Student perceptions of three online simulation-based learning experiences embedded within graduate stuttering...

Area of Science:

• Speech-Language Pathology
• Medical Simulation
• Online Education

Background:

• Simulated patients are established tools in healthcare training.
• Research supports simulation-based learning for speech-language pathology (SLP) graduate students.
• This study focuses on online simulations for a graduate stuttering course.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore graduate SLP students' perceptions of online simulation-based learning experiences.
• To assess the impact of these simulations on students' preparedness and confidence in working with clients who stutter.
• To evaluate simulations involving simulated caregivers of children who stutter and adults who stutter.

Main Methods:

• Two cohorts of graduate SLP students participated.
• Three online simulations (via Zoom) were developed and delivered.
• Student perceptions were gathered through surveys (demographic, post-simulation, post-experience) and analyzed using descriptive statistics and non-parametric tests.

Main Results:

• 32% of eligible students completed surveys (28 out of 88).
• Students reported positive experiences across all three simulations.
• Increased comfortability with similar clients and a positive correlation between simulation realism/preparedness and confidence were observed.

Conclusions:

• Online simulation-based learning with standardized patients is valuable for graduate SLP stuttering courses.
• These experiences enhance student comfort in working with caregivers of preschool-aged children who stutter.
• Students reported increased confidence in assessing and treating adults who stutter.