Technology: Graduate speech-language pathology students participated in hands-on instrumental laboratory experiences in the Appalachian State University Voice & Swallowing Center. Following foundational didactic lectures reviewing voice assessment procedures, students utilized laboratory instruments to practice gathering clinically relevant assessment measures (e.g., laryngeal function, vocal fold parameters, pitch, loudness, nasalance, and air flow). This experience supplemented the students’ understanding as they learned to interpret measures frequently collected during clinical assessment of voice disorders. Participation in the laboratory experiences enhanced students’ understanding of clinical procedures, while also satisfying program accreditation standards which require student competence of voice assessment and instrumentation for diagnosis and treatment. Evidence: Following participation in the instrumental laboratory experience, students shared about the quality of their understanding. The majority of the students reported that this particular portion of the course was helpful in increasing their understanding of curriculum, that the lab contributed to their understanding of how instrumentation is used in diagnosis and treatment, that as a result of the lab, they are better prepared to use instrumentation in their clinical and professional practice, and that the lab should be offered to future students. General themes regarding improvements and particular components of the lab students reported liking will be presented. Broader Impacts: Integrating classroom lecture with clinically relevant instrumental laboratory experiences will enhance students’ comprehensive understanding of voice assessment. When used in combination with traditional didactic teaching methods, instrumental technology allows students to apply foundational knowledge and better prepare them for future clinical practice.
