Integrating Simulations Into Communication Sciences and Disorders Clinical Curriculum: Impact of Student Perceptions

Purpose The purpose of this mixed methods study was to examine student perceptions of computer-based simulation and to identify components of the simulation experience that were valued by the students. The aim of this study was to inform the development of effective approaches to integrating simulation into the speech-language pathology graduate curriculum. Method Participants were 1st-year graduate students in a residential, speech-language pathology master's program (N = 29). A convergent-parallel mixed methods study situated in the pragmatic paradigm was conducted. Students completed a quantitative survey regarding educational practices and participated in focus groups regarding their experiences in a semester-long, simulated diagnostic clinical placement. These quantitative data and qualitative inquiry were analyzed and interpreted to explore the perceptions and attitudes of participants. Results In response to the research questions, integration of the qualitative and quantitative data resulted in 4 ...