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Selected ASHA Leader Articles

Audiology Education

Cochlea Under Construction
AuD students at the University of South Dakota embarked on a multi-modal educational exploration of the anatomy and physiology of the auditory system in the fall of 2010. The final project for the course was a group task that required students to design, develop, and build a model of the human cochlea that could accurately demonstrate the anatomy and physiology of the system.

Simulated Patients Enhance Clinical Education
Vanderbilt University's patient simulation has harnessed the concept of problem-based learning. By suspending their disbelief while practicing clinical skills, students have the opportunity to hone their diagnostic and counseling skills in a risk-free clinical environment.

Emerging Clinical Practices Identified
ASHA developed tools and applied a systematic process to identify emerging areas of practice to help members to guide clinical practice, support professional education and development, inform advocacy, and spur needed research.

California Consortium Serves as Model for Audiology Clinical Doctoral Programs
The San Diego State University and the University of California San Diego have joined forces to form the first AuD program in California, a consortium that serves as a model for other programs.

Emerging Models of AuD-to-PhD Education
Learn about three enrollment models designed to bridge AuD-to-PhD education-sequential, simultaneous, and dual-track-and the future directions for doctoral education.

Core Audiology Education Considered
Participants at a recent summit on audiology education sketched a blueprint for the profession's future, drawing on the wisdom of key players.

Using Cadavers for Teaching Anatomy of the Speech and Hearing Mechanisms
A thorough understanding of the human anatomy through the accurate portrayal of speech and hearing structures should be enhanced by continuing or initiating the use of cadaver dissection.

Vanderbilt Education Program Unites Disciplines
Vanderbilt University has started a unique program that will conduct joint training for speech-language pathologists, audiologists, and deaf educators to serve children with hearing loss.

New Models for Professional Education
In the second of a two-part series, new models for a provider continuum and externship sites are explored.

Connecting Culture and Community
Washington State University has stepped beyond traditional institutional boundaries to build partnerships with northwest tribes.

The Basics of Supervision
A guide to supervision for graduate students and clinical supervisors to foster knowledge and skills for practice.

Careers in Higher Education

Academia: "Always Something New and Different"
This University of Nebraska professor initially rejected the career path that ultimately brought her fulfillment.

On Being a Professor
Being a professor involves a constellation of professional responsibilities.

The Language of Success
Gerald Siegel reflects on his career as a clinician, teacher, administrator, and research in the field of speech-language pathology.

Climbing the Academic Ladder
We need to inform graduate students and professionals about the advantages of choosing a career in academic and prepare them to progress through the ranks to tenure.

Clinical-Research Integration

Deciphering Single-Subject Research Design and Autism Spectrum Disorders
The number of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders has risen at an astonishing rate over the past decade. As the number of cases continues to increase, it is imperative that speech-language pathologists read and understand the most current research available on this growing population.

Strategic Planning in CSD Programs: The San Francisco State Example
At San Francisco State University, the process of strategic planning was difficult, yet the results achieved were inspiring and rewarding.

Integrating Clinical and Research Viewpoints Into Graduate Education
At issue is how much interest is place on differences between clinical and research educators and how well we integrate information across the curriculum.

Back to the Basics: Reading Research Literature
Staying abreast of clinically relevant research is especially important in the current health care climate-here's how to get the most out of a research study.

A Clinician-Researcher Partnership
Cross-discipline collaborations have existed in school settings for years, but building partnerships between clinicians and researchers is a relatively new initiative within the ASHA community. Read about how one such partnership benefited middle school students.

Make Research Methods an Integral Part of Your Clinical Practice
There is a great need and potential for the application of research to clinical practice.

Successful Collaborations: Clinicians and Researchers
This feature article is the first of two, and examines the reasons and benefits in forming collaborative partnerships between clinicians and researchers.

Successful Collaborations: Research in the Field
This is the second of two articles on the benefits of collaboration between school-based clinicians and university-based researchers.

Evidence-Based Practice: The Marriage of Research and Clinical Services
When clinicians use and contribute to evidence-based practices, the marriage of research and clinical practice should enjoy a long and happy life.

Basic Research in Speech Science-Speech-Language Pathology
Learn about state-of-the-art basic science research that may be incorporated into effective clinical practice.

Advances in the Hearing Sciences: Current Research and Clinical Applications
Review current reserach in the hearing sciences that is especially notable for its relevance to the clinical setting.

Evidence-Based Practice

Clarifying Our Terminology
Moving the discipline forward by defining terms and sharing data.

EI Outcomes Forum Launched to Explore Data Collection
ASHA's National Center for Evidence-Based Practice in Communication Disorders seeks clinician feedback on four early intervention treatment outcomes questions.

The State of the Evidence
ASHA has launched a level of evidence system for communication sciences and disorders.

Survey Tests Members' Understanding of Evidence-Based Practice
An ASHA survey which showed that members could identify evidence-based practice but that there were barriers to implementation.

Evidence-Based Practice Planning Addresses Member Needs, Skills
Over the next year, ASHA members will be introduced to the basic principles of EBP and provided with the necessary support and tools to assist them.

Evidence-Based Practice: Myths and Realities
Evidence-based practice offers a framework and a set of tools by which to improve our efforts to be better clinicians, colleagues, and investigators.

Levels of Evidence
The evidence in evidence-based practice may take many forms-from expert opinion to meta-analysis-each with a different level of evidence.

Evidence-Based Practice in AAC
Ten points to consider when implementing evidence-based practice in the area of augmentative and alternative communication.

Pedagogy

Getting to the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning: Professional Development in University Faculty
Although requirements for continuing education for our clinical knowledge are clearly delineated by ASHA, for college instructors continuous improvement in teaching is less straightforward, as it is not governed by any professional organization.

The Joy and Responsibility of Teaching Well
For some instructors the joy of teaching is gone or never existed. Although the academic community is taking steps to improve the experience and outcome of teaching in higher education, we could be doing more.

Project Success: Assuring College Students With Disabilities a Quality Higher Education
Find out how disabilities affect college students in communication sciences and disorders and key considerations in responding to the needs of these students.

Multicultural Issues in Academic and Clinical Education: A Cultural Mosaic
Academic programs are required to include multicultural content in their curricula. Meet the challenge with these strategies.

PhD Education

Inspiring the Next Generation of Teacher-Scholars
ASHA introduced the Students Preparing for Academic and Research Careers (SPARC) in 2004, a mentoring program named for the spark of inspiration it was designed to provide for undergraduate and graduate students pursuing research-oriented careers. The program was one of several responses to the shortage of PhD-level scholars in communication sciences and disorders, and Rupal Patel from Northeastern University thinks it's hit the mark.

Making the Decision and Applying
Critical considerations in deciding to pursue a doctorate include selecting a school, finding funding, and enlisting family support.

From Program Completion to Dissertation Defense
Advice for completing the coursework, the comprehensive exams, and the dissertation.

An Innovative Approach to the PhD Shortage: Wichita State University Offers Grants, Forms Partnership with Fort Hays State University
In response to the doctoral shortage in communication sciences and disorders, Wichita State University and Fort Hays State University have found a new way attract PhD-level faculty and students.

Competition Spurs Enhanced Doctoral Training Opportunities
The University of Cincinnati received a grant through an ASHA-sponsored competition for innovative academic programs to recruit and educate doctoral students who will enter academia.

Getting Your PhD
Gain an overview of the journey from a doctoral student to a professor.

In Search of Teacher/Scholars
Consortia of educational institutions can provide students with a wide range of research, expertise and opportunities.

Where Have All the PhDs Gone?
The doctoral shortage crisis is creating a ripple effect that is being felt throughout the disciplines. But a new joint effort between ASHA and the Council on Academic Affairs in Communication Sciences and Disorders holds promise for a solution.

Funding a PhD Education
Explore different funding sources available to PhD students and the level of financial support provided.

Research

2011 Research Conference: Lessons for Success for Emerging Scientists
ASHA's ninth annual "Lessons for Success: Developing the Emerging Scientist," held in April, brought together 32 junior and 15 senior scientists in the field of communication sciences and disorders to enhance knowledge and skills in grant preparation, development and management of competitive research programs, and professional research competencies.

Speaking Out on the Post-Doctoral Experience
Five current and former post-doctoral fellows share the value of completing a post-doctoral fellowship.

International Research Collaborations (Part 1)
Among the many challenges facing the discipline, the critical need to advance practice-based research stands out. The potential to advance clinical knowledge through international research collaborations is extraordinary.

International Research Collaborations (Part 2)
As researchers collaborate across international boundaries, two key questions emerge: Which agency has oversight responsibilities for international research? How do investigators carry out their study when the research culture differs in various countries? These articles illustrate the preparation and intercultural cooperation needed for international research collaboration.

Translational Neuroscience: An Introduction
Translational neuroscience is the enterprise of observing, manipulating, measuring, and inferring how the brain gets its job done.

Ethnographic and Sociolinguistic Aspects of Communication: Research-Praxis Relationships
Ethnography and sociolinguistics may enhance our understanding of the multiple factors required for effective communication, such as linguistic, cultural, cognitive, and neurological variables.

Interpretation of Correlation
Explores one of the most fundamental quantitative methods that is simple to implement, but subject to common misunderstandings.

The Importance of Effect Sizes in the Interpretation of Research
Researchers need to report study findings in a manner that is meaningful to their clinical audience, and clinicians need to evaluate the importance and relevance of research findings to their practice.

Primer on Research: An Introduction
This "Primer on Research" series of articles will describe basic concepts in research and their applications in the speech, language, and hearing sciences.

Primer on Research: Developing a Research Question
The formulation of a research question is more difficult than it first appears.

HIPAA: Impact on Research Practices
Research that uses protected health information must adhere to both HIPAA's privacy rule and the Department of Health and Human Service's Common Rule.

An Introduction to Clinical Trials
Clinical trials are the gateway through which new diagnostic tests and new treatment pass in becoming the professional tools of clinicians.

Using Ethnography to Develop Cultural Sensitivity
Ethnographic research helped students move beyond gaining a general awareness of a culture to gaining cultural sensitivity.

Basic Research in Speech Science-Speech-Language Pathology
Learn about state-of-the-art basic science research that may be incorporated into effective clinical practice.

Understanding Copyright Law
One cannot steal "words," but one can steal another person's ideas and "creative forms of expression." Learn about copyright law and its application.

Ethics and Research
The consequence of violations of research ethics can be far-reaching. Adherence to high research ethics standards is essential if we are to trust the science that underpins all that we do.

Qualitative Research in Communication Disorders
Learn about qualitative research traditions that seek to describe social phenomena in their natural settings and interpret findings.

Speech-Language Pathology Education

New U.S.-Brazil Program in Communication Disorders
Students on two continents are participating in a new, innovative program designed to promote research into communication disorders across languages and cultures.

Clinical Doctorate in Speech-Language Pathology
Since the 1980s, the knowledge and skills necessary to prepare SLPs equally in all areas of practice have grown not only deeper, but also exponentially broader, without a parallel growth in required educational preparation. Is the new doctor of clinical science program at the University of Pittsburgh the answer?

Monolingual Supervision of Bilingual Student Clinicians: Challenges and Opportunities
Many challenges and opportunities arise when a client and a student clinician share a language not spoken by the clinical educator who supervises the student clinician. Can a clinical educator meet the needs of both the student clinician and the client when supervising clinical interactions in a language he/she does not speak or understand?

Generational Issues in Supervision and Administration
Misunderstandings, unspoken attitudes and assumptions, and conflict could easily arise from the generational and age differences in all supervisional overlapping relationships, with the potential of creating uncomfortable situations.

Students Respond to Caregivers
Students in an introductory speech class gain an important perspective to treating patients with speech disorders.

Kids Write and Create: A Service Learning Project in North Philadelphia
A service learning project out of Temple University in Philadelphia helps school-aged students take the first important steps toward literacy.

On the Front Lines of Multiculturalism
Two visionary programs that have emerged to train speech-language pathologists to provide services for culturally and linguistically diverse students.

Ohio, Oklahoma, and Texas Model Student Advocacy
Students in three states are building the foundation for an expanded dynamic and effective grassroots advocacy force.

A Look at Supervision in the 21st Century
Whether you are already a supervisor or hoping to become one, you can hone your skills by developing familiarity with the literature and the supervisory process.

Return to a Chinese Orphanage: Collaboration Helps Children with Communication Disorders
After adopting a daughter from China, the author returns to an orphanage to offer communication training for caregivers.

Making the Bilingual Connection: Students from North Carolina Receive Multicultural Training
Students from North Carolina receive multicultural training in Veracruz providing clinical services and completing graduate research project.

Student SLPs Work and Learn in Bolivia
In helping students develop cultural sensitivity, Teachers College of Columbia University developed a program in which speech-language pathology master's students spend a month in Bolivia.

Panelists Share Skills for the Future
At the recent SLP Summit, a panel of presenters considered the changing demands of future work settings to create a picture of clinicians who will be ideally prepared to meet those demands.

Looking Back and to the Future of Professional Education in Speech-Language Pathology
The Speech-Language Pathology Summit marked the beginning of a national discussion about the past and future of speech-language pathology education.

American Indian Stories Enrich Intervention
Students from Washington State University are integrating the oral storytelling tradition-one of the richest cultural resources in American Indian culture-with evidence-based practice to create an early intervention program for children with hearing loss.

Closing the Gap in Treatment of Severe Disabilities and Autism
An innovative on-site and online program at Western Carolina University has offered intensive training to graduate students and speech-language pathologists across the country to prepare them to treat severe disabilities and autism.

New Models for Professional Education
In the second of a two-part series, new models for a provider continuum and externship sites are explored.

Connecting Culture and Community
Washington State University has stepped beyond traditional institutional boundaries to build partnerships with northwest tribes.

The Basics of Supervision
A guide to supervision for graduate students and clinical supervisors to foster knowledge and skills for practice.

Ohio Clinicians To Launch a National Web Resource for Genetics Education
A national Web resource on genetics education will soon be available to speech-language pathology and audiology students and faculty, thanks to the efforts of clinicians in Ohio.

Opening Doors for Future Clinicians
Longwood University in Virginia is one of the nation's first academic programs to offer an online prerequisite program for graduate study for students from other disciplines.

Mentoring the Next Generation
A mentoring program for disadvantaged youth has inspired at least one person to enter the field of speech-language pathology.

Teaching With Technology

Re-engineering Teaching and Learning Practices
Rapid advances in technology have resulted in educational opportunities beyond the walls of the traditional university, including distributed and experiential learning.

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