This orientation explains the purpose of a pilot study and discusses how to conduct, report, and use the results of the study.
When do I need to conduct a pilot study?
Conduct a pilot study to determine the ASHA CEU amount for a course, or portion of a course, that is offered outside the traditional instructor-led classroom when the completion time varies from one learner to another. In other words, conduct a pilot study if ASHA CEUs are not based on seat time, viewing time, listening time or word count.
The following are examples of courses, or portions of courses, that may require pilot studies:
Self-studies or Blended courses that have the following components: technical reading that may require re-reading for comprehension; group or individual field experiences; assigned work outside the classroom (i.e., course prerequisites or follow-up activities); tests or assessments.
Note: The pilot study must be conducted within the 12 months prior to the course registration.
How do I conduct a pilot study?
How do I design a participant time log?
Do I follow the same procedures if I am piloting work outside the classroom or only selected components of a course?
Yes. Create and distribute a participant time log as described above to reflect the course components or assignments to be tracked by the pilot participants.
Are there special instructions if the self-study is a periodical (newsletter or journal)?
Yes, please note the following:
The Word Count formula found in the ASHA CEU Calculation Sheet [XLS] can be used to determine the ASHA CEU amount for each issue. If you use the Word Count formula and feel that it does not adequately reflect the time that the average reader spends reading your journal, then you have the option to conduct a pilot study.
Submit your pilot study form with the ASHA CE course registration for the piloted journal issue. Select “pilot study” as the method of ASHA CEU calculation and attach the pilot study form in the ASHA CEU calculation section of the registration form found in the “Registration and Cancellation” section of the CE Provider Portal.
Once the course has been reviewed and all CEB requirements are met, your course will be registered for ASHA CEUs. In the Course Registration Confirmation document found on the Course Overview page in the CE Provider Portal, you will see a word per minute rate for reading, learning assessment, and evaluation that you can use in future journal issues.
When you register the next issue of the journal, you should mark the method of determining ASHA CEUs as “word count” and attach a copy of Table III from the Pilot Study Form or use the box provided in the ASHA CEU calculation section of the Registration form to show your calculations using the approved word count formula for your journal.
How do I report the data received from the participant time logs?
Enter the data onto the Pilot Study Report Form [DOC]. Below is a brief synopsis of how to complete this form. More detailed instructions can be found in the CEB Manual [PDF] under Pilot Study. You may also contact your provider manager for assistance.
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Why do I have to calculate the mean, median, and mode?
Mean, median, and mode are used to ensure that the appropriate measure of central tendency is used to calculate the ASHA CEUs.
What are the course registration procedures when a pilot study is involved?
The following items must be submitted to ASHA CE at least 15 days prior to the start date of the first offering of your course:
What happens if there is a change in my product's delivery method, format, or content during the period it is registered for ASHA CEUs?
Contact your provider manager to discuss the changes. You may be required to do one or more of the following: