96121 Stuttering
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Subject handbook information prior to 2025 is available in the Archives.
Credit points: 6 cp
Result type: Grade and marks
Requisite(s): 96119 Research Design in Speech Pathology AND 96120 Augmentative and Alternative Communication AND 96124 Swallowing Disorders AND 96122 Speech Pathology Clinical Practice 1
There are course requisites for this subject. See access conditions.
Description
Students learn about stuttering in children and adults, assessment and intervention, psychosocial impacts, and stuttering management across the lifespan. They learn to identify and describe stuttering in preschool children, school-aged children, and adults, using appropriate measures for severity, speech naturalness, and anxiety. Using case-based inquiry and simulated learning experiences, this subject prepares students for 96129 Integrated Practice in Speech Pathology and 96130 Speech Pathology Clinical Placement 3.
Subject learning objectives (SLOs)
| 12. | Appropriately refer clients to applicable services for the management of conditions that are outside the speech pathology scope of practice. |
|---|---|
| 14. | Identify and respond to wide variety of environmental factors that impact on speech pathology assessment or intervention and affect communication or swallowing. |
| 15. | Identify the nature and impact of transitions over the life-course on children’s, adolescents’, and older adults’ communication and swallowing. |
| 16. | Enact the principles and techniques of counselling, motivational interviewing, active listening, and reflective practice in speech pathology. |
| 17. | Integrate knowledge of a client’s communication or swallowing disability with other factors affecting their management. |
| 19. | Identify and respond to the primary concerns of clients and their supporters (e.g., family members, significant others, key stakeholders). |
| 21. | Select and administer the most suitable assessment procedures. |
| 24. | Integrate and apply knowledge of the relevant known genetic, anatomical, and neuro-anatomical body structures and functions involved in or impacting on cognition, communication, and swallowing; and the interaction of these with other body structures and functions. |
| 29. | Communicate the prognosis and sequelae of the client’s diagnosed condition. |
| 37. | Explain the evidence base for the client’s recommended approach or intervention. |
| 64. | Search for, locate, and identify research and related literature (e.g., clinical guidance documents, policy statements, laws and rules) relevant to the field of speech pathology. |
| 68. | Demonstrate proficiency in using information and communication technologies for professional purposes in speech pathology. |
Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)
The learning outcomes for this subject are as follows:
- Practice as entry-level speech pathologists in the assessment, treatment and management of communication and swallowing disorders across the lifespan. (1.1)
- Apply the bio-psycho-social model of health and disability, as reflected in the World Health Organisation's International Classification of Function, Disability and Health; and integrate health and disability systems and concerns into their clinical practice. (1.2)
- Apply the design elements of research; analyse and synthesise literature; identify gaps in the literature; and be able to contribute to new research in the field of speech pathology. (2.2)
- Communicate effectively in both face-to-face and online interactions in their professional practice; and present accessible information with clarity to a variety of audiences. (3.2)
Contribution to the development of graduate attributes
Stuttering is a core knowledge subject in the Master of Speech Pathology program. This subject aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills to work within a core area-of-practice in Speech Pathology – the assessment, treatment and management of stuttering in children and adults.
This subject contributes to the development of the following graduate attributes:
Practice ready
Graduates of the Master of Speech Pathology are knowledgeable, practice-ready, entry-level clinicians. They are competent in the assessment, treatment, and management of communication and swallowing disorders across the lifespan as both independent and collaborative practitioners.
In this subject students acquire the knowledge and skills to undertake the clinical management of children and adults who stutter.
Evidence-Based
Graduates of the Master of Speech Pathology are evidence-based practitioners who embrace the continual pursuit of knowledge. They make decisions that are informed by the latest research, practitioner expertise, client values, and the context of the decisions. Graduates use contemporary digital health technologies and are ready to draw upon the evidence base to contribute to the user-centred co-design of technological advances in the field of speech pathology.
In this subject students demonstrate skills with applying evidence-based practice to stuttering management.
Professional and collaborative
Graduates of the Master of Speech Pathology have a professional, ethical, and person-centred inclusive approach to practice. They demonstrate effective communication skills with clients, families, and communities in the design and delivery of clinical services. Graduates keep abreast of local and global developments relevant to speech pathology, embrace opportunities for leadership roles, and advocate for the profession in team contexts. They integrate knowledge of health education and disability systems and concerns in national and global communities into their clinical practice.
In this subject students learn practical communication skills with clients who stutter and their families, using digital technology when needed to transcend health care provision barriers.
Culturally capable
Graduates of the Master of Speech Pathology are culturally capable professionals, who are able to reflect on and explain their own cultural perspectives. They accommodate cultural differences and achieve optimal outcomes through adopting a consultative approach. Graduates seek to engage with Indigenous Australian communities in the design of culturally sensitive and appropriate services, in support of the human right to self-determination. Graduates respect diversity in all people, including people with disability and people of diverse cultural and linguistic background.
In this subject students learn to incorporate diverse cultural and linguistic differences as they pertain to assessment and management of stuttering.
Teaching and learning strategies
Active learning
There is no passive learning teaching and learning strategies for this course. The flipped classroom model is used. Students read assigned material and prepare in advance of class meetings. During class meetings students apply that material to professional speech pathology practice.
Collaborative learning
Role-plays occur during classes, where groups of students deal with clinical speech pathology scenarios. They collaboratively prepare for those role-plays before class. Additionally, students practice practical speech pathology skills with each other during class.
Peer learning
Students learn from each other’s clinical styles during role-plays. Additionally, students learn from each other’s attempts at practical speech pathology skills during class.
Masterclasses
The course instructor regularly demonstrates speech pathology techniques during class, and supplements that training with video recordings of treatment.
Research Integrated Learning
Role-plays routinely involve the application of evidence-based practice to standard clinical speech pathology situations.
Assessment
Assessment task 1: Case-based online quiz - short answer questions
| Intent: | The task assesses the clinical application of classes and assigned readings to clinical management. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This task is aligned with the following subject learning objectives: 14, 15, 16, 19, 24, 29 and 64 This task is aligned with the following course learning outcomes: 1.1, 1.2, 2.2 and 3.2 |
| Type: | Quiz/test |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 20% |
| Length: | 1 Hour |
| Criteria: | See Canvas for the marking criteria. |
Assessment task 2: Case-based on campus exam - short answer questions
| Intent: | This task assesses the clinical application of classes and assigned readings to clinical management. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This task is aligned with the following subject learning objectives: 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 19, 21, 24, 29, 37, 64 and 68 This task is aligned with the following course learning outcomes: 1.1, 1.2, 2.2 and 3.2 |
| Type: | Examination |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 40% |
| Length: | 1 hour |
| Criteria: | See Canvas for the marking criteria. |
Assessment task 3: Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) (Must Pass)
| Intent: | Speech pathologists need to apply their knowledge in the context of a holistic appreciation of the client’s presenting problem(s) and area(s) for assessment and intervention. Assessment of stuttering disorders is informed by gathering and analysing information from a variety of sources, including parent/client interviews and assessment tools to inform clinical decisions. The OSCE involves three stations. In order to assess Stuttering Disorders in the OSCE, students will be provided with clinical case scenarios, and have the opportunity to ask and answer questions to demonstrate their knowledge on the assessment of children’s and adult's stuttering and intervention. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This task is aligned with the following subject learning objectives: 12, 14, 15, 17, 19, 21, 24, 29, 37 and 64 This task is aligned with the following course learning outcomes: 1.1, 1.2, 2.2 and 3.2 |
| Type: | Examination |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 40% |
| Length: | 35 minutes |
| Criteria: | See Canvas for the OSCE task structure and marking criteria. |
Minimum requirements
Attendance at a minimum of 85% of classes / online sessions
Achievement of total 50% grade for subject assessment tasks
Note: there is a must-pass & must complete assessment in this subject. Please check assessment descriptions for details.
Required texts
Onslow, M., 2018, Stuttering and its Treatment: Eleven Lectures. Available from University of Technology Sydney
ALSO:
Coursework Assessments Procedures
Graduate School of Health Policy, Guidelines and Procedures (login required)