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Unit outline_

CSCD5073: Clinical Practice 4 - Child

Intensive May, 2021 [Professional practice] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Students complete a speech pathology clinical placement to further develop and consolidate their skills with child clients in areas required for competency as an entry-level practitioner in speech pathology.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Communication Sciences
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
CSCD5068 and CSCD5069 and CSCD5075 and CSCD5070
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

No

Teaching staff

Coordinator Robyn Johnson, robyn.johnson@sydney.edu.au
Type Description Weight Due Length
Placement hurdle task COMPASS®
Competency assessment
100% - n/a
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO7 LO6 LO5 LO4 LO3 LO2
Skills-based evaluation hurdle task Case based viva (after final placement only)
Online or in person oral examination
0% - 20 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO7 LO6 LO5 LO4 LO3 LO2
Assignment hurdle task Initial clinical paperwork
Documentation
0% - 3-5 pages
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO3 LO7
Assignment hurdle task Final clinical paperwork
Documentation
0% - n/a
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO3 LO7
Assignment hurdle task Professional portfolio (after final placement only)
Online submission
0% - 5 sections
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Participation hurdle task Orientation and clinical meetings
Orientation activities, meetings
0% Ongoing 2 hours, onsite as required
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO7 LO3
hurdle task = hurdle task ?

Assessment summary

  • Orientation and clinical meetings: Orientation activities prior to and at the commencement of block placements. Clinical meetings with clinical educator during placements. You must complete all the assessment tasks to pass the entire unit. Failure to complete any assessment item will result in you being awarded a Fail grade, regardless of your cumulative marks in the unit of study.
  • Initial clinical paperwork: Paperwork includes a Work Health and Safety checklist which is a mandatory requirement. The learning agreement which is designed to facilitate discussion of the structure and content of the placement between the clinical educator(s) and student, to maximise the learning opportunities for the student within the clinical context of the site.
  • COMPASS®: Students’ clinical performance is assessed using the COMPASS® in the middle (formative feedback) and at the end of the placement (final result).
  • Final clinical paperwork: At the end of the placement, students must submit the following: learning agreement (finalised and signed by educator), summary of clinical practice (log) hours and update practice hours in SONIA, noting client experiences across range-of-practice areas, and a clinical placement evaluation.
  • Professional portfolio (after final placement only): Students prepare a professional portfolio collating their experiences and skills in order to establish their entry-level competence (Competency Based Occupational Standards (CBOS) for Speech Pathologists: Entry Level, 2011). It is a strong piece of evidence used by the Discipline of Speech Pathology in order to maintain unit accreditation from Speech Pathology Australia.
  • Case based viva (after final placement only): If this unit is the final clinical placement of the degree, students will need to complete viva exams. Students will complete one or more viva exams dependent on the number of clients managed across each range of practice area (RoPA) during the final two entry-level placements. The minimum client requirement for each RoPA determines the number of viva exams.

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).

Result name Description
Pass (SR) When you meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard
Fail (FR) When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

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.

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.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

You may only use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator. If you do use these tools, you must acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section. The assessment instructions or unit outline will give guidance of the types of tools that are permitted and how the tools should be used.

Your final submitted work must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of generative AI tools that have been used in the assessment, and any material that forms part of your submission must be appropriately referenced. For guidance on how to acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the AI in Education Canvas site.

The unapproved use of these tools or unacknowledged use will be considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

Studiosity is permitted unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission as detailed on the Learning Hub’s Canvas page.

Outside assessment tasks, generative AI tools may be used to support your learning. The AI in Education Canvas site contains a number of productive ways that students are using AI to improve their learning.

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
Multiple weeks Placement with primarily paediatric clients. Hours below refer to the expected daily working hours of the placement. Students must keep a log of clinical practice hours, which will be less than 7.5 hours each day. Block teaching (7.5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance: Students will attend a clinical placement with a mainly paediatric caseload, in block mode, four days/week for six weeks. Attendance at additional orientation/briefing sessions before the placement is also required.

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

  • COMPASS online, including COMPASS Competency Assessment in Speech Pathology: Assessment Resource Manual (2013).
  • Competency Based Occupational Standards (CBOS) for Speech Pathologists: Entry Level (2011).
  • Academic lecture materials relevant to the caseload(s)
  • Canvas
  • Sonia placement database.

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. demonstrate entry-level skills (as described by the COMPASS® Competency Assessment in Speech Pathology, 2013) in paediatric clinical contexts
  • LO2. formulate, prioritise and review clinical solutions independently considering best available evidence in the context of all other relevant factors (e.g. ICF framework or developmental/ cognitive abilities)
  • LO3. utilise entry-level oral and written professional communication skills in English independently for a range of purposes
  • LO4. create and implement best practice clinical assessment and intervention independently for clients and other significant personnel (e.g. families, professionals or communities)
  • LO5. select and deliver culturally appropriate clinical services for Aboriginal clients as well as clients from cultural backgrounds different to yours
  • LO6. construct or adapt clinical services independently in order to provide holistic clinical services in multi- or inter-disciplinary contexts
  • LO7. appraise your own conduct in all paediatric clinical contexts in accordance with professional ethical standards as described in the Speech Pathology Australia, Code of Ethics (2010).

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

Alignment with Competency standards

Outcomes Competency standards
LO1
Competency-based Occupational Standards for Speech Pathologists - SPA
1.3. Administer speech pathology assessment relevant to the communication and/or swallowing condition.
2.1. Analyse and interpret speech pathology assessment data.
2.5. Provide feedback on results of interpreted speech pathology assessments to the client and/or significant others and referral sources, and discuss management.
3. Planning evidence-based speech pathology practices
4. Implementation of speech pathology practice
5. Planning, providing and managing speech pathology services
7.1. Uphold the Speech Pathology Australia Code of Ethics and work within all the relevant legislation and legal constraints, including medico-legal responsibilities.
7.4. Advocate for self, client and the speech pathology profession.
LO2
Competency-based Occupational Standards for Speech Pathologists - SPA
1.3. Administer speech pathology assessment relevant to the communication and/or swallowing condition.
2.1. Analyse and interpret speech pathology assessment data.
2.5. Provide feedback on results of interpreted speech pathology assessments to the client and/or significant others and referral sources, and discuss management.
3. Planning evidence-based speech pathology practices
4. Implementation of speech pathology practice
5. Planning, providing and managing speech pathology services
7.1. Uphold the Speech Pathology Australia Code of Ethics and work within all the relevant legislation and legal constraints, including medico-legal responsibilities.
7.4. Advocate for self, client and the speech pathology profession.
LO3
Competency-based Occupational Standards for Speech Pathologists - SPA
1.3. Administer speech pathology assessment relevant to the communication and/or swallowing condition.
2.1. Analyse and interpret speech pathology assessment data.
2.5. Provide feedback on results of interpreted speech pathology assessments to the client and/or significant others and referral sources, and discuss management.
3. Planning evidence-based speech pathology practices
4. Implementation of speech pathology practice
5. Planning, providing and managing speech pathology services
7.1. Uphold the Speech Pathology Australia Code of Ethics and work within all the relevant legislation and legal constraints, including medico-legal responsibilities.
7.4. Advocate for self, client and the speech pathology profession.
LO4
Competency-based Occupational Standards for Speech Pathologists - SPA
1.3. Administer speech pathology assessment relevant to the communication and/or swallowing condition.
2.1. Analyse and interpret speech pathology assessment data.
2.5. Provide feedback on results of interpreted speech pathology assessments to the client and/or significant others and referral sources, and discuss management.
3. Planning evidence-based speech pathology practices
4. Implementation of speech pathology practice
5. Planning, providing and managing speech pathology services
7.1. Uphold the Speech Pathology Australia Code of Ethics and work within all the relevant legislation and legal constraints, including medico-legal responsibilities.
7.4. Advocate for self, client and the speech pathology profession.
LO5
Competency-based Occupational Standards for Speech Pathologists - SPA
1.3. Administer speech pathology assessment relevant to the communication and/or swallowing condition.
2.1. Analyse and interpret speech pathology assessment data.
2.5. Provide feedback on results of interpreted speech pathology assessments to the client and/or significant others and referral sources, and discuss management.
3. Planning evidence-based speech pathology practices
4. Implementation of speech pathology practice
5. Planning, providing and managing speech pathology services
7.1. Uphold the Speech Pathology Australia Code of Ethics and work within all the relevant legislation and legal constraints, including medico-legal responsibilities.
7.4. Advocate for self, client and the speech pathology profession.
LO6
Competency-based Occupational Standards for Speech Pathologists - SPA
4. Implementation of speech pathology practice
5. Planning, providing and managing speech pathology services
7.1. Uphold the Speech Pathology Australia Code of Ethics and work within all the relevant legislation and legal constraints, including medico-legal responsibilities.
7.4. Advocate for self, client and the speech pathology profession.
LO7
Competency-based Occupational Standards for Speech Pathologists - SPA
1.3. Administer speech pathology assessment relevant to the communication and/or swallowing condition.
2.1. Analyse and interpret speech pathology assessment data.
2.5. Provide feedback on results of interpreted speech pathology assessments to the client and/or significant others and referral sources, and discuss management.
3. Planning evidence-based speech pathology practices
4. Implementation of speech pathology practice
5.3. Manage own provision of speech pathology services and workload.
5.8. Participate in and collaborate on the evaluation of speech pathology services.
7.1. Uphold the Speech Pathology Australia Code of Ethics and work within all the relevant legislation and legal constraints, including medico-legal responsibilities.
7.4. Advocate for self, client and the speech pathology profession.
Competency-based Occupational Standards for Speech Pathologists -
Competency code Taught, Practiced or Assessed Competency standard
1.1 A Investigate and document the client’s communication and/or swallowing condition and explore the primary concerns of the client.
1.2 A Identify the communication and/or swallowing conditions requiring investigation and use the best available scientific and clinical evidence to determine the most suitable assessment procedures in partnership with the client.
1.3 A T P Administer speech pathology assessment relevant to the communication and/or swallowing condition.
1.4 A Undertake assessment within the ethical guidelines of the profession and all relevant legislation and legal constraints, including medico-legal responsibilities.
2.1 A P T Analyse and interpret speech pathology assessment data.
2.2 A P Identify gaps in information required to understand the client’s communication and swallowing issues and seek information to fill those gaps.
2.3 A P Determine the basis for or diagnosis of the communication and/or swallowing condition and determine the possible outcomes.
2.4 A P Report on analysis and interpretation.
2.5 A P T Provide feedback on results of interpreted speech pathology assessments to the client and/or significant others and referral sources, and discuss management.
3.1 A P T Use integrated and interpreted information (outlined in Unit 2) relevant to the communication and/or swallowing condition, and/or the service provider’s policies and priorities to plan evidence-based speech pathology practice.
3.2 A T P Seek additional information required to plan evidence-based speech pathology practice.
3.3 A P T Discuss long-term outcomes and collaborate with the client and/or significant others to decide whether or not speech pathology strategies are suitable and/or required.
3.4 A P Establish goals for intervention in collaboration with the client and significant others.
3.5 A P T Select an evidence-based speech pathology approach or intervention in collaboration with the client and significant others.
3.6 A P Define roles and responsibilities for the management of the client’s swallowing and/ or communication condition.
3.7 A T P Document speech pathology intervention plans, goals and outcome measurement.
4.1 A P T Establish rapport and facilitate participation in speech pathology intervention.
4.2 A T P Implement an evidence-based speech pathology intervention according to the information obtained from speech pathology assessment, interpretation and planning (see Units 1, 2, and 3).
4.3 A T P Undertake continuing evaluation of speech pathology intervention and modify as necessary.
4.4 A T P Document progress and changes in the speech pathology intervention, including outcomes, decisions and discharge plans.
4.5 T P A Identify the scope and nature of speech pathology practice in a range of community and work place contexts.
4.6 A T P Undertake preventative, educational and/or promotional projects or programs on speech pathology and other related topics as part of a team with other professionals.
5.1 T P A Respond to service provider’s policies.
5.2 T A P Use and maintain an efficient information management system.
5.3 T P A Manage own provision of speech pathology services and workload.
5.4 T A Update, acquire and/or develop resources.
5.5 T A P Consult and coordinate with professional groups and services.
5.6 T P A Adhere to professionally accepted scientific principles in work practices.
5.7 A Collaborate in research initiated and/or supported by others.
5.8 T A P Participate in and collaborate on the evaluation of speech pathology services.
6.1 T P A Develop, contribute to, and maintain professional and team based relationships in practice contexts.
6.2 T P A Demonstrate an understanding of the principles and practices of supervision applied to allied health/teaching assistants and in parent/caregiver education programs.
6.3 T P A Demonstrate an understanding of the principles and practices of clinical education.
7.1 T P A Uphold the Speech Pathology Australia Code of Ethics and work within all the relevant legislation and legal constraints, including medico-legal responsibilities.
7.2 T P A Participate in professional development and continually reflect on practice.
7.3 T P A Demonstrate an awareness of formal and informal networks for professional development and support.
7.4 T P A Advocate for self, client and the speech pathology profession.

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

Placement length may vary due to COVID-19

This unit of study outline must be read in conjunction with the Medicine and Health Handbook: https://www.sydney.edu.au/handbooks/medicine_health/. The handbook also includes specific Clinical Education information on your course: https://www.sydney.edu.au/handbooks/medicine_health_PG/coursework_sz/speech_pathology.shtml. All students are required to familiarise themselves with their academic responsibilities, and the academic policies governing their enrolment and progression. This handbook provides a direct link to the University of Sydney’s Coursework policy and Faculty provisions. The Work Integrated Learning Canvas site also provides information specific to Sydney School of Health Sciences placements such as essential preparation, forms and policies. https://canvas.sydney.edu.au/courses/9121

All students are required to familiarise themselves with their academic responsibilities, and the academic policies and protocols governing their placements. When considering applications and appeals relating to these matters, it will be assumed that students understand their academic responsibilities and are familiar with these key policies and procedures 

Work, health and safety

Students must complete a work health and safety checklist with their clinical educator during the first week of placement. 

Students must be fully verified through NSWHealth and have a valid police check and WWCC.

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.