As practitioners in the field of speech therapy, it is crucial to stay informed about the latest research to improve the outcomes for our young clients. A recent study titled Comparing Feedback Types in Multimedia Learning of Speech by Young Children With Common Speech Sound Disorders: Research Protocol for a Pretest Posttest Independent Measures Control Trial provides valuable insights into how different types of feedback can enhance speech therapy through multimedia platforms.
The study explores various feedback mechanisms within a multimedia environment to determine which types are most effective in helping children with speech sound disorders. Here are some key findings and recommendations from the research that you can implement in your practice:
Types of Feedback and Their Effectiveness
- Verification Feedback (KR/MT): This type of feedback indicates whether a response is correct or incorrect without providing additional information. While it is prevalent in multimedia applications due to its ease of implementation, it is less effective in promoting learning.
- Intrinsic Feedback: This feedback occurs directly in response to a learner's action and mirrors real-world interactions. It is more complex to implement but highly recommended for multimedia applications as it builds upon the learner's real-world experiences.
- Formative Feedback (KP): This feedback provides detailed information on how to improve performance. It is particularly effective when combined with other types of feedback, such as intrinsic feedback.
Practical Applications for Speech Therapy
To enhance your practice, consider integrating these feedback types into your multimedia tools and therapy sessions:
- Combine Intrinsic and Formative Feedback: Use multimedia applications that provide real-world-like responses and detailed guidance on how to articulate sounds correctly. For example, if a child says "gate" correctly, a virtual gate could open, providing immediate, understandable feedback.
- Use Verification Feedback Sparingly: While verification feedback can be useful for simple tasks, it should not be the sole type of feedback. Always aim to supplement it with more informative feedback.
- Leverage Multimedia Environments: Create engaging, interactive activities that simulate real-world scenarios. This approach not only makes learning more enjoyable but also reinforces correct speech production through natural feedback mechanisms.
Encouraging Further Research
The study highlights the importance of evidence-based practices in speech therapy. As practitioners, we should continuously seek out and incorporate new research findings into our work. Here are some steps to encourage further research and stay updated:
- Join Professional Networks: Engage with other speech therapists and researchers through professional organizations and online forums.
- Attend Conferences and Workshops: Participate in events that focus on the latest advancements in speech therapy and multimedia learning.
- Conduct Your Own Research: If feasible, consider collaborating with academic institutions to conduct studies that can contribute to the field.
By implementing these recommendations, you can significantly enhance the effectiveness of your therapy sessions and create better outcomes for children with speech sound disorders.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Comparing Feedback Types in Multimedia Learning of Speech by Young Children With Common Speech Sound Disorders: Research Protocol for a Pretest Posttest Independent Measures Control Trial.
