Effects of a Computer-Based Transcription Training on Clinicians' Accuracy in Identifying Spanish Dialectal Features:...

The current preliminary study examined the effects of a computer-based training program designed to improve the accuracy of bilingual speech-language pathology clinicians in identifying dialect-specific phonetic features and distinguishing dialectal differences from speech sound disorders across various Spanish dialects.

A single-case multiple-baseline design across six bilingual Spanish-English graduate students was employed. The training intervention utilized the Teach-Model-Coach-Review instructional framework across two modules focused on dialectal feature identification and accurate classification of dialectal differences versus disorders. Data were graphed and analyzed for the presence of a functional relation between variables. Participants also provided qualitative feedback on the program's feasibility, usability, and relevance for clinical practice.

All participants showed significant improvement from baseline to intervention in accurately identifying dialectal phonetic features (Tau-U = 1.00, p < .01) and differentiating dialectal differences from disorders (Tau-U = 1.00, p < .05). These improvements were maintained over the maintenance period. Qualitative analyses indicated that participants felt increased comfort, confidence, and clinical preparedness after training.

Findings support the efficacy of structured, computer-based dialectal training to enhance critical diagnostic skills among bilingual Spanish-English speech-language pathology clinicians by enhancing assessment accuracy and reducing the risk of misdiagnosis in Spanish-speaking clients.