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Competency-based occupational standards: influences on Australian speech pathology education
1Faculty of Education and Arts, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, N.S.W., Australia. Alison.Ferguson@newcastle.edu.au
Summary
This study critically appraises competency-based occupational standards for speech pathology education in Australia. It examines their impact on curriculum design, teaching methods, and the assessment of critical thinking skills.
Area of Science:
- Speech-Language Pathology Education
- Curriculum Development
- Professional Standards
Background:
- Speech Pathology Australia established competency-based occupational standards following a national initiative.
- These standards have underpinned the accreditation of Australian speech pathology programs since 1994.
Purpose of the Study:
- To critically evaluate the influence of a competency framework on speech pathology curriculum design.
- To assess the framework's impact on content coverage and pedagogical approaches.
- To examine the alignment of competency-based learning assessment with critical thinking models.
Main Methods:
- Critical appraisal of competency-based occupational standards.
- Analysis of curricular design in speech pathology education.
- Evaluation of teaching methodologies and assessment strategies.
Main Results:
- Competency frameworks guide curriculum content and teaching strategies in speech pathology.
- Assessment methods within competency-based frameworks are analyzed for their promotion of critical thinking.
Conclusions:
- Competency-based frameworks significantly shape speech pathology education and accreditation.
- Further consideration of critical thinking assessment within these frameworks is warranted.