Maximising student engagement in learning clinical phonetics and phonology using creative approaches
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Clinical phonetics and phonology are essential components of speech and language therapy education, yet many incoming students struggle with early phonetic concepts, particularly the shift from orthographic to sound-based thinking. These difficulties reflect phonetics as a threshold concept requiring repeated and varied practice to achieve accurate sound-to-symbol mapping and analytical skills. More recently, teaching in this area has drawn on innovative approaches to support such practice, with increasing attention to game-based and playful learning. Contributing to this emerging field, this paper presents a set of playful, low-cost learning activities designed to support first-year students in developing core phonetic and phonological knowledge. Grounded in principles of playful learning, the activities create an open, low-stakes environment that encourages exploration, collaboration and productive failure. Examples include black-out poetry tasks that reinforce the distinction between letters and sounds and IPA-adapted word games such as word searches and IPA Scrabble. These playful, interactive approaches enhance engagement, support peer learning and offer adaptable tools for early phonetics teaching across a range of educational contexts.
Source: Clinical Linguistics & Phonetics
Author: Claire Timmins
Institution: University of Strathclyde
Language: English
Subfield: Developmental and Educational Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
SDG: Quality education
Open Access status: hybrid
Funder: One Mind
OpenAlex ID: W7165774818