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Course profile

Professional Practice & Person-Centred Communication Skills (SPCH7131)

Study period
Summer 2024
Location
St Lucia
Attendance mode
In Person

Course overview

Study period
Summer Semester, 2024 (25/11/2024 - 08/02/2025)
Study level
Postgraduate Coursework
Location
St Lucia
Attendance mode
In Person
Units
2
Administrative campus
St Lucia
Coordinating unit
Health & Rehab Sci School

This foundation course provides students with an introduction to the profession of speech pathology. Topics included relate to ethical practice, professional conduct, self-reflection and lifelong learning and communication. Students are introduced to person and family centredness, the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health, the principles of cultural and linguistic responsiveness and inter-professionalism.

Welcome to SPCH7131 and the Master of Speech Pathology Studies program! In SPCH7131, students will begin their journey towards becoming practicing speech pathologists. This foundation-level course provides students with an introduction toᅠthe profession of speech pathology. This course is presented in three modules: (1) the role of a speech pathologist; (2) person- and family-centred care; and (3) working with children and adults across the lifespan. Learning activities will explore the professional role, conduct, and communication skills of a speech pathologist, with a focus on self-reflection and lifelong learning, cultural and linguistic responsiveness, person- and family-centred care, and interprofessional practice. Students will also explore the typical communication and swallowing skills of children and adults across the lifespan.


In this course, students will independently engage with online learning resources while having authentic learning experiences with peers and teaching staff in weekly tutorials which will involve participation in inquiry-based learning activities. Students will have more flexibility to learn, but the associated workload is expected to be similar to a traditional course.

Course requirements

Restrictions

MSpPathSt students only

Course contact

Course staff

Course coordinator

Lecturer

Tutor

Timetable

The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.

Additional timetable information

A detailed course outline for SPCH7131 is provided on the SPCH7131 Blackboard site. Please note that students are expected to attend all tutorials as due to the nature of the learning activities, these tutorials are not able to be recorded.ᅠ

Aims and outcomes

In this course students will begin their journey to becoming a practising speech pathologist and is divided into two modules: (1) the role of a speech pathologist; and (2) the application of person- and family-centred care in speech pathology practice.

This foundation level course provides students with an introduction to the speech pathology profession.

The course focuses on the professional role, conduct and communication skills of speech pathologists, with a focus on self-reflection and lifelong learning, cultural and linguistic responsiveness, person- and family-centred care, and interprofessional practice. In this course students are introduced to Speech Pathology Australia's Professional Standards for Speech Pathologists in Australia (2020) and Speech Pathology Australia's Code of Ethics (2020), two documents that guide speech pathologists in their professional role.

In this course students will independently engage with online learning resources while having authentic learning experiences with peers and teaching staff in weekly tutorials which will involve participation in independent, small group and large group inquiry-based learning activities. Students will have more flexibility to learn but it is expected that the associated workload is similar to a traditional course.

Learning outcomes

After successfully completing this course you should be able to:

LO1.

Demonstrate foundation knowledge relating to the standards of professional speech pathology practice, ethics, reflective practice and life-long learning.

(SPA PS Domains/Standards 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7 and 3.1; SPA Code of Ethics)

LO2.

Describe and apply the principles of person and family centred care, evidence-based practice, inter-professional practice and the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (2001) to speech pathology practice.

(SPA PS Domains/Standards 1.1, 1.4, 1.6, 2.2, 2.5, 2.6 and 3.1) 

LO3.

Describe the professional role of a speech pathologist and the diverse settings and multicultural contexts in which they operate.

(SPA PS Domains/Standards 1.4, 1.6, 1.7, 2.1, 2.2, 2.6 and 3.1) 

LO4.

Explain the principles of culturally responsive practice with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities.

(SPA PS Domains/Standards 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 2.1, 2.5, 2.6 and 3.1)

LO5.

Explain the principles of cultural and linguistic responsiveness as relating to speech pathology practice.

(SPA PS Domains/Standards 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 2.1, 2.5, 2.6 and 3.1)

LO6.

Describe the principles of evidence-based practice as applied in the speech pathology clinical setting.

 (SPA PS Domains/Standards 1.1 and 2.5)

LO7.

Demonstrate professional communication and interpersonal skills that appropriately reflect the context.

(SPA PS Domains/Standards 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 2.1, 2.2 and 3.1)

LO8.

Demonstrate professional communication and interpersonal skills that appropriately reflect the context and facilitate effective teamwork in professional teams.

(SPA PS Domains/Standards 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 2.1, 2.2 and 3.1)

Assessment

Assessment summary

Category Assessment task Weight Due date
Reflection Reflective Practice Portfolio
  • Online
20%

3/12/2024 - 21/01/2025

Each reflection is due at 4pm on the day after the relevant IBL tutorial.

Product/ Design Communication and Swallowing Disorders Multimedia Resource
  • Team or group-based
  • Online
30%

20/12/2024 1:00 pm

Examination End of Semester Examination
  • Hurdle
  • Identity Verified
  • In-person
50% MUST PASS

End of Semester Exam Period

1/02/2025 - 8/02/2025

A hurdle is an assessment requirement that must be satisfied in order to receive a specific grade for the course. Check the assessment details for more information about hurdle requirements.

Assessment details

Reflective Practice Portfolio

  • Online
Mode
Written
Category
Reflection
Weight
20%
Due date

3/12/2024 - 21/01/2025

Each reflection is due at 4pm on the day after the relevant IBL tutorial.

Other conditions
Peer assessed.

See the conditions definitions

Task description

This assessment focuses on the development of your reflective practice and lifelong learning skills, which underpins excellence in speech pathology practice.


Students are required to submit a Professional Practice Reflection Portfolio consisting of five (5) structured reflective tasks using the 5R Reflective Framework to facilitate the development of these skills. These reflections will be informed by the topics and learning objectives addressed within the SPCH7131 online learning activities and IBL tutorials. Each reflection is due at 4pm on the day after the relevant IBL tutorial. The first reflection is a formative reflection which will be peer marked, and each subsequent reflection is worth 5% (total 20%), with a word limit of 400 words. 


This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative 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.

Submission guidelines

Submit via Anthology (links in assessment folder on SPCH7131 Blackboard site).

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.

Communication and Swallowing Disorders Multimedia Resource

  • Team or group-based
  • Online
Mode
Product/ Artefact/ Multimedia
Category
Product/ Design
Weight
30%
Due date

20/12/2024 1:00 pm

Task description

In this group assessment, students will research one of the common communication and swallowing disorders seen in speech pathology practice and produce:

(1) a 15-minute video summarising the key features of this disorder and the role of a speech pathologist in supporting clients with this disorder; and

(2) a 1-page (A4 size) educational resource suitable for a reader who is unfamiliar with the topic area.


The group must identify:

1) the target audience for the developed resource, for example parent of child, adult with communication or swallowing disorder, family member, inter-professional colleague, and

2) provide a brief rationale (i.e., maximum of 200 words) for why the target audience was chosen.

Submission guidelines

Submission via the SPCH7131 Blackboard site.

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 Examination

  • Hurdle
  • Identity Verified
  • In-person
Mode
Written
Category
Examination
Weight
50% MUST PASS
Due date

End of Semester Exam Period

1/02/2025 - 8/02/2025

Task description

The end of semester examination will assess content from your online learnings and tutorials from all weeks of the semester. The exam will consist of multiple short answer and case-based questions.

Hurdle requirements

This end of semester examination must be passed to obtain a passing grade for SPCH7131.

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 of 0 - 34%.

2 (Fail) 35 - 44

Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: A cumulative percentage from all assessment of 35ᅠ- 44%.

3 (Marginal Fail) 45 - 54

Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes

Course grade description: A cumulative percentage from all assessment of 45ᅠ- 54%. A grade of 3 will be awarded to a studnet who achieves a final mark of 55% or higher but who does not pass the 'must-pass' assessment item noted above.

4 (Pass) 55 - 64

Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: A cumulative percentage from all assessment of 55ᅠ- 64% and has passed the 'must pass' assessment item noted above.

5 (Credit) 65 - 74

Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: A cumulative percentage from all assessment of 65ᅠ- 74%ᅠandᅠhas passed the 'must pass' assessment item noted above.

6 (Distinction) 75 - 84

Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: A cumulative percentage from all assessment of 75ᅠ- 84%ᅠandᅠhas passed the 'must pass' assessment item noted above.

7 (High Distinction) 85 - 100

Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: A cumulative percentage from all assessment of 85ᅠ- 100%ᅠandᅠhas passed the 'must pass' assessment item noted above.

Additional course grading information

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% will be rounded up to 90% and 89.49% will be rounded down to 89%.


IMPORTANT NOTE: The end of semester examination is a 'must pass' assessment item for this cousre. You must pass this assessment item to pass the course overall, i.e., even if your final percentage mark is 55% or higher, the individual 'must pass' assessment item must also have been passed.

Supplementary assessment

Supplementary assessment is available for this course.

Additional assessment information

Resubmission/Resit of Assessment Items

No resits or resubmissions of assessment items are available for this course.


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.


Tutorial and Simulated Learning Activities Assessment

Attendance at all tutorials and simulated learning activities is expected in order to achieve the learning outcomes for this course.


Submitting assessment in Blackboard and Turnitin

When assessment is submitted through Blackboardᅠyou will receive a confirmation page as a digital receipt. This information will also be sent to your student e-mail account. Please ensure you keep this email.

When assessment is submitted through Turnitinᅠyou will receive a confirmation page displaying “Submission Complete!” and can then proceed to download your digital receipt from 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: https://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

Library resources are available on the UQ Library website.

Additional learning resources information

All learning materials (including tutorial information and UQ Extend online self-directed learning modules) will be linked to the SPCH7131ᅠBlackboard site.


Students are encouraged to use the SPCH7131ᅠEd Discussion Board on the course Blackboard site to post any questions about course content, tutorialᅠactivities, or assessment tasks. The Discussion Board will be checked by the Course Coordinator at least once a week during the semester. 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.

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Learning period Activity type Topic
Not scheduled
Not Timetabled

Online Self-Directed Learning Modules

Students are required to complete online learning activities prior to attendance and participation in the weekly tutorials.

Multiple weeks
Tutorial

Weekly On-Campus Tutorials

Students will participate in twice-weekly tutorials with a focus on inquiry-based learning.

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:

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: