This applied dissertation project sought to develop a training paradigm that improved student perceptions of their abilities to complete augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) evaluations in persons with aphasia. Master’s level speech language pathology (SLP) students were surveyed and were not as comfortable with the assessment of persons with aphasia for the use of AAC as they were with assessment for these strategies in children. A survey of faculty also revealed that students appeared less prepared for these types of evaluations. A CD-ROM training module was developed and underwent a review by experts and a field trial by master’s degree students. The research question asked, What is the effect of viewing a multimedia CD-ROM on SLP graduate students' self-perceptions of preparedness for AAC assessments with individuals who have aphasia? The expert review stage had three components that included an outline review, CD-ROM review by experts for content and design, and an expert review for feasibility and congruence. A total of 23 persons including 5 expert reviewers and 18 students participated in the development of the product. Results revealed more than 80% agreement on measures of content, design, feasibility, and congruence for the CD-ROM when reviewed by experts using visual-scaling techniques. The field-trial stage revealed that, in pretest and posttest responses, student perceptions of confidence in completing AAC assessments in persons with aphasia were changed at a statistically significant level after viewing the CD-ROM.
| Date of Award | Jan 1 2006 |
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| Original language | English |
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| Supervisor | Carole Zangari (Supervisor), Sana Savinelli (Advisor) & Maryellen Maher (Advisor) |
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