As part of their education, undergraduate students in Communication Sciences and Disorders participate in assessment of their learning. CSD students' performance is assessed for achievement CSD Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs) that align with University-level learning outcomes.
Composite information is used for reviewing and improving the Communication Sciences and Disorders Program. Students may refer to individual course syllabi for information on the learning outcomes addressed in each course.
By completing the CSD undergraduate program at UMD, students address the following program student learning outcomes (SLOs):
UMD Goal Areas
Knowledge
UMD SLO 1:
Demonstrate competence in a major field.
CSD SLO-1 Basic Communication Processes:
Undergraduates will demonstrate knowledge of the basic human communication process, including the biological, neurological, acoustic, psychological, developmental, and linguistic and cultural basis.
CSD SLO-2 Communication Disorders:
Undergraduates will demonstrate knowledge of the etiologies, characteristics and anatomical/physiological, acoustic psychological, developmental, linguistic and cultural correlates of articulation, phonology, language, hearing, and fluency disorders.
Thinking
UMD SLO 3:
Think critically and creatively in seeking solutions to practical and theoretical problems.
CSD SLO-3 Foundations of Treatment:
Undergraduates will demonstrate the basic foundations of treatment of communication disorders including prevention, evaluation, and intervention.
Social Responsibility
UMD SLO 4:
Use ethical reasoning to make informed and principled choices.
CSD SLO-6: Ethics:
Undergraduates will demonstrate standards of ethical conduct.
Relationships
UMD SLO 6:
Communicate effectively through writing and speaking and interpersonal and group interactions.
CSD SLO-4 Writing:
Undergraduates will demonstrate organized and professional writing skills for academic and clinical situations: organization, technical skills, audience and purpose.
CSD SLO-5: Speaking:
Undergraduates will demonstrate speaking skills necessary for professional oral communication: organization, technical skills, audience and purpose.
Diversity
UMD SLO 7:
Apply understanding of cultural differences in diverse environments.
CSD SLO-7 Cultural Awareness:
Undergraduates will demonstrate multicultural sensitivity in the discipline of human communication sciences and disorders.
In addition to aligning with university-level student learning goals and outcomes, CSD student learning outcomes align with standards of the American Speech Language Hearing Association (ASHA). ASHA is the national professional certifying organization of audiologists and speech-language pathologists.
The UMD CSD Department uses CALIPSO, a web-based system for tracking student progress toward student learning objectives and certification standards. Students subscribe to CALIPSO and have 24-hour access to their progress toward meeting the learning outcomes and standards.
For More information about learning outcomes, visit University of Minnesota Duluth VCAA Assessment or ASHA Certification Standards