CQUniversity Unit Profile
SPCH12002 Communication Development and Disorders in Early Childhood
Communication Development and Disorders in Early Childhood
All details in this unit profile for SPCH12002 have been officially approved by CQUniversity and represent a learning partnership between the University and you (our student).
The information will not be changed unless absolutely necessary and any change will be clearly indicated by an approved correction included in the profile.
General Information

Overview

In this unit you will investigate the communication development of children in the first five years of life, the disorders and delays in all aspects of communication development in early childhood, and the potential management strategies for children with communication delays or disorders. You will also be introduced to the development of, and disorders in, swallowing and feeding skills. The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health framework, and the principles of evidence-based, reflective, and interprofessional practice will be applied throughout the unit.

Details

Career Level: Undergraduate
Unit Level: Level 2
Credit Points: 6
Student Contribution Band: 8
Fraction of Full-Time Student Load: 0.125

Pre-requisites or Co-requisites

Pre-requisites: ALLH11001 - Introduction to Allied Health Practice SPCH11001 - Introduction to Communication and Swallowing Disorders SPCH12006 - Linguistics PSYC11010 - Fundamentals of Psychology ALLH11006 - Life Course Development for Health Professionals

Important note: Students enrolled in a subsequent unit who failed their pre-requisite unit, should drop the subsequent unit before the census date or within 10 working days of Fail grade notification. Students who do not drop the unit in this timeframe cannot later drop the unit without academic and financial liability. See details in the Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).

Offerings For Term 1 - 2022

Rockhampton

Attendance Requirements

All on-campus students are expected to attend scheduled classes – in some units, these classes are identified as a mandatory (pass/fail) component and attendance is compulsory. International students, on a student visa, must maintain a full time study load and meet both attendance and academic progress requirements in each study period (satisfactory attendance for International students is defined as maintaining at least an 80% attendance record).

Class and Assessment Overview

Recommended Student Time Commitment

Each 6-credit Undergraduate unit at CQUniversity requires an overall time commitment of an average of 12.5 hours of study per week, making a total of 150 hours for the unit.

Class Timetable

Bundaberg, Cairns, Emerald, Gladstone, Mackay, Rockhampton, Townsville
Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney

Assessment Overview

1. Written Assessment
Weighting: 50%
2. Oral Examination
Weighting: 50%

Assessment Grading

This is a graded unit: your overall grade will be calculated from the marks or grades for each assessment task, based on the relative weightings shown in the table above. You must obtain an overall mark for the unit of at least 50%, or an overall grade of ‘pass’ in order to pass the unit. If any ‘pass/fail’ tasks are shown in the table above they must also be completed successfully (‘pass’ grade). You must also meet any minimum mark requirements specified for a particular assessment task, as detailed in the ‘assessment task’ section (note that in some instances, the minimum mark for a task may be greater than 50%). Consult the University’s Grades and Results Policy for more details of interim results and final grades.

Previous Student Feedback

Feedback, Recommendations and Responses

Every unit is reviewed for enhancement each year. At the most recent review, the following staff and student feedback items were identified and recommendations were made.

Feedback from Verbal feedback from students.

Feedback

Students enjoyed the ability to learn half the unit content through pre-recorded lectures and online activities as it provided flexibility in their learning.

Recommendation

It is recommended that the unit should continue to be run 50% online and 50% face to face to allow students flexibility in their learning.

Feedback from Lecturer's reflection

Feedback

Students benefited from the use of 'real-life' case study videos to depict assessment administration and therapy.

Recommendation

It is recommended that the lecturer should continue to build a library of video cases to support student learning.

Unit Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
  1. Discuss the development of children’s communication, swallowing and feeding skills in the first 5 years of life
  2. Examine children’s global communication skills using informal and formal assessment measures and strategies
  3. Identify the impact of communication disorders within the context of the International Classification of Functioning Disability and Health framework
  4. Apply principles of evidence-based, reflective and interprofessional practice when planning management strategies for young children with communication disorders or delays.

The learning outcomes in this unit contribute to the development of clinical and professional competencies as outlined by Speech Pathology Australia's Professional standards.

Alignment of Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Graduate Attributes
N/A Level
Introductory Level
Intermediate Level
Graduate Level
Professional Level
Advanced Level

Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes

Assessment Tasks Learning Outcomes
1 2 3 4
1 - Written Assessment - 50%
2 - Oral Examination - 50%

Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes

Graduate Attributes Learning Outcomes
1 2 3 4
1 - Communication
2 - Problem Solving
3 - Critical Thinking
4 - Information Literacy
5 - Team Work
6 - Information Technology Competence
7 - Cross Cultural Competence
8 - Ethical practice
9 - Social Innovation
10 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures
Textbooks and Resources

Textbooks

Prescribed

Articulation and Phonology in Speech Sound Disorders: A Clinical Focus

Edition: 6th (2020)
Authors: Bauman-Waengler
Pearson
Binding: Hardcover
Prescribed

Language Disorders from Infancy through Adolescence (5th ed.)

Edition: 5th (2017)
Authors: Paul, R., Norbury, C & Gosse, C.
Elsevier
USA
ISBN: 9780323442343
Binding: Hardcover

IT Resources

You will need access to the following IT resources:
  • CQUniversity Student Email
  • Internet
  • Unit Website (Moodle)
Referencing Style

All submissions for this unit must use the referencing style: American Psychological Association 7th Edition (APA 7th edition)

For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.

Teaching Contacts
Clancy Conlon Unit Coordinator
c.conlon@cqu.edu.au
Schedule
Week 1 Begin Date: 07 Mar 2022

Module/Topic

Online content:

  • Theories on language development and cognition
  • Language development in children aged 0-3 years


Face to face tutorial:

  • Administration and interpretation of developmental screeners

Chapter

Readings will be outlined on Moodle. 

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 2 Begin Date: 14 Mar 2022

Module/Topic

Online content:

  • Language development in children aged 3 to 5 years.


Face to face tutorial:

  • Administration and interpretation of language assessments

Chapter

Readings will be outlined on Moodle.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 3 Begin Date: 21 Mar 2022

Module/Topic

Online content:

  • Plan development in children aged 0 to 5 years
  • An introduction to principles of assessment


Face to face tutorial:

  • Administration and interpretation of language assessments

Chapter

Readings will be outlined on Moodle.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 4 Begin Date: 28 Mar 2022

Module/Topic

Online content:

  • Speech development and assessment


Face to face tutorial:

  • Administration and interpretation of speech assessments

Chapter

Readings will be outlined on Moodle.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 5 Begin Date: 04 Apr 2022

Module/Topic

Online content:

  • Informal speech and language assessments for children aged 0 to 5 years


Face to face tutorial:

  • Administration and interpretation of speech and language assessments

Chapter

Readings will be outlined on Moodle.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Vacation Week Begin Date: 11 Apr 2022

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 6 Begin Date: 18 Apr 2022

Module/Topic

Online content:

  • An introduction to feeding and swallowing development for children aged 0 to 3 years


Face to face tutorial:

  • An introduction to feeding and swallowing assessment and intervention for children aged 0 to 3 years

Chapter

Readings will be outlined on Moodle.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 7 Begin Date: 25 Apr 2022

Module/Topic

Online content:

  • Differential diagnosis of speech sound disorders
  • Speech intervention


Face to face tutorial:

  • Differential diagnosis of speech sound disorders
  • Speech intervention
  • Goal setting for speech therapy

Chapter

Readings will be outlined on Moodle.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 8 Begin Date: 02 May 2022

Module/Topic

Online content:

  • Differential diagnosis of language disorders


Face to face tutorial:

  • Differential diagnosis of language disorders

Chapter

Readings will be outlined on Moodle.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 9 Begin Date: 09 May 2022

Module/Topic

Online content:

  • Language intervention for children aged 0 to 3 years


Face to face tutorial:

  • Language intervention for children aged 0 to 3 years

Chapter

Readings will be outlined on Moodle.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Case Study Due: Week 9 Friday (13 May 2022) 9:00 am AEST
Week 10 Begin Date: 16 May 2022

Module/Topic

Online content:

  • Language intervention for children aged 3 to 5 years
  • Development of pre-literacy skills


Face to face tutorial:

  • Language intervention for children aged 3 to 5 years
  • Pre-literacy intervention for children aged 3 to 5 years

Chapter

Readings will be outlined on Moodle.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 11 Begin Date: 23 May 2022

Module/Topic

Online content:

  • Assessment and intervention principles for children with disabilities 


Face to face tutorial:

  • Assessment and intervention principles for children with disabilities 

Chapter

Readings will be outlined on Moodle.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 12 Begin Date: 30 May 2022

Module/Topic

Online content:

  • Language development in children who are Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD)
  • Assessment principles in children who are CALD.
  • Differential diagnosis of language disorders for children who are CALD. 


Face to face tutorial:

  • Principles of intervention for children who are CALD. 

Chapter

Readings will be outlined on Moodle.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Review/Exam Week Begin Date: 06 Jun 2022

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Exam Week Begin Date: 13 Jun 2022

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Viva Due: Exam Week Tuesday (14 June 2022) 9:00 am AEST
Term Specific Information

Open Office Hours

Students who wish to meet with the Unit Coordinator (Clancy Conlon) may drop in face to face (7/G.15) or via Zoom on Mondays between 9:00am and 10:30am. A Zoom link has been provided on Moodle. Alternatively, students may email the Unit Coordinator (c.conlon@cqu.edu.au) to arrange an alternative day/time. 


Assessment Cupboard Access

Students may require access to the Speech Pathology Assessment Cupboard to prepare for assessment tasks or clinical placement. Students will be provided access to the assessment cupboard on Wednesdays from 1:00pm-2:30pm and Fridays from 11:00am-1:00pm in weeks 1-12. 

Assessment Tasks

1 Written Assessment

Assessment Title
Case Study

Task Description

You are required to produce a written report on a case study child. The case study child you have been allocated will be outlined on Moodle. You will be provided with a summary of characteristics of the case study child’s speech, language and feeding skills. For each area you will need to:

  1. Explain the developmental features of the child’s speech/language/feeding profile with reference to the literature.
  2. Outline whether the case study child’s speech/language/feeding skills are indicative of typical or delayed development.
  3. Provide one strategy for each area that a parent could utilise at home, to support the child’s development in that specific domain (i.e. there should be 3 strategies included in your report). Each strategy must be written in a way that a parent could understand and must be evidence-based (with reference to the literature).


Assessment Due Date

Week 9 Friday (13 May 2022) 9:00 am AEST

This assessment is submitted through Moodle


Return Date to Students

Week 11 Friday (27 May 2022)

Feedback will be provided through Moodle


Weighting
50%

Minimum mark or grade
This is a MUST PASS assessment task. Students must receive a minimum grade of 50% to pass this assessment task.

Assessment Criteria

  1. Criteria one assesses your ability to explain developmental features of the case study with reference to high quality literature and to provide evidence-based strategies to a parent.
  2. Criteria two assesses your ability to use appropriate writing style, formatting, and APA referencing. 


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Submission Instructions
The assessment task must be submitted to Moodle by the due date/time.

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Discuss the development of children’s communication, swallowing and feeding skills in the first 5 years of life
  • Apply principles of evidence-based, reflective and interprofessional practice when planning management strategies for young children with communication disorders or delays.

2 Oral Examination

Assessment Title
Viva

Task Description

This assessment task is a viva otherwise known as an oral examination. This viva will follow the steps outlined below:

  1. You will be allocated a time to complete your Viva on your Moodle page.
  2. One week prior to your viva, you will be provided with basic case history information and the assessment results of a paediatric client which can pertain to the developmental areas of speech, language, and/or feeding. In preparation for your viva, you are expected to research your case, and prepare to answer questions in relation to the areas outlined in steps 3, 4 and 5. You are permitted to bring an A4 (double-sided) page of notes with you to your viva (size 11, Calibri font, 1.5 spacing) and a print out of your viva case as provided on Moodle.
  3. Your examiner will commence your viva by asking questions in relation to the ‘analysis and interpretation’ of the background information and assessment results you were previously provided.
  4. Next, your examiner will ask questions in relation to the ‘planning of evidence-based speech pathology practices’. As part of this section you will be expected to explain your management of the case including goal setting and intervention strategies. You will also be posed with a question in relation to a change in the background information of your case.
  5. Last, your examiner will ask you to reflect on your performance within the viva to identify areas of strength and areas for improvement. You will also be asked to identify and justify strategies to support your learning and development.
  6. You will be given 60 minutes to complete your viva. 


Assessment Due Date

Exam Week Tuesday (14 June 2022) 9:00 am AEST

Each student will be allocated a Viva time on Moodle for the 14th, 15th or 16th of June between 9:00am and 5:00pm.


Return Date to Students

Exam Week Friday (17 June 2022)

Feedback will be provided through Moodle.


Weighting
50%

Minimum mark or grade
This is a MUST PASS assessment task. Students must receive a minimum grade of 50% to pass this assessment task.

Assessment Criteria

  1. Criteria one assesses your ability to analyse and interpret informal and formal assessment results through integration of data. 
  2. Criteria two assesses your ability to make an appropriate speech pathology plan including goal setting, intervention strategies/approaches and use of clinical reasoning.
  3. Criteria three assesses your ability to reflect upon your own performance, develop strategies to enhance clinical performance, communicate effectively and demonstrate a professional orientation. 


Referencing Style

Submission

No submission method provided.


Submission Instructions
Student will complete this assessment task face to face with the examiner.

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Examine children’s global communication skills using informal and formal assessment measures and strategies
  • Identify the impact of communication disorders within the context of the International Classification of Functioning Disability and Health framework
  • Apply principles of evidence-based, reflective and interprofessional practice when planning management strategies for young children with communication disorders or delays.

Academic Integrity Statement

As a CQUniversity student you are expected to act honestly in all aspects of your academic work.

Any assessable work undertaken or submitted for review or assessment must be your own work. Assessable work is any type of work you do to meet the assessment requirements in the unit, including draft work submitted for review and feedback and final work to be assessed.

When you use the ideas, words or data of others in your assessment, you must thoroughly and clearly acknowledge the source of this information by using the correct referencing style for your unit. Using others’ work without proper acknowledgement may be considered a form of intellectual dishonesty.

Participating honestly, respectfully, responsibly, and fairly in your university study ensures the CQUniversity qualification you earn will be valued as a true indication of your individual academic achievement and will continue to receive the respect and recognition it deserves.

As a student, you are responsible for reading and following CQUniversity’s policies, including the Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure. This policy sets out CQUniversity’s expectations of you to act with integrity, examples of academic integrity breaches to avoid, the processes used to address alleged breaches of academic integrity, and potential penalties.

What is a breach of academic integrity?

A breach of academic integrity includes but is not limited to plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, cheating, contract cheating, and academic misconduct. The Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure defines what these terms mean and gives examples.

Why is academic integrity important?

A breach of academic integrity may result in one or more penalties, including suspension or even expulsion from the University. It can also have negative implications for student visas and future enrolment at CQUniversity or elsewhere. Students who engage in contract cheating also risk being blackmailed by contract cheating services.

Where can I get assistance?

For academic advice and guidance, the Academic Learning Centre (ALC) can support you in becoming confident in completing assessments with integrity and of high standard.

What can you do to act with integrity?