Repository logo

Masters Degrees (Speech Language Pathology)

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/10413/6762

Browse

Browsing Masters Degrees (Speech Language Pathology) by Author "Flack, Penelope Susan."

Filter results by typing the first few letters
Now showing 1 - 2 of 2
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    The effectiveness of role-play as a therapy approach targeting pragmatic skills in learners with language learning disability.
    (2015) Abdoola, Fareeaa.; Flack, Penelope Susan.; Sayed Karim, Saira Banu.
    Role based learning involves the process whereby learners acquire skills, knowledge and understanding through the assumption of roles within real-life settings. Role-play holds potential as an effective learning strategy for children. However, there is limited research and practice within the field of speech-language pathology. The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of role-play as a therapy approach targeting the pragmatic skills of stylistic variation and requesting for clarification in learners with language learning disability (LLD). Children with LLD typically present with difficulties in social communication, which can negatively impact their social and academic achievement. The use of combined positivist and interpretivist paradigms allowed for the implementation of an embedded mixed methods design. An experimental pre-test post-test design was implemented. Eight participants, who were learners with a diagnosis of LLD, were purposefully selected. Data collection was conducted over five phases, utilising the Clinical Evaluation of Language Fundamentals (4th Ed.) Pragmatics Profile, discourse completion tasks, session plans and session records. Quantitative data was analysed using descriptive statistics and was supplemented by qualitative data from session records. Results revealed improvements in stylistic variation and requesting for clarification post role-play intervention, with minimal changes in the control group. Limitations and implications of the study were identified, and recommendations for the implementation of role-play as a therapy approach were made. Keywords: Role-play, stylistic variation, requesting for clarification, language learning disability
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    The hallmarks of successful alaryngeal voice rehabilitation following a total laryngectomy using tracheo-esophageal puncture with voice prosthesis : perspectives of key role players.
    (2012) Naidu, Suvaya.; Flack, Penelope Susan.; Rajaram, Priya.
    A total laryngectomy (TL) affects the quality of life (QoL) of individuals who have undergone this surgical procedure, as changes are seen in respiration, swallowing and communication. The aim of this study was to gather perspectives of the hallmarks of successful alaryngeal voice rehabilitation by tracheo-esophageal puncture (TEP) with voice prosthesis of laryngectomy patients from key role players based at a public hospital in Gauteng Province, South Africa. A qualitative method of inquiry was used, namely a single-program, collective case study. A focus group, comprising of four individuals who had undergone a total laryngectomy, was held to identify the participants‟ views about successful voice rehabilitation. From this focus group, one successful communicator was identified to be interviewed individually. Five semi-structured, face-to-face individual interviews using open-ended questions were conducted with five key role players in alaryngeal voice rehabilitation. The interviewees comprised of the successfully rehabilitated person with total laryngectomy (PWTL), his caregiver, an ear, nose and throat surgeon, speech-language pathologist and specialist nurse, to gather their perspectives on the factors that contributed to successful alaryngeal voice rehabilitation using TES. The Thematic Framework Approach was used to qualitatively analyze the data. Factors identified as contributing to success included patient selection for tracheo-esophageal puncture, information provision, support in the form of support groups, spiritual as well as family support, stomal care, the skill of the team and key management issues. Issues related to finance adversely affect the provision of voice prostheses and/or the provision of correctly sized prostheses and accessories. Systems have been implemented at the hospital to provide the option of TEP with voice prosthesis without much consideration to the other two alaryngeal options; namely esophageal speech and electrolarynx speech. Implications for clinical practice have been identified especially the need to provide more social support services to persons with TL.