In this subject you will learn about research principles and practices relevant to the assessment and analysis of language, interaction and cognitive functions, such as database searches, critiquing of empirical research, data collection and analysis, including administration, scoring and interpretation of standardised, criterion-referenced and informal assessments, synthesis and reporting of knowledge and information. The subject includes assessment and analysis procedures for evaluating language, interaction and cognition in paediatric and adult clients and their families/caregivers.
You will engage with a range of case studies to identify referral information and gaps in knowledge, plan and justify assessments of language and cognitive skills using evidence-based practice and holistic frameworks, hypothesise about potential results based on individuals' presenting characteristics, apply analysis procedures to interpret results, and critically reflect on the client's reported strengths, difficulties and available resources, and an understanding of the role of socio-cultural context in the experience of language and/or cognitive impairments in order to suggest strategies for management.
You will participate in a range of online learning experiences that offer the opportunity for you to work through topics in small groups or pairs. You will share your ideas and knowledge and learn from others in interactive activities including completing structured activities using the discussion board and independent study. You will attend a 4-day residential school on the Albury campus where you will have opportunities to administer assessment tools to evaluate language, interaction and cognitive functions, and apply knowledge of typical language and cognitive development to analyse and interpret data.
To demonstrate mastery of these learning outcomes and learning experiences you will write a series of assessment plans for individuals with different language, interaction and cognitive difficulties, complete a portfolio of practical activities during the residential school and interpret assessment data provided for individual cases, justify your interpretations and write professional reports to a specified audience, summarising the assessment information and providing management recommendations.
You will use the CSU Learning Management System, Interact2, to engage in learning activities with your peers and utilise a range of online technologies and tools to engage research to inform your assessment tasks. During the residential school, you will have face-to-face lectures and practice using a range of speech-language pathology tools and procedures to assess and analyse language, interaction and cognitive skills in children and adults, under the guidance of certified practicing speech pathologists. |