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Unit of study_

CSCD2057: Child Language

Semester 1, 2023 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Students will develop knowledge and skills to provide assessment and intervention for children with language disorders from birth to the end of primary school. Topics covered include the nature of language disorder, evidence-based practices, and techniques in assessment, interpretation, and diagnosis, planning and intervention or service response. Age ranges covered include prelinguistic infants, toddlers, pre-schoolers and primary school-aged children. This unit provides students essential knowledge and skills for speech pathology clinical units and practice as a speech pathologist.

Unit details and rules

Unit code CSCD2057
Academic unit Communication Sciences
Credit points 6
Prohibitions
? 
None
Prerequisites
? 
CSCD1032 and CSCD1034
Corequisites
? 
CSCD2064 or CSCD2065
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Kimberley Docking, kimberley.docking@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s) Katrina Gott, katrina.gott@sydney.edu.au
Anita MY Wong, anitamy.wong@sydney.edu.au
Tutor(s) Katrina Gott, katrina.gott@sydney.edu.au
Anita MY Wong, anitamy.wong@sydney.edu.au
Type Description Weight Due Length
Online task Language Measures quizzes
Online Canvas quizzes on interpretation of language norms and measures
15% Multiple weeks Two (2) quizzes 30 minute each
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3
Assignment group assignment Child language assessment plan
Develop a language assessment plan for a child in groups of 3-4 students.
40% Week 09
Due date: 30 Apr 2023 at 23:59
8 pages (excl. references)
Outcomes assessed: LO3 LO5 LO8 LO10 LO11
Assignment Case-based Intervention Assignment
Develop an intervention plan for a child based on assessment results.
45% Week 13
Due date: 28 May 2023 at 23:59
Max 6 pages (excl references)
Outcomes assessed: LO4 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9 LO10 LO11
group assignment = group assignment ?

Assessment summary

  • Language Measures Quizzes: Two quizzes: 1 in Week 4 (7%) and 1 in Week 6 (8%) assessing your interpretation of language assessment scores and measures in relation to diagnosis of DLD. 
  • Child language assessment plan: In a group of 3-4 students, you will be required to develop an assessment plan for one of two provided cases. Based on evidence-based practice, your assignment must justify the selected clinical procedures in your assessment plan as they relate to the child’s language/communication status, his/her cultural and social practices and family centred practice.
  • Case-based intervention assignment: This assignment will require you to integrate knowledge learned during this unit. You will be provided with the assessment results of a child to inform development an intervention plan, including rationales and intervention goals

Students must complete all tasks to pass this unit of study. Failure to complete all assessments will result in a Fail grade, regardless of the cumulative total of marks

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name

Mark range

Description

High distinction

85 - 100

 

Distinction

75 - 84

 

Credit

65 - 74

 

Pass

50 - 64

 

Fail

0 - 49

When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades.

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

  • Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
  • After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

Assignments are due 11.59pm on the day outlined in Canvas. Submission after this time is deemed late. 5% is deducted from the mark for each day it is late. After 10 days the assignment is not marked. Any student unable to submit by the deadline should apply for Special Consideration. Further information can be found https://www.sydney.edu.au/policies/showdoc.aspx?recnum=PDOC2012/267&RendNum=0

Academic integrity

The Current Student website  provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.  

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

You may only use artificial intelligence and writing assistance tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator, and if you do use them, you must also acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section.

Studiosity is permitted for postgraduate units unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission.

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 Lecture 1: Overview and introduction to Developmental Language Disorders Lecture (2 hr)  
Tutorial 1: Applying diagnostic terms to clinical cases Tutorial (1 hr)  
Week 02 Lecture 2: Language Assessment: Overview and evidence-based practice Lecture (2 hr)  
Tutorial 2: Planning assessment for DLD Tutorial (1 hr)  
Week 03 Lecture 3: Assessment of language in babies and toddlers Lecture (2 hr)  
Tutorial 3: Case-based assessment planning for babies and toddlers Tutorial (1 hr)  
Week 04 Lecture 4: Assessment of language in preschool children Lecture (2 hr)  
Tutorial 4: Case-based assessment planning for preschool-aged children Tutorial (1 hr)  
Week 05 Lecture 5: Assessment of DLD in school-aged children Lecture (2 hr)  
Tutorial 5: Case-based assessment planning for school-aged children Tutorial (1 hr)  
Week 06 Lecture 6: Child Language intervention: models, frameworks and pathways Lecture (2 hr)  
Tutorial 6: Examining intervention procedures and approaches Tutorial (1 hr)  
Week 07 Lecture 7: Language intervention for children in the prelinguistic stage Lecture (2 hr)  
Week 7: Practicing intervention procedures and making intervention decisions for children at the prelinguistic stage Tutorial (1 hr)  
Week 08 Lecture 8: Language intervention for children in the emerging language stage Lecture (2 hr)  
Tutorial 8: Practicing intervention procedures and making intervention decisions for children at the emerging language stage Tutorial (1 hr)  
Week 09 Lecture 9: Language intervention for children in the developing language stage Lecture (2 hr)  
Tutorial 9: Practicing intervention procedures and making intervention decisions for children at the developing language stage Tutorial (1 hr)  
Week 10 Lecture 10: Language intervention for children in the advanced language stage Lecture (2 hr)  
Tutorial 10: Practicing intervention procedures and making intervention decisions for children at the advanced language stage Tutorial (1 hr)  
Week 11 Lecture 11: Language intervention: Review and discussion Lecture (2 hr)  
Tutorial 11: Translating classroom knowledge to clinical practice Tutorial (1 hr)  
Week 12 Lecture 12: Pre-literacy development and preventative support Lecture (2 hr)  
Tutorial 12: Practicing procedures in preventative support for pre-literacy development Tutorial (1 hr)  
Week 13 Lecture 13: Assessment and intervention with children from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds; family-centred practice and working with parents and education professionals Lecture (2 hr)  
Tutorial 13: Overview of unit, discussion & assignment support Tutorial (1 hr)  

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance: Students are expected to attend all lectures and tutorials for the duration of the semester. According to University guidelines, students are expected to allocate 9 hours per week on this Unit of Study (3 hours class; 6 hours outside class)

 

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

​All readings for this unit are listed on Canvas and can be accessed through the library. The required text is available as an e-book through the library.

Required Text:

Paul, R., Norbury, C. & Gosse, C. (2018) Language disorders: From infancy through adolescence (5th ed) Mosby; NY. 618.92855/PAU.

 

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. describe the nature of spoken Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) in toddlers, preschooler, and school-aged children
  • LO2. describe the prevalence, impact, potential outcomes, risk, and protective factors associated with DLD) in accessible terms for parents
  • LO3. select and justify assessment procedures taking into account the child’s language/ communication cultural and social practices, family centered practice, and evidence-based practice
  • LO4. exercise critical judgement in the interpretation of assessment results, including selecting appropriate norms and health information (considering typical communication development), determining gaps in information, and integrating information from a range of sources, to inform service provision
  • LO5. develop written assessment plans and intervention management plans for children with DLD
  • LO6. describe key intervention approaches across the continuum of naturalness (clinician-directed, hybrid, and child centered), and select with appropriate rationales and interventions for children at-risk or diagnosed with DLD
  • LO7. create or utilise innovative, engaging, and culturally responsive resources for children with DLD
  • LO8. demonstrate knowledge of the recommended best practices for the provision of culturally competent and safe services to multilingual children with or at-risk of DLD
  • LO9. demonstrate awareness of cultural and linguistic difference in communication development in cultures relevant to the Australian context, and differentiate this from DLD
  • LO10. Demonstrates an understanding of interprofessional collaboration and team models, and the role of the speech pathologist within these environments, working with children with or at -risk of DLD, their families and communities
  • LO11. identify as a speech pathologist when working in a variety of contexts including schools, clinics, teams with multiple disciplines, and other community contexts

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1 Depth of disciplinary expertise

Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.

GQ2 Critical thinking and problem solving

Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.

GQ3 Oral and written communication

Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.

GQ4 Information and digital literacy

Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.

GQ5 Inventiveness

Generating novel ideas and solutions.

GQ6 Cultural competence

Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.

GQ7 Interdisciplinary effectiveness

Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.

GQ8 Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity

An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.

GQ9 Influence

Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes Graduate qualities
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9
LO1         
LO2         
LO3         
LO4         
LO5         
LO6         
LO7         
LO8         
LO9         
LO10         
LO11         

Alignment with Competency standards

Outcomes Competency standards
LO1
Speech Pathology Australia Professional Standards (2021) - SPA
1.5. Maintain high standards of communication, information sharing and record keeping
LO2
Speech Pathology Australia Professional Standards (2021) - SPA
1.5. Maintain high standards of communication, information sharing and record keeping
LO3
Speech Pathology Australia Professional Standards (2021) - SPA
1.1. Provide ethical and evidence-based practice
1.2. Comply with legislation, standards, policies and protocols
1.6. Consider the needs of individuals and communities in clinical decision-making and practice
2.5. Acquire, critique and integrate knowledge from a range of sources
3.1. Develop shared understanding of speech pathology
3.2. Assess communication and swallowing needs
LO4
Speech Pathology Australia Professional Standards (2021) - SPA
1.1. Provide ethical and evidence-based practice
1.2. Comply with legislation, standards, policies and protocols
1.5. Maintain high standards of communication, information sharing and record keeping
1.6. Consider the needs of individuals and communities in clinical decision-making and practice
2.2. Use critical reflection to inform professional development and practice
3.3. Interpret, diagnose and report on assessments
LO5
Speech Pathology Australia Professional Standards (2021) - SPA
1.1. Provide ethical and evidence-based practice
1.2. Comply with legislation, standards, policies and protocols
1.3. Provide safe and quality services
1.5. Maintain high standards of communication, information sharing and record keeping
1.6. Consider the needs of individuals and communities in clinical decision-making and practice
2.5. Acquire, critique and integrate knowledge from a range of sources
LO6
Speech Pathology Australia Professional Standards (2021) - SPA
1.1. Provide ethical and evidence-based practice
1.2. Comply with legislation, standards, policies and protocols
1.3. Provide safe and quality services
1.4. Collaborate with individuals, their supports, our colleagues and the community
1.6. Consider the needs of individuals and communities in clinical decision-making and practice
2.5. Acquire, critique and integrate knowledge from a range of sources
3.1. Develop shared understanding of speech pathology
3.4. Plan speech pathology intervention or service response
LO7
Speech Pathology Australia Professional Standards (2021) - SPA
2.5. Acquire, critique and integrate knowledge from a range of sources
3.4. Plan speech pathology intervention or service response
LO8
Speech Pathology Australia Professional Standards (2021) - SPA
1.1. Provide ethical and evidence-based practice
1.6. Consider the needs of individuals and communities in clinical decision-making and practice
1.7. Advocate for optimal communication and swallowing
2.5. Acquire, critique and integrate knowledge from a range of sources
3.4. Plan speech pathology intervention or service response
LO9
Speech Pathology Australia Professional Standards (2021) - SPA
1.1. Provide ethical and evidence-based practice
1.6. Consider the needs of individuals and communities in clinical decision-making and practice
1.7. Advocate for optimal communication and swallowing
2.5. Acquire, critique and integrate knowledge from a range of sources
3.4. Plan speech pathology intervention or service response
Speech Pathology Australia Professional Standards (2021) - SPA
1.4. Collaborate with individuals, their supports, our colleagues and the community
3.1. Develop shared understanding of speech pathology
Speech Pathology Australia Professional Standards (2021) - SPA
1.1. Provide ethical and evidence-based practice
3.2. Assess communication and swallowing needs
Speech Pathology Australia Professional Standards (2021) -
Competency code Taught, Practiced or Assessed Competency standard
1.1 A Provide ethical and evidence-based practice
1.4 A Collaborate with individuals, their supports, our colleagues and the community
1.5 A Maintain high standards of communication, information sharing and record keeping
1.6 A Consider the needs of individuals and communities in clinical decision-making and practice
2.5 A Acquire, critique and integrate knowledge from a range of sources
2.6 A Engage in learning with colleagues, students and the community
3.2 A Assess communication and swallowing needs
3.3 A Interpret, diagnose and report on assessments
3.4 A Plan speech pathology intervention or service response

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

Student feedback has facilitated a streamlining of the course content and delivery schedule, as well as a spread of the assessment weighting across three tasks. Student feedback on lectures and tutorials is welcome at any time.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.