CONTACT CSU

SPH513 Assessment and analysis of language and cognition in speech pathology (8)

Abstract

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 3-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.

+ Subject Availability Modes and Location

Session 1
Distance*Albury-Wodonga Campus
*This subject offering contains a residential school. Please view following information for further details.
Continuing students should consult the SAL for current offering details: SPH513
Where differences exist between the Handbook and the SAL, the SAL should be taken as containing the correct subject offering details.

Subject information

Duration Grading System School:
One sessionHD/FLSchool of Community Health

Assumed Knowledge

Students will be expected to have knowledge of linguistics and phonetics as well as head and neck anatomy. They will have an understanding of typical communication development across the lifespan, on which they can build their understanding of communication and swallowing impairments across life stages.

Enrolment restrictions

Restricted access for Master of Speech Pathology students.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:
  • Be able to justify the selection of structures/functions to assess and modes of assessing language, interaction and cognitive functions, utilising holistic, evidence-based, ethical and cultural frameworks, demonstrated by writing a series of assessment plans for individuals with language, interaction and/or cognitive difficulties.
  • Be able to assess language, interaction and cognitive functions, and analyse and synthesise assessment data with professionalism and care, based on holistic, evidence-based, ethical and cultural frameworks, and using appropriate technical skills, demonstrated by completing a portfolio of practical activities and interpreting sensory-motor assessment data provided for individual cases, justifying your interpretations and writing a professional report.
  • Be able to report assessment procedures, analysis and professional decisions regarding language, interaction and/or cognitive functions, based on holistic, evidence-based, ethical and cultural frameworks, using communication, technical and creative skills appropriate to a specific audience, demonstrated by writing a series of assessment plans for individuals with language, interaction and/or cognitive difficulties, interpreting assessment data and writing professional reports.
  • Be able to apply knowledge of language, interaction and/or cognition to justify analysis and interpretation of assessment data, based on holistic, evidence-based, ethical and socio-cultural frameworks, demonstrated by interpreting assessment data and writing professional reports.
  • Be able to apply research principles and procedure to the assessment of language, interaction and/or cognitive functions in individuals across the lifespan, demonstrated by writing a series of assessment plans for individuals with language, interaction and/or cognitive difficulties, completing a portfolio of practical activities, interpreting assessment data and writing professional reports.

Syllabus

The subject will cover the following topics:
  • Early communication delay
  • Specific Language Impairment
  • Traumatic brain injury
  • Autism
  • Aphasia
  • Residential school

Residential School

This subject contains a compulsory 3 day residential school. Students are required to attend a compulsory residential school on the Albury-Wodonga campus, to develop skills in administration of assessment tools to evaluate language and cognitive skills, and analysis and interpretation of assessment data. Students will be expected to cover the travel and accommodation costs associated with attendance at the residential school.

Specialised Resources

Students are required to attend a compulsory residential school on the Albury-Wodonga campus, to develop skills in administration of assessment tools to evaluate language and cognitive skills, and analysis and interpretation of assessment data. Students will be expected to cover the travel and accommodation costs associated with attendance at the residential school.

Back

The information contained in the 2016 CSU Handbook was accurate at the date of publication: 06 September 2016. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.