Examining the Learning of Students Participating in an Interactive Simulated Patient Experience

Simulated patients are becoming increasingly used in the educational program of future speech-language pathologists. The use of standardized patients provides the opportunity to teach students clinical skills in a controlled environment (Bradley, 2006; Zraick, 2012). Simucase, a speech-language pathology software program, allows clinicians to practice their assessment and treatment skills on virtual patients and is a valid method when teaching clinical skills. Thus, this project examined five undergraduate senior clinicians’ performance and reflection about the Simucase program and their own clinical knowledge. The undergraduate student clinicians engaged in controlled simulation experiences that shared similar characteristics to their current clients, and then reflected upon their experiences via self-report questionnaires. Students engaged in simulations in two different modes. When working in the learning mode, students were provided with feedback about their clinical decision-making. In the assessment mode, no feedback was provided. Results indicated that students spent significantly more time interacting with simulated cases, as well as significantly increased competency scores when utilizing in the assessment mode. Students’ reflections about their experience with Simucase indicated increased confidence in utilizing the program and when providing treatment. However, students’ confidence decreased in taking data and making an appropriate clinical decision likely because their experience with Simucase allowed them to reflect on deficits in their knowledge and skills. This study demonstrates the need for continued research within communication sciences and disorders fields as to the efficacy of the use of simulated patients with undergraduate students. Additionally, a further study is needed to better understand the strengths and weaknesses of different Simucase modes on student learning

Case-based Perspective-Taking as a Mechanism to Improve Metacognition and Higher-Level Thinking in Undergraduate Speech-Language Pathology Students

This case study addressed the authors’ efforts to design an 8-week small-group independent study (IS) experience that facilitated undergraduate speech-language pathology students’ (n=19) higher-level thinking and overall metacognitive awareness. We hoped to encourage both in order to improve students’ overall cognitive growth while enhancing their reflection about and knowledge of professional perspectives regarding the assessment and treatment of laryngeal cancer. To take on this challenge, we combined case-based learning (CBL) and perspective-taking (PT) pedagogies across the IS. Students completed the Metacognitive Awareness Inventory (MAI) pre- and post-IS, and written reflections after each of eight weekly discussion meetings. The MAI was quantitatively analyzed, while reflections were qualitatively coded using Bloom’s taxonomy. Findings indicated that metacognitive awareness significantly improved and that higher-level cognitive processing was increasingly evidenced across students’ IS experience. Results indicate the potential to maximize metacognition and cognitive processing by combining CBL and PT by the methods used here. Applications of combined CBL and PT to other disciplines and teaching and learning situations will be discussed along with the implications of our findings

Visions of the Possible: Reflections on the Faculty/Student Co-Inquirer Relationship

This manuscript is a reflection on the processes and outcomes inherent in the faculty/student co-inquirer relationship. Authors briefly describe their SoTL research project. Subsequently, learning outcomes from the student co-inquirer are discussed in terms of: understanding research and the research process, the impact of the research experience on the student\u27s own teaching and learning, and the impact of the research experience on the student\u27s future professional plans. Lessons learned are shared for future student co-inquirers

Cleveland on the Rise: Fun, Film, Food and the Law

Cleveland’s economic and cultural renaissance encompasses many areas – recreation, food, entertainment – and the law touches all of them. This special event brings together attorneys, community leaders, artists and entrepreneurs to examine how laws and policy have helped shape the new cityscape and the legal challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. NOTE that the link at the top is only to the first video on Economic Development. Links to video for ALL the presentations are as follows: Links to Videos: Economic Development Events Film Food Recreatio