. Personal Excellence: Applying effort for success in the unit.

  5. Courage: Embracing new learning opportunities.

Course Expectations and What to Expect

Course Content

  • Focus on the fundamentals of speech pathology including:

    • Roles and responsibilities of a speech pathologist.

    • Scope of practice and evidence-based practice.

    • Skills development for academic success.

    • Core principles of communication, speech, and language.

Teaching and Learning Approach

  • Combination of lecture-style delivery, group work, and practical sessions in various contexts.

  • Weekly attendance required for the seminar.

Assessments and Assignments

Major Assignments

  1. Evidence-Based Test

    • Due: March 25, worth 20%.

  2. Group Data Analysis Report

    • Worth 30%; includes group contract and data collection.

  3. Theoretical Model Interpretation

  4. Practicum Portfolio

    • Submission deadlines for practicum checks starting on March 19.

Submission Guidelines

  • Emphasizes the need for timely completion to avoid falling behind, especially for health and safety checks required for clinical observations.

Weekly Commitment

  • General guidelines recommend three hours of independent study for every hour of contact.

  • Full-time study equates to approximately 35-40 hours of work weekly.

Learning Resources

  • Importance of reading assignments and accessing the unit outline on Canvas.

  • Discussion of library resources and speech pathology databases available to students.

Strategies for Success

  1. Attend Classes: Essential for learning and participation.

  2. Come Prepared: Stay up-to-date with readings and course material.

  3. Participate Genuinely: Engage actively in discussions and activities to reinforce learning.

  4. Utilize Resources: Access library services, office hours, and online materials to supplement learning.

Communication within the Unit

Communication from Instructor

  • Primary communication through in-class sessions, announcements on Canvas, and email.

Communication from Students

  • Encouraged to ask questions in class or during designated office hours.

  • Use Canvas discussion boards for assignment-related queries.

Overview of Communication Concepts

Key Definitions of Terms

  • Communication: The process of exchanging information; can occur in various forms (verbal, non-verbal, written).

  • Speech: The physical act of producing sounds through coordinated movements of the articulators.

  • Language: A structured system of symbols used to convey meaning.

Activities

  • Activities designed to illustrate the differences between communication, speech, and language.

  • Group discussions reflecting on communication breakdowns and their implications.

Conclusion and Future Topics

  • Next session focused on evidence-based practice.

  • Overview of potential resources and assignments will be discussed as the semester progresses.

  • Encourage students to start reflecting on their learning and prepare for upcoming topics.

Final Notes

  • Encourage students to form study groups and develop professional relationships that will be beneficial both during their studies and in future career endeavors.