Introduction
In the world of speech-language pathology and education, creating impactful outcomes for children is paramount. As practitioners, we continuously seek innovative methods to enhance our skills and improve the quality of our services. The research article titled "An entrepreneurial training model to enhance undergraduate training in biomedical research" offers valuable insights that can be applied to our field, particularly in online therapy services for schools like those provided by TinyEYE.
The ASCEND Model: A Revolutionary Approach
The ASCEND (A Student-Centered Entrepreneurship Development) training model, developed at Morgan State University, is part of the NIH's BUILD Initiative. This model shifts the traditional "apprenticeship" approach to an "entrepreneurial" one, where students take ownership of their research. They are not just participants but leaders, responsible for proposing, conducting, and disseminating their research.
This approach is hypothesized to increase self-efficacy, research competency, and science identity among students. By understanding the big picture and experiencing the entire research process, students gain a sense of autonomy and purpose, which are crucial for motivation and success.
Implications for Speech-Language Pathology
In speech-language pathology, particularly in the context of online therapy, adopting an entrepreneurial mindset can lead to significant improvements in service delivery. Practitioners can apply the principles of the ASCEND model by:
- Encouraging children to take an active role in their therapy sessions, fostering a sense of ownership and autonomy.
- Developing personalized therapy plans that consider the child's interests and strengths, enhancing engagement and motivation.
- Creating collaborative environments where children can share their progress and challenges, promoting peer support and learning.
Encouraging Further Research
The ASCEND model demonstrates the power of innovative training approaches in enhancing research skills and outcomes. As practitioners, we should be inspired to conduct further research in our field, exploring how similar models can be adapted to speech-language pathology. This could involve pilot studies to test new therapy methods or collaborative projects with educational institutions to integrate entrepreneurial training elements into existing programs.
Conclusion
The ASCEND model offers a transformative approach to research training, emphasizing student leadership and comprehensive engagement. By applying these principles, we can enhance our practice in speech-language pathology, ultimately leading to better outcomes for the children we serve. To delve deeper into the original research, please follow this link: An entrepreneurial training model to enhance undergraduate training in biomedical research.
