As noted in Cathy's comment, Speech, Swallowing, Language, Hearing and Other were those we arrived at in the conference call. Subject to further discussion. To be decided by August 7. Feedback and suggestions here.
-) I was thinking about the "other" too, and it really may add up and get vague in there.
By way of brainstorming, another thought I had was that we might consider the first level to be split by disciplines and have just two categories: A. Speech Language Pathology and B. Audiology My reasoning for this is that with the AUD, the certification standards for the two disciplines are quite different. Secondly, I'm a little concerned that those whose content would fall under "other" (such as augmentative communication, research methods in csd, etc...) may feel less "recognized/valued".) Lastly, faculty tend to be hired to teach in one discipline or the other (not counting some of the scientists who teach across). The downside of this might be for undergraduate courses, and likely other issues.
Here's another possible option:
First level: A. Language and Communication; B. Speech and Swallowing, C. Hearing (and Vestibular or Processing or ??), D. Foundations and Related (a question would be do audiology foundations fit here?)
I'm also thinking of this organization and how it might facilitate finding reviewers- so how would any of these breakdowns work to recruit reviewers. Cathy, any tips related to that?
Please post comments, thoughts or suggestions about our main categories in the next few days.
Here are the options mentioned so far:
1. A. Speech; B. Language; C. Swallowing; D. Hearing; and E. Other
2. A. Speech Language Pathology; B. Audiology
3. A. Language and Communication; B. Speech and Swallowing, C. Hearing, D. Foundations and Related
4. Speech Language Pathology; B. Audiology; C. Foundations
It was put together several years ago, and has resources on assessment and some resources might well fit within our CAPCSD Merlot database area. A topic like this suggests that we still would need an "other/related" main category.
I like option 3 with the earlier suggestion that it include C; Hearing and Vestibular Functions. We may need to further define Foundations but I think it lends itself to recruiting reviewers. It is transparent for folks outside of our disciplines who may be interested in the materials.
At this point, then, the two choices are to use three or four broad categories at the first level:
Option 4 above: A. Speech language pathology, B. Audiology and C. Foundations
OR
Option 3 above: A. Language and Communication; B. Speech and Swallowing, C. Hearing and Vestibular, D. Foundations and Related
I'm recommending we go with the four categories (Option 3), for these reasons: it decreases our original number of categories ( discussed in our conference call) 5 to 4; I believe it will facilitate assigning reviewers by expertise; it sorts by content rather than discipline; it seems reasonably inclusive. Any last thoughts or comments on this before we finalize and make the recommendation to the Merlot staff that will set this up?
Okay, Let's go with the list below for our top level categories:
A. Language and Communication; B. Speech and Swallowing, C. Hearing and Vestibular, D. Foundations and Related