Utilising collaborative learning strategies with children who use AAC: A pilot online training program for...

Area of Science:

• Speech-Language Pathology
• Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)
• Special Education

Background:

• Children using AAC face challenges in peer interactions.
• Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) require specialized training for developing participation-focused activities.
• Existing training gaps hinder SLPs' ability to support AAC users' social engagement.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate a pilot online training program for SLPs.
• To assess the program's effectiveness in teaching the development of collaborative learning (CL) activities.
• To enhance participation and social interaction for children utilizing AAC.

Main Methods:

• A single-subject, multiple baseline design was employed.
• Six participants (SLPs) were divided into an initial and replication group.
• Data collected during baseline, intervention, and maintenance phases assessed CL elements in probe responses.

Main Results:

• SLPs demonstrated high accuracy (80%-90%) on multiple-choice questions about CL elements.
• The online training intervention showed a weak overall effect (Tau-U = 0.48 and 0.53).
• The training provided a foundation for SLPs to begin designing CL activities.

Conclusions:

• SLPs can acquire skills to design CL activities supporting AAC users' participation.
• The pilot program offers a starting point for improving SLP training.
• Further research is needed to optimize online training for SLPs in this area.