Logopedija in surdopedagogika

The expert group assesses that the proposed unified master's study program in Speech Therapy and Surdopedagogy generally meets the expected quality standards. The program is well-positioned within the professional and pedagogical framework but still has some gaps in the professional-clinical field of speech therapy and surdopedagogy. Key advantages of the program include clearly defined objectives, a well-structured framework of learning units with assigned credit points, proper documentation organization, and established collaboration with educational and healthcare institutions. The content of the study program aligns with the European Competence Framework for Speech Therapists. However, the expert group notes that there is a relatively small number of lecturers with appropriate scientific credentials in the field of speech therapy and surdopedagogy. This limitation affects the development of research activities and the depth of clinical training for students. Additionally, the updated curriculum contains some overlapping content and requires adjustments, such as relocating a certain course to a higher year or renaming a course, etc. In the realm of practical training, the institution has responded to prior feedback by providing a clearer structure regarding the time and content of the program. This structure integrates pedagogical and clinical practice in a total of 30 ECTS credits. Additionally, cooperation agreements have been established with various health institutions. The expert group recommends systematic training of mentors and ongoing monitoring of the study program's implementation. Research activities have improved and reached a minimum standard due to the employment of new experts and the establishment of partnerships with institutions such as the University of Zagreb, Rijeka, and Trieste. However, these efforts are not yet sufficiently developed to provide a strong scientific foundation for the program. Therefore, the expert group recommends that the institute engage more intensively in targeted national and international research and applied projects. Additionally, there should be an expansion of the roles of speech therapy and surdopedagogical professionals in research activities. The conditions for implementing the program are appropriate in terms of both material and human resources. The faculty has successfully upgraded information and communication technology (ICT) and has library support available. However, it is crucial to closely monitor the student workload due to the fragmented assessment methods in the pedagogical process. The criteria for enrollment, advancement, and completion of studies are clearly defined and consistent. Additionally, before enrollment, a test of speech and language skills is mandatory for the candidates. The group of experts believes that the program meets the essential requirements for both speech therapy and surdopedagogy, as well as for the pedagogical study program. It also provides suitable employment opportunities for graduates in educational, social, and clinical settings. To fully achieve the program's goals and maintain long-term quality, 5 it is crucial to strengthen the clinical and research aspects, ensure adequate staffing for professional subjects, and consistently implement the planned improvements in practical and research work.