PP402 - Experiential Learning: Delivering Cost-Effective Hands-On Vestibular Education

Abstract:
Teaching students about the vestibular system can be daunting, especially given cost and physical space limitations. Students at the University of Maryland are learning about the vestibular system with portable, cost-effective, infrared goggles, and inner ear headbands. The new equipment has proven to be an innovative method to introduce vestibular testing to graduate and undergraduate students. Feedback has indicated that students have benefited from hands-on learning opportunities and will participate in lectures/activities if given the chance.

Summary:

Rationale:
Students at UMD do not have consistent opportunities to learn about vestibular assessments in the clinical setting due to cost and limited space. One of our goals as educators is to ensure that all students are prepared to become competent clinicians in all aspects of audiology, and that includes balance not just hearing. However, we found that students leaving our program did not feel they had enough vestibular education. Therefore, a vestibular seminar was provided for students. Still, without equipment, it was difficult for students to have hands-on training similar to their training with audiological assessments and hearing aids. With the help of a Teaching and Learning Transformation Center Grant through UMD in 2022, cost-effective equipment was purchased to allow students to apply their knowledge and provide hands-on experiences.

Methods:
Purchased equipment (Vesticam Infrared Goggles and Vestibular First inner ear headbands) through Teaching and Learning Transformation Center Grant. Graduate students voluntarily attended a 3-day seminar about vestibular assessment in the Winter semester where equipment was demonstrated. All students were provided with ample time to practice with the equipment. Undergraduate students in HESP202-Introduction to Hearing and Speech Sciences were provided with demonstrations in the lecture hall before splitting up into small groups where they could handle the equipment.

Results &

Conclusions:

Student feedback from undergraduate and graduate students was positive. All students found that the hands-on knowledge helped solidify textbook knowledge. Most students had a better understanding of the vestibular system and balance assessment.

Learning Objectives:

• Discuss how experiential learning benefits graduate and undergraduate students
• Explain how cost effective equipment and models can be used in the classroom