Unit Outline
CXA735
Optimising Communication and Swallowing 2
Semester 2, 2024
Jessica Becker
School of Health Sciences
College of Health and Medicine
CRICOS Provider Code: 00586B

Unit Coordinator
Jessica Becker
Email: Jessica.Becker@utas.edu.au
What is the Unit About?
Unit Description
 

This unit consolidates and extends knowledge and application of theoretical models and practice frameworks to understand, identify and respond to communication and swallowing needs of individuals and communities with complex presentations and multifactorial considerations. The unit adopts a case-based and lifespan focus and students will develop skills related to the description, analysis and interpretation, evidence-based assessment, differential diagnosis, and application of intervention principles to optimise communication and swallowing in complex cases or situations. Responsiveness to the people involved and the context of intervention, and working in partnership with others to plan, implement, evaluate and modify intervention or service response plans is embedded throughout the unit.
Intended Learning Outcomes
As per the Assessment and Results Policy 1.3, your results will reflect your achievement against specified learning outcomes.
On completion of this unit, you will be able to:
1.
Integrate relevant theories, models, and practice frameworks to understand and identify communication and swallowing needs of individuals and communities.
2.
Formulate holistic, evidence-based, and culturally responsive assessment plans to understand communication and swallowing needs of individuals and communities in partnership with others.
3.
Evaluate and synthesise information from a wide range of sources to understand, diagnose, and describe communication and swallowing needs of individuals and communities in partnership with others.
4.
Justify holistic, evidence-based, and culturally safe and responsive intervention or service response plans to optimise communication and swallowing where there are features of complexity.
5.
Evaluate intervention or service response outcomes and propose modifications.
Requisites
REQUISITE TYPE
REQUISITES
Pre-requisite
CXA734 Optimising Communication and Swallowing 1
Co-requisite
CXA729 Speech Pathology Practice 3
Alterations as a result of student feedback
 
 
 

Teaching arrangements
ATTENDANCE MODE
TEACHING TYPE
LEARNING ACTIVITY
CONTACT HOURS
FREQUENCY
On Campus
Lecture (Online)
Online class
1
StudyPeriod 11 times
Independent Learning
Independent Learning
9
StudyPeriod 11 times
Workshop
Workshop
20
Study Period 2 times
Practical
Practical
3
Study Period 2 times
Attendance / engagement expectations
If your unit is offered On campus, it is expected that you will attend all on-campus and onsite learning activities. This is to support your own learning and the development of a learning community within the unit. If you are unable to attend regularly, please discuss the situation with your course coordinator and/or our UConnect support team.

If your unit is offered Online or includes online activities, it is expected you will engage in all those activities as indicated in the Unit Outline or MyLO, including any self-directed learning.

If you miss a learning activity for a legitimate reason (e.g., illness, carer responsibilities) teaching staff will attempt to provide alternative activities (e.g., make up readings) where it is possible.
 
 
 
 

How will I be Assessed?
 
For more detailed assessment information please see MyLO.
Assessment schedule
ASSESSMENT TASK #
ASSESSMENT TASK NAME
DATE DUE
WEIGHT
LINKS TO INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES
Assessment Task 1:
Video Case Study Report
See the MyLO site for the due date
25 %
LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4
Assessment Task 2:
Complex Case Service Response Presentation
See the MyLO site for the due date
30 %
LO1, LO3, LO4, LO5
Assessment Task 3:
Cognitive-Communication Assignment
See the MyLO site for the due date
45 %
LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4
 
Assessment details
Assessment Task 1: Video Case Study Report
Task Description:
In this video case study task, you will watch a case history and goal setting conversation between a speech pathologist and a client with a complex multifactorial presentation. You will be given assessment results and watch video recordings of assessment tasks being conducted. You will analyse and interpret the case data and your observations, integrating this with theory and your own independent research to prepare an initial assessment report. Your clinical report will include a differential diagnosis, a plan for further assessment, and intervention options. You must successfully pass this assessment task to be eligible for a pass in the unit. This task assesses competencies that contribute to core claims of competency for speech pathology practice.
Task Length:
750 words
Due Date:
See the MyLO site for the due date
Weight:
25 %
 
CRITERION #
CRITERION
MEASURES INTENDED
LEARNING OUTCOME(S)
1
Analyse and interpret case assessment and observation data, integrating theory and independent research.
LO1, LO3
2
Identify gaps in case data and justify further assessment required.
LO1, LO2, LO3
3
Justify holistic and evidence-based intervention plans.
LO1, LO4
4
Respond to cultural and ethical considerations in terms of assessment interpretation and/or intervention planning.
LO1, LO4
5
Write a clear, concise, integrated initial assessment report presenting relevant diagnostic information and providing intervention options with justification.
LO1, LO3, LO4
 
Assessment Task 2: Complex Case Service Response Presentation
Task Description:
In this assessment, you are required to examine and respond to complex case scenarios. Two different case scenarios are presented, situating the same client in two different practice contexts. You will evaluate the current intervention or service response outcomes and propose modifications. You are required to critically compare the priorities and communication and swallowing needs of the client in each scenario and propose two service responses. You will propose one service response targeted at the individual level (direct therapy) and one service response targeting capacity building or a more systemic level response. You will present the two options in an oral presentation using a video conferencing platform and critically examine the service response plans and how the outcomes would differ in each scenario. A written self-reflection on your own learning through this assessment task will also be completed. You must successfully pass this assessment task to be eligible for a pass in the unit. This task assesses competencies that contribute to core claims of competency for speech pathology practice.
Task Length:
15 minutes oral presentation and 300 word written reflection
Due Date:
See the MyLO site for the due date
Weight:
30 %
 

 
CRITERION #
CRITERION
MEASURES INTENDED
LEARNING OUTCOME(S)
1
Analyse and interpret case information considering the context and issues raised in each scenario, integrating theory and independent research.
LO1, LO3
2
Evaluate the current intervention or service response outcomes.
LO1, LO5
3
Justify contrasting holistic and evidence-based service response plans.
LO1, LO4
4
Respond to cultural and ethical considerations in terms of assessment interpretation and/or intervention planning.
LO1, LO4
5
Present a clear, persuasive and succinct outline and appraisal of the current and proposed service response options to an interprofessional team.
LO1, LO3, LO4, LO5
6
Critically reflect on the service response planning process and your ability to communicate contrasting options.
LO4, LO5
 
Assessment Task 3: Cognitive-Communication Assignment
Task Description:
In this case-based assessment you will apply your theoretical understanding and knowledge of assessment and intervention principles in response to paediatric and adult case information, with a focus on optimising cognitive-communication at an individual and/or community level.
Your assessment submission will include written and video tasks. Tasks may include analysis and interpretation of case data within the context of a theoretical model to formulate a differential diagnosis, identifying gaps in case information and planning further assessment, justifying holistic and evidence-based intervention and outcome measurement plans, and/or responding to cultural and ethical considerations. Some of the tasks may require you to work in pairs or small groups to film role-play videos and demonstrate clinical and interactional skills. You will have the opportunity to work through case scenarios using the decision making framework in the unit and during the Residential Schools, providing opportunities for formative feedback and peer discussion to prepare you for your assessment.
The tasks align with the Speech Pathology Australia Professional Standards and will contribute to your professional portfolio and evidence of competency development across the course. Templates will be provided to help you structure your responses to each of the component tasks.
Task Length:
2000 words and 10 minutes video
Due Date:
See the MyLO site for the due date
Weight:
45 %
 
CRITERION #
CRITERION
MEASURES INTENDED
LEARNING OUTCOME(S)
1
Analyse and interpret case information integrating theory and research to formulate a differential diagnosis.
LO1, LO3
2
Identify gaps in case information required and plan further evidence-based and culturally responsive assessment to support intervention planning.
LO1, LO2, LO3
3
Justify holistic and evidence-based intervention and/or service response and outcome measurement plans.
LO1, LO4
4
Respond to cultural and ethical considerations.
LO1, LO4
 
 
 

How your final result is determined
To pass this unit, you need to demonstrate your attainment of each of the Intended Learning Outcomes, achieve a final unit grade of 50% or greater, and pass any hurdle tasks.
Submission of assignments
Where practicable, assignments should be submitted to an assignment submission folder in MYLO. You must submit assignments by the due date or receive a penalty (unless an extension of time has been approved by the Unit Coordinator). Students submitting any assignment in hard copy, or because of a practicum finalisation, must attach a student cover sheet and signed declaration for the submission to be accepted for marking.
Academic integrity
Academic integrity is about acting responsibly, honestly, ethically, and collegially when using, producing, and communicating information with other students and staff members.

In written work, you must correctly reference the work of others to maintain academic integrity. To find out the referencing style for this unit, see the assessment information in the MyLO site, or contact your teaching staff. For more detail about Academic Integrity, see
Important Guidelines & Support.
Requests for extensions
If you are unable to submit an assessment task by the due date, you should apply for an extension.
 
A request for an extension should first be discussed with your Unit Coordinator or teaching support team where possible. A request for an extension must be submitted by the assessment due date, except where you can provide evidence it was not possible to do so. Typically, an application for an extension will be supported by documentary evidence: however, where it is not possible for you to provide evidence please contact your Unit Coordinator.
 
The Unit Coordinator must notify you of the outcome of an extension request within 3 working days of receiving the request.
Late penalties
Assignments submitted after the deadline will receive a late penalty of 5% of the original available mark for each calendar day (or part day) that the assignment is late. Late submissions will not be accepted more than 10 calendar days after the due date, or after assignments have been returned to other students on a scheduled date, whichever occurs first. Further information on Late Penalties can be found on the Assessments and Results Procedure.
Review of results and appeals
You are entitled to ask for a review of the marking and grading of your assessment task if there is an irregularity in the marking standards or an error in the process for determining the outcome of an assessment. Details on how to request a review of a mark for an assignment are outlined in the Review and Appeal of Academic Decisions Procedure.