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Evaluating the Impact of Bidirectional Learning on SLP Graduate Students' Confidence, Critical Thinking, and Clinical Competence

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Title: Evaluating the Impact of Bidirectional Learning on SLP Graduate Students' Confidence, Critical Thinking, and Clinical Competence
Language: English
Authors: Alexis Lawton (ORCID 0009-0000-5162-2780), Regina Lemmon Bush, Sharita Williams-Crossen
Source: Communication Disorders Quarterly. 2026 47(3):160-173.
Availability: SAGE Publications and Hammill Institute on Disabilities. 2455 Teller Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320. Tel: 800-818-7243; Tel: 805-499-9774; Fax: 800-583-2665; e-mail: journals@sagepub.com; Web site: https://sagepub.com
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 14
Publication Date: 2026
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education
Postsecondary Education
Descriptors: Speech Language Pathology, Allied Health Occupations Education, Graduate Students, Self Esteem, Critical Thinking, Clinical Experience, Competence, Reciprocal Teaching, Decision Making, Cultural Awareness, Lifelong Learning, Theory Practice Relationship, Course Content, Practicums, Professional Development
Geographic Terms: California, Texas
DOI: 10.1177/15257401251378126
ISSN: 1525-7401
1538-4837
Abstract: This pilot study examined the effectiveness of a bidirectional learning framework in bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and clinical practice in speech-language pathology (SLP) education. The focus was on how students applied classroom learning to clinical settings and vice versa, and how this approach affected their clinical competence, critical thinking, and cultural awareness. A mixed-methods approach was used, with surveys, reflection journals, and grade performance from two SLP graduate cohorts (U.S. states California and Texas) assessing students' confidence and competence. Results indicated both cohorts performed significantly well with improvements in students' ability to apply theory to clinical decision-making. Reflection journals further promoted critical thinking and self-reflection, with most students noting improved skills. The study suggests that bidirectional learning enhances clinical competence and professional development, fostering critical thinking, cultural competence, and lifelong learning, which are vital for effective SLP practice.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2026
Accession Number: EJ1503539
Database: ERIC
FullText Text:
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  Data: Evaluating the Impact of Bidirectional Learning on SLP Graduate Students' Confidence, Critical Thinking, and Clinical Competence
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Alexis+Lawton%22">Alexis Lawton</searchLink> (ORCID <externalLink term="https://orcid.org/0009-0000-5162-2780">0009-0000-5162-2780</externalLink>)<br /><searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Regina+Lemmon+Bush%22">Regina Lemmon Bush</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Sharita+Williams-Crossen%22">Sharita Williams-Crossen</searchLink>
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="SO" term="%22Communication+Disorders+Quarterly%22"><i>Communication Disorders Quarterly</i></searchLink>. 2026 47(3):160-173.
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  Data: SAGE Publications and Hammill Institute on Disabilities. 2455 Teller Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320. Tel: 800-818-7243; Tel: 805-499-9774; Fax: 800-583-2665; e-mail: journals@sagepub.com; Web site: https://sagepub.com
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  Data: 14
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Speech+Language+Pathology%22">Speech Language Pathology</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Allied+Health+Occupations+Education%22">Allied Health Occupations Education</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Graduate+Students%22">Graduate Students</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Self+Esteem%22">Self Esteem</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Critical+Thinking%22">Critical Thinking</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Clinical+Experience%22">Clinical Experience</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Competence%22">Competence</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Reciprocal+Teaching%22">Reciprocal Teaching</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Decision+Making%22">Decision Making</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Cultural+Awareness%22">Cultural Awareness</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Lifelong+Learning%22">Lifelong Learning</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Theory+Practice+Relationship%22">Theory Practice Relationship</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Course+Content%22">Course Content</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Practicums%22">Practicums</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Professional+Development%22">Professional Development</searchLink>
– Name: Subject
  Label: Geographic Terms
  Group: Su
  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22California%22">California</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Texas%22">Texas</searchLink>
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  Data: 10.1177/15257401251378126
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  Data: 1525-7401<br />1538-4837
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  Data: This pilot study examined the effectiveness of a bidirectional learning framework in bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and clinical practice in speech-language pathology (SLP) education. The focus was on how students applied classroom learning to clinical settings and vice versa, and how this approach affected their clinical competence, critical thinking, and cultural awareness. A mixed-methods approach was used, with surveys, reflection journals, and grade performance from two SLP graduate cohorts (U.S. states California and Texas) assessing students' confidence and competence. Results indicated both cohorts performed significantly well with improvements in students' ability to apply theory to clinical decision-making. Reflection journals further promoted critical thinking and self-reflection, with most students noting improved skills. The study suggests that bidirectional learning enhances clinical competence and professional development, fostering critical thinking, cultural competence, and lifelong learning, which are vital for effective SLP practice.
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  Data: 2026
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  Data: EJ1503539
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      – SubjectFull: Speech Language Pathology
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Allied Health Occupations Education
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      – SubjectFull: California
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      – SubjectFull: Texas
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      – TitleFull: Evaluating the Impact of Bidirectional Learning on SLP Graduate Students' Confidence, Critical Thinking, and Clinical Competence
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