Course coordinator
Dr Katelyn Melvin
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 1, 2025 (24/02/2025 - 21/06/2025)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Health & Rehab Sci School
This course provides an introduction to typical development of paediatric speech, language, voice, feeding/mealtime behaviours, hearing, social, literacy and play behaviours and includes an observational visit to a Kindergarten. Principles of observational assessment and reporting as well as theories of language and speech processing, learning, and cognition relating to child development are presented.
SPCH1101 is designed to equip students with the foundational knowledge of typical development in childhood that is essential for practice as a speech pathologist. The course will provide a broad introduction to childhood development in the context of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (WHO ICF), which will highlight the key body structures and functions, activities, and areas of participation that are important during childhood. The course will then explore more deeply the development of speech, language, fluency, voice, literacy, hearing, play, feeding, and swallowing from birth to adolescence. We will also discuss theories of cognition, language, learning, and speech processing relevant to childhood development. This foundational knowledge will be provided in interactive online learning resources, lectures, and tutorials. Students should note that these tutorial activities are not primarily designed to provide revision of the online or lecture content. Instead, they will focus on developing students' critical thinking skills around childhood development, as well as developing students' abilities to make structured clinical observations. Visits to a childcare centre or kindergarten will provide another practical opportunity for students to develop observation and reporting skills.
Course requirements
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
SL101
Restrictions
BSpPath Students
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Dr Katelyn Melvin
Tutor
Dr Katelyn Melvin
Miss Karinna Hall
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
A detailed course outline for SPCH1101 is provided on the SPCH1101 Blackboard site. Please note that students are expected to attend all tutorials.
Aims and outcomes
This course is designed to equip students with foundational knowledge of typical development in childhood that is essential for practice as a speech pathologist. The course will provide an introduction to speech, language, fluency, voice, literacy, hearing, play, feeding and swallowing, and discuss how these skills develop from birth to adolescence. We will also discuss theories of cognition, language, learning and speech processing relevant to childhood development.ﾠ
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Describe the components of communication and swallowing in typically developing children and adolescents (SPA PS Domains 2.5, and 3.1).
LO2.
Describe the development of functional skills, including play, communication and swallowing in children and adolescents (SPA PS Domain 2.5).
LO3.
Explain the principles of observational assessments used with children and adolescents in speech pathology practice (SPA PS Domains 1.1, 2.5, 3.1, and 3.2).
LO4.
Demonstrate holistic observation, recording, and reporting skills of the communication behaviours of typically developing children and adolescents (SPA PS Domains 1.1, 1.2, 1.4, 1.5, 2.5, 2.6, 3.1, 3.2 and 3.3).
LO5.
Describe key theories of language and speech processing, fluency, learning, and cognition in children and adolescents (SPA PS Domain 2.5).
LO6.
Explore, synthesise and apply new information relating to communication and swallowing in children (SPA PS Domains 2.5, 2.6 and 3.1).
LO7.
Use effective verbal and non-verbal communication and critical reflection skills across a variety of contexts in collaboration with peers (SPA PS Domains 1.1, 1.5, 2.1, 2.2 and 2.6).
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Poster, Reflection |
Child development educational resource
|
25% |
28/03/2025 12:00 pm |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation |
Observation Report - Child Care Visits
|
40% |
9/05/2025 12:00 pm |
| Examination |
End of Semester Exam
|
35% |
End of Semester Exam Period 7/06/2025 - 21/06/2025 |
Assessment details
Child development educational resource
- Online
- Mode
- Product/ Artefact/ Multimedia, Written
- Category
- Poster, Reflection
- Weight
- 25%
- Due date
28/03/2025 12:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L02, L05, L06, L07
Task description
In this assessment, students will be required to develop an educational resource for parents/caregivers on typical communication and play development, and write a reflection on how this resource was compiled based on theories of childhood development.
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Students are advised that the use of AI technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
The task description and marking criteria will be made available on Blackboard.
Note: Your educational resource is due at the end of Week 5, Friday 28th March 2025 at 12pm. The assignment should be submitted via TurnItIn on Blackboard. You can submit your assignment to TurnItIn as many times as you like prior to the due date, but only once on the due date (this submission will be final). Please ensure you upload the correct file to TurnItIn.
Extensions can be requested for this assessment item. Please apply for an extension request via my.UQ > my.UQ Dashboard > my. Requests and provide evidence of circumstance, as soon as it becomes evident that an extension is needed, but no later than the assessment item submission date. Further information regarding what constitutes an acceptable reason for an extension is listed on the my.UQ website: Applying for an extension - my.UQ - University of Queensland
Submission guidelines
The educational resource is to be submitted through TurnItIn via Blackboard. Instructions for submitting your assignment through TurnItIn can be found at https://web.library.uq.edu.au/library-services/it/learnuq-blackboard-help/learnuq-assessment/turnitin-assignments/submit-your-turnitin-assignment.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 14 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Observation Report - Child Care Visits
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation
- Weight
- 40%
- Due date
9/05/2025 12:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L06, L07
Task description
You are required to write a report based on your observations from your childcare centre visits. The task description and marking criteria will be made available on Blackboard.
This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use AI technologies, successful completion of assessment in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance. A failure to reference AI use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct. To pass this assessment, students will be required to demonstrate detailed comprehension of their written submission independent of AI tools.
Note: Your observation report is due at the end of Week 10, Friday 9th May 2025 at 12pm. The report should be submitted via TurnItIn on Blackboard. You can submit your assignment to TurnItIn as many times as you like prior to the due date, but only once on the due date (this submission will be final). Please ensure you upload the correct file to TurnItIn.
Extensions can be requested for this assessment item. Please apply for an extension request via my.UQ > my.UQ Dashboard > my. Requests and provide evidence of circumstance, as soon as it becomes evident that an extension is needed, but no later than the assessment item submission date. Further information regarding what constitutes an acceptable reason for an extension is listed on the my.UQ website: Applying for an extension - my.UQ - University of Queensland
Submission guidelines
The report is to be submitted through TurnItIn via Blackboard. Instructions for submitting your assignment through TurnItIn can be found at https://web.library.uq.edu.au/library-services/it/learnuq-blackboard-help/learnuq-assessment/turnitin-assignments/submit-your-turnitin-assignment.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 14 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
End of Semester Exam
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 35%
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
7/06/2025 - 21/06/2025
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L06
Task description
The end-of-semester examination will assess content from your online learnings, tutorial content, and required readings, with a focus on integration of content relating to child development. This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 90 minutes |
| Calculator options | No calculators permitted |
| Open/closed book | Closed Book examination - no written materials permitted |
| Exam platform | Paper based |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Cut off Percent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) | 0 - 34 |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: A cumulative percentage from all assessment ofﾠ0-34%. |
| 2 (Fail) | 35 - 44 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: A cumulative percentage from all assessment ofﾠ35-44%. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 45 - 54 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: A cumulative percentage from all assessment ofﾠ45-54%. |
| 4 (Pass) | 55 - 64 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: A cumulative percentage from all assessment ofﾠ55-64%. |
| 5 (Credit) | 65 - 74 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: A cumulative percentage from all assessment ofﾠ65-74%. |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75 - 84 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: A cumulative percentage from all assessment ofﾠ75-84%. |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 85 - 100 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: A cumulative percentage from all assessment ofﾠ85-100%. |
Additional course grading information
Professional behaviour must be demonstrated in community childcare visits at all times.ﾠ If reports of unprofessional behaviour are received from parents or early childhood educators, the course coordiantor will meet with the student and further action will be taken as appropriate.
Final marks falling between whole percentages will be rounded to the nearest whole percentage. Tie-breaking will be conducted using the round half up method whereby half-way values are always rounded up, meaning, for example, that 89.5% and above will be rounded to 90% and 89.49% and below will be rounded down to 89%.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Additional assessment information
Use of Generative AI in Assessments
Assessment tasks in this course evaluate students' abilities, skills, and knowledge without the aid of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Students are advised that the use of AI technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Resubmission/resit of assessment items
A resit or resubmission of assessment items is not available for this course.
Deferred exams
Students may be eligible for a deferred exam if there are exceptional or unavoidable circumstances, or as a one-off discretionary request. Deferred exam requests should be submitted as soon as possible, and no later than five calendar days after the date of the original exam. Students should apply for a deferred exam if they are unable to attend tutorials to complete tutorial tasks due to exceptional or unavoidable circumstances.
Further details, including how to apply, can be found at - https://my.uq.edu.au/node/189/0#0. Please also email the Course Coordinator to advise of the deferred exam request.
Tutorial Attendance
Attendance at all tutorials is highly recommended.
Submitting assessment in Blackboard and Turnitin
When the assessment is submitted throughﾠBlackboardﾠyou will receive a confirmation page as a digital receipt.ﾠThis information will also be sent to your student e-mail account.ﾠPlease ensure you keep this email.
When the assessment is submitted throughﾠTurnitinﾠyou will receive a confirmation page displaying “Submission Complete!” and can then proceed to download your digital receiptﾠfrom yourﾠAssignment inbox.ﾠIt is suggested that you save a copy of the receipt for your personal records.
Instructions on how to submit assignments through Blackboard and Turnitin are available at:ﾠhttps://web.library.uq.edu.au/library-services/it/learnuq-blackboard-help/learnuq-assessment. Please review this information so you understand how to successfully submit your assessment items.
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.
Additional learning resources information
All learning materials (including lecture notes, tutorial resourcesﾠetc) will be uploaded to the SPCH1101 Blackboard site.
Students are encouraged to use the SPCH1101 Discussion Board linked through the eLearning Blackboard site to post any questions about course content, class activities or assessment tasks. This forum will be checked by the Course Coordinator once per week. All student questions regarding assessment will be addressed on the relevant discussion board.
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Multiple weeks From Week 1 To Week 12 |
Not Timetabled |
Online Self-Directed Learning Modules 1 SPCH1101 UQ Extend topics. These interactive, self-paced modules will cover key theoretical and practical aspects of children's communication, feeding and play development from birth to age 18. They will be completed concurrently to the interprofessional child development modules. Students are required to complete online learning activities prior to attendance and participation in the weekly tutorials. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07 |
Multiple weeks From Week 1 To Week 13 |
Lecture |
Foundation Lectures Three lectures will be held in weeks 1, 6 and 13. The first lecture will provide an overview of the components of communication, swallowing, and play. The subsequent lectures will provide a summary and revision of content covered throughout the course as well as preparation for assessment. All lectures will be delivered on campus. It is highly recommended that students attend all lectures. Lecture recordings will be made available when possible and appropriate. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07 |
Multiple weeks From Week 2 To Week 13 |
Tutorial |
Weekly On-Campus Tutorials The tutorials will incorporate inquiry based learning and small group discussions to further explore childhood development. They will also include practical activities, based on observation and assessment of children's play and communication. Tutorials have been designed for experiential learning, therefore students are expected to attend and participate in all tutorials. As students will be working in small groups during tutorials, they will not be recorded. All tutorials will be delivered on campus. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07 |
Multiple weeks From Week 3 To Week 11 |
Not Timetabled |
Online Self-Directed Learning Modules 2 Child Development: An Interprofessional Approach. These interactive, online modules have been developed to provide an interprofessional perspective on the key areas of childhood development from the ages of birth to 8 years. These are to be completed concurrently with the SPCH1101 UQ Extend topics. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07 |
Multiple weeks From Week 6 To Week 9 |
Fieldwork |
Childcare Centre Visits You will visit a child aged between 1 and 5 years at their regular childcare centre or kindergarten on two (2) separate occasions. You will organise the childcare centre visit yourself and negotiate with the childcare centre to find an appropriate child. You will report on the child's play and communication skills using a variety of informal observational assessment techniques. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04, L06 |
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments - Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.
School guidelines
Your school has additional guidelines you'll need to follow for this course: