Motivation to enroll in speech and hearing training programs in India: A follow-up study

AbstractThis study follows up on Lokheshwar et al, exploring the motivational factors that drive students to pursue professional training in speech and hearing. Responses were collected from 276 students enrolled in various stages of the Bachelor in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology program via a Google Form. An open-ended questionnaire was used to gather information about students’ awareness of the speech and hearing field, including when and how they learned about it. Students identified factors such as the “unique nature of the field,” “opportunities to help individuals with communication disorders,” and the “broad scope of the field” as key motivations for enrolling in the program. The findings suggest that an open-ended questionnaire may provide a more accurate reflection of students’ motivations compared to a closed set of questions, which can influence responses. The study highlights the need for institutions and administrators to enhance their outreach efforts, particularly via digital and social media.