University Presentation Showcase: Graduate Division

Exploring Voice Therapy Through Experiential Learning

Presenter Hometown

Taylor, MI

Major

Communication Disorders

Department

Communication Sciences and Disorders

Degree

Graduate

Mentor

Dr. Maria Bane

Mentor Department

Communication Sciences and Disorders

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the learning process of 28 Communication Sciences and Disorders students enrolled in an undergraduate voice disorders course. Students engaged in experiential learning (“learning by doing”) of one evidence-based voice therapy program called Vocal Function Exercises. Teaching unfolded in three phases: traditional instruction involving reading and lecture; participation in a hands-on workshop; and teaching vocal exercises to an acquaintance. Students participated in self-rating and self-reflection of knowledge and skills following each phase. Preliminary results of this scholarship of teaching and learning study suggest that experiential learning tasks improved students’ knowledge and skills and promoted higher levels of learning according to Bloom’s Taxonomy. Students’ self-ratings were significantly higher following experiential learning opportunities compared to didactic approaches (p = 2.267e-13, α = 0.05). Students described experiential learning as “challenging,” “interesting,” and “fun.” Thematic analysis is ongoing, however preliminary themes include voice therapy feels silly, empower patients to take ownership, and effective to demonstrate. These findings support augmentation of traditional learning approaches through instructor demonstration and opportunities for student practice. Further research should identify aspects of teaching and learning that underlie career readiness and prepare speech-language pathologists to deliver effective interventions.

Presentation format

Poster

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Exploring Voice Therapy Through Experiential Learning

The purpose of this study was to examine the learning process of 28 Communication Sciences and Disorders students enrolled in an undergraduate voice disorders course. Students engaged in experiential learning (“learning by doing”) of one evidence-based voice therapy program called Vocal Function Exercises. Teaching unfolded in three phases: traditional instruction involving reading and lecture; participation in a hands-on workshop; and teaching vocal exercises to an acquaintance. Students participated in self-rating and self-reflection of knowledge and skills following each phase. Preliminary results of this scholarship of teaching and learning study suggest that experiential learning tasks improved students’ knowledge and skills and promoted higher levels of learning according to Bloom’s Taxonomy. Students’ self-ratings were significantly higher following experiential learning opportunities compared to didactic approaches (p = 2.267e-13, α = 0.05). Students described experiential learning as “challenging,” “interesting,” and “fun.” Thematic analysis is ongoing, however preliminary themes include voice therapy feels silly, empower patients to take ownership, and effective to demonstrate. These findings support augmentation of traditional learning approaches through instructor demonstration and opportunities for student practice. Further research should identify aspects of teaching and learning that underlie career readiness and prepare speech-language pathologists to deliver effective interventions.