Module QXL-3303:
Introduction to Speech Language Therapy

Module Facts

Run by School of Arts, Culture and Language

20.000 Credits or 10.000 ECTS Credits

Semester 1

Overall aims and purpose

This course is designed to introduce the student to the field of communication sciences and disorders, to provide an introductory overview of professional practice in Speech-language Pathology and to helps students beging to consider the transition from the classroom to the clinical setting. It will focus on disordered communication and development, types of communication disorders, and treatment pathways. Students will also be introduced to the principles of assessment, application of diagnostic information, intervention planning, and the intervention process. Finally, students will also gain an understanding of team membership and be introduced to the skills necessary for working on a team.

Course content

The course will begin with an overview of the profession and clients, followed by an introduction to the anatomy and physiology of the speech production mechanism. We will then investigate articulation, language, literacy, cognitive, fluency, voice, swallowing, and hearing disorders affecting communication with reference to various diagnostic and treatment options. An exploration of case studies will be used to illustrate assessment practices, identification and diagnosis, therapeutic avenues, and data measured outcomes for clients impacted by communication disorders. Time will be devoted to discussing aspects of client and counselling, bilingual Welsh speakers and English language learners, augmentative communication systems, and ethical expectations within the field. Material will be presented through class lectures, assigned readings, and class discussions.

Assessment Criteria

C- to C+

C- to C+ A student would have a sound knowledge across most aspects of the module, and be able to detail examples where appropriate. The work shows an understanding based on the presented material. The argument may have gaps and lacks support.

threshold

D- to D+ A threshold student should have basic knowledge of the essential facts and key concepts presented in the module. The work incompletely covers the module material and there may be no argument and lack of examples & support.

excellent

A- to A An excellent student should have a thorough factual knowledge across all aspects of the module and be able to detailed examples where appropriate, supported by additional reading and knowledge drawn from other modules. Evidence of critical thinking and wider reading is essential for A+ and A marks.

good

B- to B+ A good student should have a thorough factual knowledge across all aspects of the module, and be able to detail examples where appropriate. The work shows a thorough understanding based on the presented material. The argument is logic and well supported.

Learning outcomes

  1. Students will understand the core principles and practices of intervention in speech-language pathology.

  2. Students will become aware of the professional practices, issues, and responsibilities involved in the delivery of speech-language pathology services and to critically reflect on best practices and standards.

  3. Students will develop beginning level skills in the areas of assessment, intervention, interpersonal relationships, and team building.

  4. Students will review and be able to identify and critically assess and evaluate the causal factors of communication disorders.

  5. Students will understand and be able to critically evaluate the principles and practices of assessment in speech-language pathology.

  6. Students will become aware of a sense of professional identity in an advanced manner and be able to critically reflect on the role, duties and obligations of speech language therapists to their clients and the community they serve.

Assessment Methods

Teaching and Learning Strategy

Hours
Private study

Reading assigned chapters, articles, case studies and related materials. Also reviewing materials presented in lectures and relating topics / issues ocvered and discssed back to the assigned articles etc

 173
Lecture

11x 2 hour lectures

 22
Seminar

5 biweekly 1 hour seminar sessions. Hands on activities and discussion related activities.

 5

Transferable skills

  • Literacy - Proficiency in reading and writing through a variety of media
  • Numeracy - Proficiency in using numbers at appropriate levels of accuracy
  • Self-Management - Able to work unsupervised in an efficient, punctual and structured manner. To examine the outcomes of tasks and events, and judge levels of quality and importance
  • Information retrieval - Able to access different and multiple sources of information
  • Inter-personal - Able to question, actively listen, examine given answers and interact sensitevely with others
  • Critical analysis & Problem Solving - Able to deconstruct and analyse problems or complex situations. To find solutions to problems through analyses and exploration of all possibilities using appropriate methods, rescources and creativity.
  • Teamwork - Able to constructively cooperate with others on a common task, and/or be part of a day-to-day working team
  • Argument - Able to put forward, debate and justify an opinion or a course of action, with an individual or in a wider group setting
  • Self-awareness & Reflectivity - Having an awareness of your own strengths, weaknesses, aims and objectives. Able to regularly review, evaluate and reflect upon the performance of yourself and others

Subject specific skills

  • Research skills - students will be able to undertake advanced independent research, involving formulating a research question, identifying and deploying appropriate linguistic methodology (theoretical or empirical), data collection techniques (experimental or field-based), as well as the selection and application of appropriate theoretical frameworks in order to adequately analyse and interpret data.
  • Writing & scholarly conventions - students will be able to present data, argumentation, findings and references in written form in keeping with the conventions current in language science and English language studies to an advanced standard.
  • Oral presentation skills & scholarly conventions - students will be able to present data, argumentation, findings and references in oral form in keeping with the conventions current in language science and English language studies, to an advanced level.
  • Analysis & interpretation skills - students will be able to analyse and interpret data accurately and to draw appropriate conclusions based on the application of appropriate analytic and theoretical frameworks available in linguistics and English language studies.
  • Problem solving - students will be able to evidence sophisticated problem-solving skills in formulating problems (factual, empirical, theoretical) in precise terms, identifying key issues, and developing the confidence to address challenging problems using a variety of different approaches
  • Evaluation & reflection - students will be able to critically evaluate to an advanced standard a particular position, viewpoint or argument in relation to a specific area of investigation. They will be able to reflect on the efficacy of a particular approach, practice or performance, and moderate these as a consequence in order to achieve specific goals.
  • Independent investigation - students will develop the ability to plan, design and execute a highly original and significant piece of research or inquiry, either independently or as a member of a team in order to discover a specific solution to an outstanding issue or question through searching out and synthesising written, visual and oral information. Students will also develop skills of independent investigation, including interacting with peers and participants/informants.
  • Personal organisation - students will develop the ability to undertake self-directed study and learning with appropriate time-management
  • Learning to learn - students will learn to reflect upon, modify and improve their learning strategies
  • Effective communication - students will develop the ability to communicate effectively, appropriately and confidently, in a range of contexts, to different audience types, and making use of a range of supporting materials
  • Working effectively with others - students will develop the ability to work well with others as part of a group or a team
  • Awareness of and appreciation for linguistic and cultural differences - students will develop an awareness of and an appreciation for the range and nature of linguistic and cultural diversity.
  • Knowledge of the relationship between language and mind/brain - students will demonstrate detailed knowledge of phenomena and findings relating to the complex interdependent relationship between language and mind/brain.

Resources

Resource implications for students

None

Talis Reading list

http://readinglists.bangor.ac.uk/modules/qxl-3303.html

Reading list

Core text:
Speech and Language Therapy (2018) by Louise Cummings Cambridge University Press Paperback £26.99

Articles and case studies to be provided.

Courses including this module

Compulsory in courses:

Optional in courses: