As professionals in the field of speech pathology, we are constantly seeking ways to enhance our skills and improve the outcomes for those we serve. Recent research sheds light on an aspect of our professional development that is often overlooked: the impact of course instructors on our learning trajectory and, by extension, our clinical performance. A study by Paul Hagler (1981) explored whether the instructor of a speech pathology course could influence students' grades and their later academic and clinical achievements.
The study focused on two courses within an undergraduate speech pathology program, each taught by different instructors but with the same course content. The analysis of 44 students' grades and their performance over three years revealed that the instructor's identity did not significantly affect students' overall grade point averages or clinical performance measures. This finding suggests that as long as the course content remains consistent, who teaches the course might not have a profound impact on students' long-term academic or clinical success.
However, this does not diminish the role of instructors altogether. Previous research highlighted in the study points to the significant influence teachers can have on student achievement, largely attributed to their teaching methods and the time students spend engaged in tasks. Therefore, while the instructor might not alter the course's overall impact, their teaching style and interaction with students could still affect immediate learning outcomes and student engagement.
For speech pathology practitioners and students, this research underscores the importance of focusing on the course content and learning objectives, rather than the instructor's identity. It also highlights the potential for varied instructional approaches to achieve similar long-term educational outcomes, offering flexibility in curriculum planning and instructor assignments.
To further enhance our professional development, we should:
- Seek out courses that clearly define and adhere to comprehensive learning objectives relevant to our practice.
- Engage actively with course materials, regardless of the instructor, focusing on how the content applies to clinical scenarios.
- Consider the teaching methods and instructor feedback as tools for immediate learning enhancement, rather than predictors of long-term success.
- Embrace a variety of instructional styles to broaden our learning experiences and adaptability in different clinical contexts.
Ultimately, this research invites us to look beyond the instructor and to value the consistency and applicability of course content in our ongoing professional development. By doing so, we can ensure that our education continuously aligns with our clinical goals and the needs of those we serve.
For practitioners interested in delving deeper into this research and its implications for speech pathology education, Effect of Different Speech Pathology Course Instructors on Grades and Their Relationship to Overall Academic and Clinical Achievements provides valuable insights.
