This orientation explains the purpose of a pilot study and discusses how to conduct, report, and use the results of the study.
When do I need to conduct a pilot study?
Conduct a pilot study to determine the ASHA CEU amount for a course, or portion of a course, that is offered outside the traditional instructor-led classroom when the completion time varies from one learner to another. In other words, conduct a pilot study if ASHA CEUs are not based on seat time, viewing time, listening time or word count.
The following are examples of courses, or portions of courses, that may require pilot studies:
Self-studies or Blended courses that have the following components: technical reading that may require re-reading for comprehension; group or individual field experiences; assigned work outside the classroom (i.e., course prerequisites or follow-up activities); tests or assessments.
Note: The pilot study must be conducted within the 12 months prior to the course registration.
How do I conduct a pilot study?
How do I design a participant time log?
Do I follow the same procedures if I am piloting work outside the classroom or only selected components of a course?
Yes. Create and distribute a participant time log as described above to reflect the course components or assignments to be tracked by the pilot participants.
Are there special instructions if the self-study is a periodical (newsletter or journal)?
Yes, please note the following:
The Word Count formula found in the ASHA CEU Calculation Sheet [XLS] should be used to determine the ASHA CEU amount for each issue.
When you register the next issue of the journal, you should mark the method of Word Count and use the box provided in the ASHA CEU calculation section of the Registration form to show your calculations using the approved word count formula for your journal.
How do I report the data received from the participant time logs?
Why does the spreadsheet calculate the mean, median and mode.
Mean, median, and mode are used to ensure that the appropriate measure of central tendency is used to calculate the ASHA CEUs.
What are the course registration procedures when a pilot study is involved?
The following items must be submitted to ASHA CE at least 15 days prior to the start date of the first offering of your course:
What happens if there is a change in my product's delivery method, format, or content during the period it is registered for ASHA CEUs?
Contact your provider manager to discuss the changes. You may be required to do one or more of the following: