As a speech-language pathologist dedicated to data-driven decisions and improving child outcomes, it's crucial to stay updated with the latest research. One such valuable resource is the Canadian Journal of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology (CJSLPA). In this blog, we'll delve into key findings from recent research and explore how practitioners can enhance their skills by implementing these outcomes.
Long vs. Short Language Samples: A Clinical Procedure for French Language Assessment
The study by Elin Thordardottir in Volume 40, No. 3, 2016, investigates the effect of sample length on French Language Sample Analysis (LSA) measures. The research highlights the stability of measures across different sample lengths and proposes a clinical shortcut involving the use of Mean Length of Utterance in words (MLUw) from a 25-utterance sample to estimate more complex language use. This can make LSA in French more feasible in clinical settings.
Key Findings:
- Remarkable stability was found for all measures across sample lengths of 100, 50, 25, and 12 utterances.
- MLU in words and morphemes were nearly perfectly correlated in both typical development (TD) and language impairment (LI) samples.
- A clinical shortcut procedure was proposed using MLUw derived from a 25-utterance sample.
Practical Application:
For practitioners, this means that shorter language samples can still provide reliable and informative data. Implementing this shortcut can save time while maintaining accuracy in assessments, ultimately leading to better-targeted interventions and improved outcomes for children.
Assessing Early Language Use by French-Speaking Canadian Children: Introducing the LUI-French
The study by Diane Pesco and Daniela O'Neill introduces the LUI-French, a parent report tool for assessing how young French-speaking children use language. The research confirms the tool's reliability and developmental sensitivity, making it a valuable addition to clinical practice.
Key Findings:
- The LUI-French showed good to excellent internal reliability across its subscales.
- Factor analysis supported the ordering of the subscales, similar to the original LUI in English.
- The LUI-French scores increased with age, as predicted, indicating its developmental sensitivity.
Practical Application:
Practitioners can use the LUI-French to gather comprehensive data on a child's language use in daily life. This tool can help identify delays in pragmatics and guide intervention planning. It also emphasizes the importance of parental involvement in the assessment process.
Nonstandard Dialect and Educational Achievement: Implications for First Nations Students
Patricia Hart Blundon's research addresses the educational challenges faced by students who speak a nonstandard dialect, particularly First Nations students. The study underscores the need for awareness and appropriate pedagogical strategies to support these students.
Key Findings:
- Nonstandard dialects can negatively impact school achievement due to differences in pronunciation, grammar, vocabulary, and language use.
- Teacher perspectives, inappropriate testing, and pedagogical strategies can further affect academic performance.
- Raising awareness and implementing dialect-sensitive assessment and teaching practices are crucial.
Practical Application:
Practitioners should be aware of the linguistic diversity in their student population and adopt culturally sensitive approaches. Understanding and respecting nonstandard dialects can help in creating more inclusive and effective educational environments.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Canadian Journal of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology.
