The aim of this module is to extend the student's skills by engaging with tools and techniques used in the application of speech and language therapy practice. These include assessment frameworks, analytical tools, approaches to data gathering, and techniques to engage service users in decision making and interventions. This module builds on student's learning in previous modules, extending their preparedness to engage in speech and language therapy practice with people and in contexts of increasing complexity.

Content includes an introduction to non-standardised and dynamic approaches to assessment; advanced linguistic concepts and frameworks; evidence-based tools and techniques to ensure meaningful partnerships with stakeholders; methods of supporting service users' decision-making; Effective communication methods with service users including strengths-based report writing. Students will also investigate the basis for, and application of low-tech augmentative and alternative communication systems, including Lámh and communication boards and books. Students will create visual support systems and appraise these systems based on principles of visual perception and accessibility in relation to profiles of communication needs. Students will consider the introduction of augmentative and alternative communication systems with a specific focus on aided language modelling and whole-school, or system wide approaches.

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to: Develop a flexible approach to assessment to identify and assess service users' needs in relation to speech, language, and communication. Identify core features of conversational interaction using the principles of conversation analysis. Appraise tools to engage service users in decision making in relation to speech and language therapy services and supports. Create low tech augmentative and alternative systems of communication informed by communicative contexts and profiles of need. Employ effective oral and written communication techniques using appropriate terminology and concepts applicable to the discipline of speech and language therapy.

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to: n/a

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to: Record, transcribe and analyse speech samples of increasingly complexity.

Content is predominantly presented in a workshop style format with additional tutorials. Workshops will provide the student with the opportunity to gain an understanding of a range of tools and techniques used in speech and language therapy practice across the lifespan (graduate attribute: knowledgeable) and an opportunity to work with peers to practise the use of these in a safe environment (graduate attribute: collaborative). The workshop format provides the student with the opportunity to receive feedback to enhance future performance, to reflect on their experiences, and to identify future learning needs in relation to these methods (graduate attribute: knowledgeable and responsible). The student will also attend case-based tutorials to link tools and techniques to clinical presentations and contexts. As per the spiral curriculum model of the programme, profiles of need under consideration will be more complex than those presented in previous semesters. Tutorials will be delivered in partnership with members of the practice education team to ensure an integrated learning experience for the student across theory and practice in relation to the role of the speech and language therapist.