International students in Speech-Language Pathology professional placements: experiences, competency development and outcomes.

Abstract

Practice placements are a key component of speech-language pathology professional education programs but these learning environments may be challenging for international students (IS). This research explored the background of IS in speech-language pathology placements in Australia, investigated the nature of IS’ learning, experiences and competency outcomes in placements and the strategies utilised to facilitate their learning by IS and the clinical educators who supervise them. Four studies were conducted using a mixed methods approach. University coordinators were surveyed to collect information about IS and their competency development on placement. Then the perceptions of IS and clinical educators about placement experiences and learning were explored using focus groups. Finally, regression analysis was used to identify whether being an international student predicted placement outcomes. In Australian speech-language pathology programs IS were 8 to 12% of students. Learning and developing competency in placements were perceived to be complex for IS, as many adapted their learning, cultural and communication behaviours to participate. The extent of these adjustments may depend on the IS’ background and coping strategies, but may also add cognitive processing beyond that for other students. ‘At risk’ placement outcome was predicted by being an international student, which may relate to these adjustments and associated cognitive load. Clinical educators may also experience more cognitive load as they adjust to facilitate IS’ learning whilst delivering complex services to clients. This may contribute to their perceptions that IS are complex and time consuming. However, IS and clinical educators were also positive and developed mutual intercultural skills from their experiences and identified strategies to facilitate IS’ learning in placements. Training that reinforces these benefits and integrates strategies may assist to reduce perceptions of complexity and load.