Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Abstract

This dissertation investigates the impact of a one-time online, asynchronous training program on graduate students' use of communication partner strategies for Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) users. The study examines the training effect on the overall correct usage of naturalistic communication partner strategies, the implementation immediacy, the influence of feedback, and the training's benefits and drawbacks. Using an A-B single case research design with qualitative feedback, the study included pre-service university students studying speech pathology or education. Participants engaged in storybook reading activities with communication devices at a university clinic to establish baseline measures. Following this, they completed a one-hour asynchronous training session and five role-play sessions. Two of the four participants integrated all communication partner strategies immediately, while the others showed varied initial proficiency but improved over sessions. Visual analysis revealed increased use of strategies across participants. Qualitatively, participants found the training sufficient and expressed commitment to applying knowledge. They noted the benefits of hands-on practice but cited the inconvenience of scheduling role-playing sessions. Overall, the study demonstrates that a one-hour asynchronous training can significantly impact communication partner strategies with continuous practice and feedback-enhancing skills. This suggests promising integration into university courses, offering multiple benefits with minimal drawbacks for future professionals.

Keywords: P-20, special education, speech-language pathology, augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), pre-service training, communication partner

Year manuscript completed

2024

Year degree awarded

2024

Author's Keywords

P-20, special education, speech-language pathology, augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), pre-service training, communication partner

Dissertation Committee Chair

Stephanie Schaaf

Committee Member

Jennifer Nikki Gaylord

Committee Member

Melissa Pebly

Document Type

Dissertation/Thesis

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