For the most part, my area of interest , is still up for grabs. I am still trying to find that one thing. Maybe I don't have to find just one?!?! The areas that come to mind right now are working with people (young or old) with a hearing impairment. I really liked the observation we watched the other day. I could actually see myself doing that and enjoying the heck out of it. Another area I am interested in is the diagnostic evaluation. We have all just started the journey of assessment. The tests we have looked at or discussed seem pretty neat. I mean, administering them will be hard(confusing) at first, but still exciting. I may nnt cnow how to actually administer a test during an evaluation, but the thought or idea of me doing that is exciting. I think it is the idea that we will actually be obtaining the information ourselves. I am looking forward to our practice evaluations.

An essential question for me might be something like: What are the most effective steps in preparing for a diagnostic evaluation?

I know that a case history form is useful information for a starting point. In our labs we do pre-staffing- role play. This really helped me to get an idea about what might really take place. Discussing the information with my other classmates( or co workers) also provides you with more information or tips. Thinking of possible situations that might arise might prepare me for the "unexpected". These are just a few ideas that I know of, I am sure there are many more.

I don't know how someone that has been doing evaluations for a while prepares, or even how someone that is new to the field prepares. These are things that I hopefully find out, and can relate to later in my own situation.

Michelle