Graduate Student Learning Outcomes

Sharyl Samargia-Grivette holding a paddle over a students head, looking at a computer screen that shows brain activity

Introduction

By completing the CSD program, graduate students develop knowledge and skills in five goal areas which align with the UMD Graduate School categories of learning.  Within each goal area, graduate students’ performance is assessed for achievement of the graduate student learning outcomes (GSLOs), which align with 2020 Certification Standards of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).

As part of their education, graduate students in the Communication Sciences and Disorders Graduate Program participate in assessment of their learning.  Assessment of learning is an expectation of the University of Minnesota, the Higher Learning Commission, and the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology. Composite information is used for reviewing and improving the Communication Sciences and Disorders Program.

Tracking Progress

The UMD CSD Department uses CALIPSO, a Web-based system for tracking student progress toward certification standards.  Students subscribe to CALIPSO and have 24-hour access to their progress toward meeting the standards.

Intervention Plan

If a student’s performance falls below established performance levels on a standard, the student will meet with the instructor of the course and devise a plan for learning and demonstrating knowledge and/or skills related to that standard.

Alignment of Graduate Goal Categories, Student Learning Outcomes, and Standards

Each CSD Graduate Student Learning Outcome  (GSLO) aligns with a UMD Graduate Goal Category and 2020 CFCC Certification Standards (ASHA). The following table summarizes the alignment of GSLOs with CSD MA goals and Graduate School categories of learning. Students may refer to individual course syllabi for information on the graduate student learning outcomes and standards addressed in each course.

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Category 1: Knowledge and Scholarly Information

CSD MA-1: Knowledge of Communication and Communication Disorders

Demonstrate knowledge of communication and communication disorders for clinical practice

GSLO 1: Basic Communication and Swallowing Processes: 

Demonstrates knowledge of basic human communication and swallowing processes, including the appropriate biological, neurological, acoustic, psychological, developmental, and linguistic and cultural bases, and ability to integrate information pertaining to normal and abnormal human development across the lifespan.

Alignment with CFCC 2020 Standards:
  • Standard IV-A: The applicant must have demonstrated knowledge of statistics as well as the biological, physical, and social/behavioral sciences.
  • Standard IV-B: The applicant must have demonstrated knowledge of basic human communication and swallowing processes, including the appropriate biological, neurological, acoustic, psychological, developmental, and linguistic and cultural bases. The applicant must have demonstrated the ability to integrate information pertaining to normal and abnormal human development across the lifespan.
 

GSLO 2: Speech, Language, Hearing, Communication and Swallowing Disorders and Differences:  

Demonstrates knowledge of communication and swallowing disorders and differences, including the appropriate etiologies, characteristics, anatomical/physiological, acoustic, psychological, developmental and linguistic and cultural correlates; and current knowledge of the principles and methods of prevention, assessment, and intervention in speech sound disorders, fluency and fluency disorders, voice and resonance, receptive and expressive language hearing, swallowing and feeding, cognitive aspects of communication, social aspects of communication, and augmentative and alternative communication modalities.

Alignment with CFCC 2020 Standards:
  • Standard IV-C: The applicant must have demonstrated knowledge of communication and swallowing disorders and differences, including the appropriate etiologies, characteristics, anatomical/physiological, acoustic, psychological, developmental, and linguistic and cultural correlates in the following areas:
    • Speech sound production, to encompass articulation, motor planning and execution, phonology, and accent modification
    • Fluency and fluency disorders
    • Voice and resonance, including respiration and phonation
    • Receptive and expressive language, including phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, pragmatics (language use and social aspects of communication), prelinguistic communication, paralinguistic communication (e.g., gestures, signs, body language), and literacy in speaking, listening, reading, and writing
    • Hearing, including the impact on speech and language
    • Swallowing/feeding, including (a) structure and function of orofacial myology and (b) oral, pharyngeal, laryngeal, pulmonary, esophageal, gastrointestinal, and related functions across the life span
    • Cognitive aspects of communication, including attention, memory, sequencing, problem solving, and executive functioning
    • Social aspects of communication, including challenging behavior, ineffective social skills, and lack of communication opportunities
    • Augmentative and alternative communication modalities 

Standard IV-D: For each of the areas specified in Standard IV-C, the applicant must have demonstrated current knowledge of the principles and methods of prevention, assessment, and intervention for people with communication and swallowing disorders, including consideration of anatomical/physiological, psychological, developmental, and linguistic and cultural correlates.

Category 2: Research and Methodological Skills

CSD MA 2: Research and Evidence-Based Practice

Demonstrate knowledge of principles of research and application to evidence-based practice.

GSLO 4: Research

Demonstrates knowledge of processes used in research and the integration of research principles into evidence-based clinical practice, clinical decision-making, and clinical research.

Analysis and Synthesis:  Information is thorough and balanced, integrates information from literature; relates evidence to sources for supporting conclusion.  Shows thoughtful, in-depth analysis of the topic.

Alignment with CFCC 2020 Standards:
  • Standard IV-F: The applicant must have demonstrated knowledge of processes used in research and of the integration of research principles into evidence-based clinical practice.

GSLO 5: Clinical Skills

Demonstrates evidence-based skills and current knowledge of the principles and methods of prevention, assessment and intervention for people with communication and swallowing disorders, including consideration of anatomical/physiological, psychological, developmental, and linguistic and cultural correlates.

Alignment with CFCC 2020 Standards:
  • Standard V-B: The applicant for certification must have completed a program of study that included experiences sufficient in breadth and depth to achieve the following skills outcomes: Evaluation, Intervention, Interaction and Personal Qualities

Category 3: Communication Skills

CSD MA 3: Effective Communication

Communicate effectively in academic and clinical contexts.

GSLO 6: Writing-Academic 

Demonstrates effective academic written communication sufficient for professional activities. 

Key features: 

  • Content: Information is thorough and balanced, relates evidence to sources to support conclusion.  Shows thoughtful, in-depth analysis of the topic.  Demonstrates understanding of the subject and its application. References are from peer-reviewed journals. Citations are clear and used appropriately.  Assignment is complete.
  • Style, Organization: Ideas are arranged in logical fashion and flow clearly from one to another.  Readers can follow the line of reasoning.  Tone is Professional.  Sentences are well-phrased, vary in length and structure.  Word choice is precise and accurate.
  • Mechanics: Free of errors in grammar, spelling, syntax. 
Alignment with CFCC 2020 Standards:
  • Standard V-A: The applicant must have demonstrated skills in oral and written or other forms of communication sufficient for entry into professional practice.

GSLO 7: Writing-Clinical  

Demonstrates professional clinical writing skills that support client care. 

Key features:

  • Content: All critical information is addressed (e.g., case history, test results, objectives, performance, impressions, recommendations) Thorough, objective descriptions of behavior.  Accurate interpretation of tests, performance.  Logical impressions with consideration of other influencing factors.  Sound evidence for documented results and recommendations. 
  • Style, Organization: Ideas are arranged in logical fashion and flow clearly from one to another.  Readers can follow the line of reasoning.  Tone is Professional.  Writing is concise, accurate.  Avoids excessive use of jargon, writes to the audience.
  • Mechanics: Free of errors in grammar, spelling, syntax. 
Alignment with CFCC 2020 Standards:
  • Standard V-A: The applicant must have demonstrated skills in oral and written or other forms of communication sufficient for entry into professional practice.

GSLO 8: Speaking 

Demonstrates oral communication and nonverbal communication skills sufficient for supporting professional roles. 

Key features:

  • Organization: Student presents information in logical, interesting sequence, which audience can follow
  • Content Knowledge: Student demonstrates full knowledge with explanations and elaboration
  • Verbal:  Verbal presentation consists of professional language, proper syntax and grammar.  
  • Nonverbal: Uses and comprehends nonverbal communication to appropriately augment professional activity.
  • Delivery and Professionalism The student used a clear voice and correct precise pronunciation of terms. Confident, professional appearance and demeanor.  Appropriate balance of listening to speaking relative to the purpose of the interaction (i.e., presentation v. dialogue)
Alignment with CFCC 2020 Standards:
  • Standard V-A: The applicant must have demonstrated skills in oral and written or other forms of communication sufficient for entry into professional practice.

Catergory 4: Leadership and Colaborative Skills

CSD MA 4: Professionalism

Assumes a professional level of responsibility and initiative in completing all academic and clinical requirements.

GSLO 3:  Ethical Conduct: Contemporary Professional Issues: 

Demonstrates knowledge of standards of ethical professional conduct and professional issues related to entry level and advanced certifications, licensure, and other relevant professional credentials, as well as local, state, and national regulations and policies relevant to professional practice.

Alignment with CFCC 2020 Standards:
  • Standard IV-E: The applicant must have demonstrated knowledge of standards of ethical conduct.
  • Standard IV-G: The applicant must have demonstrated knowledge of contemporary professional issues.
  • Standard IV-H: The applicant must have demonstrated knowledge of entry level and advanced certifications, licensure, and other relevant professional credentials, as well as local, state, and national regulations and policies relevant to professional practice.

GSLO 9:  Self-Evaluation of Clinical Skills and Processes: 

Demonstrates ability to engage in ongoing self-assessment of knowledge and skills to improve effectiveness in delivery of services.

Alignment with CFCC 2020 Standards:
  • Standard II: All graduate coursework and graduate clinical experience required in speech-language pathology must have been initiated and completed in a speech-language pathology program accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA).  
  • As part of their graduate education, students will use reflective practices as one form of demonstrating professional competencies in clinical practice, to include accountability, effective communication skills, evidence-based practice, and professional duty.

Category 5: Global Context Formtion of the Field and Intercultural Competence

CSD MA 5: Cultural Competence

Demonstrates cultural competence in clinical practice.

GSLO 1: Basic Communication and Swallowing Processes: 

Demonstrates knowledge of basic human communication and swallowing processes, including the appropriate biological, neurological, acoustic, psychological, developmental, and linguistic and cultural bases; and ability to integrate information pertaining to normal and abnormal human development across the lifespan.

Alignment with CFCC 2020 Standards:
  • Standard IV-B: The applicant must have demonstrated knowledge of basic human communication and swallowing processes, including the appropriate biological, neurological, acoustic, psychological, developmental, and linguistic and cultural bases. The applicant must have demonstrated the ability to integrate information pertaining to normal and abnormal human development across the lifespan.

GSLO 2: Speech, Language, Hearing, Communication and Swallowing Disorders and Differences: 

Demonstrates knowledge of communication and swallowing disorders and differences, including the appropriate etiologies, characteristics, anatomical/physiological, acoustic, psychological, developmental and linguistic and cultural correlates; and current knowledge of the principles and methods of prevention, assessment, and intervention in speech sound disorders, fluency and fluency disorders, voice and resonance, receptive and expressive language hearing, swallowing and feeding, cognitive aspects of communication, social aspects of communication, and augmentative and alternative communication modalities.

  • Standard IV-C: The applicant must have demonstrated knowledge of communication and swallowing disorders and differences, including the appropriate etiologies, characteristics, anatomical/physiological, acoustic, psychological, developmental, and linguistic and cultural correlates in the following areas:
    • Speech sound production, to encompass articulation, motor planning and execution, phonology, and accent modification;
    • Fluency and fluency disorders;
    • Voice and resonance, including respiration and phonation;
    • Receptive and expressive language, including phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, pragmatics (language use and social aspects of communication), prelinguistic communication, paralinguistic communication (e.g., gestures, signs, body language), and literacy in speaking, listening, reading, and writing;
    • Hearing, including the impact on speech and language;
    • Swallowing/feeding, including (a) structure and function of orofacial myology and (b) oral, pharyngeal, laryngeal, pulmonary, esophageal, gastrointestinal, and related functions across the life span;
    • Cognitive aspects of communication, including attention, memory, sequencing, problem solving, and executive functioning;
    • Social aspects of communication, including challenging behavior, ineffective social skills, and lack of communication opportunities; 
    • Augmentative and alternative communication modalities 
  • Standard IV-D: For each of the areas specified in Standard IV-C, the applicant must have demonstrated current knowledge of the principles and methods of prevention, assessment, and intervention for people with communication and swallowing disorders, including consideration of anatomical/physiological, psychological, developmental, and linguistic and cultural correlates.

For more information about learning standards, visit the ASHA Certification Standards or University of Minnesota Duluth Program Assessment.