Long-Term Goal 1

The CSDO Program will develop and/or refine experiential learning opportunities through innovative teaching methods.

Short-Term Goal 1a. The CSDO Program will develop or refine one experiential learning opportunity per academic year that targets interprofessional collaboration/professional learning practice, knowledge and skill acquisition, and/or 21st-century competency development as measured by the inclusion of experiential learning assignments in academic coursework.

The CSDO Program incorporates experiential learning in various forms across the curriculum. In the past, we have included interprofessional collaborations and professional learning practice opportunities in academic and/or clinical coursework. These opportunities have included clinical and interdisciplinary job shadowing and the incorporation of simulated learning in academic and clinical practicum and standardized simulated experiences within academic courses.

Last year, we focused on developing and refining experiential learning opportunities where students administered five assessments targeting major classes of disorders. In this process, clinical practice tools were created to support future applications, contributing to student learning outcomes.

Building on this foundation, this year, we are extending these experiential learning opportunities by having students create detailed writeups from the test administrations. These writeups will be designed to enhance understanding of both the assessments and their psychometric properties, ensuring students gain a deeper mastery of the material. This initiative will also evolve into a graded activity, forming part of the comprehensive student portfolio. As students complete these assignments, we will ensure alignment with student learning standards, further enhancing their preparation for professional practice.

Long-Term Goal 2

The CSDO Program will strengthen the graduate program by expanding the diversity of students’ campus clinical hours through community outreach.

Short-Term Goal 2a. The CSDO Program will develop or refine one outreach program per academic year that targets community engagement and clinical application as measured by the number of graduate students served.

The CSDO Program prides itself on community outreach, community engagement, and experiential learning opportunities for students. Various programs are offered throughout the year. Prior outreach programs have included the Students for Global Communication Study Abroad Program, the Center for Young Children Speech Clinical Outreach Program, various health fairs for hearing screenings, and collaboration with local large healthcare systems and independent school districts for assessments.

Last year, 19 out of 32 students (59%) participated in community engagement activities, gaining valuable experience in real-world settings. As part of this year’s plan, students selected to participate in outreach activities will be tasked with creating a reflective document that describes how one of their experiences within the program contributed to their knowledge and skill acquisition. This documentation will be tied to student learning standards and incorporated into their comprehensive portfolio, ensuring alignment with academic/clinical goals.