Effectiveness of Vocal Training Techniques in School-Aged Drama Students.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to determine whether vocal hygiene education and direct vocal training would impact student self-reported preparedness for using voice for performance. STUDY DESIGN: A single-group, pretest-posttest research design was used. METHODS: Twenty-three drama students in middle and high school participated in a 1-hour vocal training workshop, which included vocal hygiene education and vocal training for performance. Changes in student self-reported preparedness for using voice for performance were examined following participation in the workshop. Data analysis involved comparison of pretest and posttest responses to a novel questionnaire. RESULTS: Participants demonstrated a statistically significant increase in self-reported preparedness for using voice for performance following participation (P < .001, d = 2.40), as measured by mean increase in survey scores. Additionally, significant group differences were found by grade level and report of prior vocal training. CONCLUSIONS: School-aged drama students appear receptive to direct vocal training and vocal hygiene education, with significant gains in self-reported preparedness for using voice for performance observed following intervention.

College Student Experiences of Grief and Loss Amid the COVID-19 Global Pandemic.

This study examined types of and reactions to loss experienced by a sample of 162 undergraduate and graduate students in the United States amid the COVID-19 global pandemic. Results indicated students reported an average of 6.33 losses with loss of normalcy being the most prominent. The number of losses experienced was a significant predictor of loss of control and avoidance. A significant positive relationship was revealed between spirituality and positive reappraisal whereas a significant negative correlation was identified between spirituality and loss of control and avoidance. Age was also negatively associated with expressions of avoidance and loss of control. Finally, students who attended faith-based institutions reported higher levels of positive reappraisal and lower levels of loss of control. Results suggest the need for educators and mental health practitioners to assess non-death losses among college students and provide supportive interventions aimed at promoting psychosocial-spiritual coping and resilience during and following a pandemic.

Impact of Vocal Hygiene Training on Teachers' Willingness to Change Vocal Behaviors.

There is a high incidence of dysphonia reported in teachers, which has been shown to indicate the teacher's ability to instruct as well as students' ability to comprehend. Factors such as extra vocal load, poor classroom acoustics, and health issues may increase a teacher's risk of acquiring a voice disorder that impacts his or her career. A common approach to treating or preventing voice disorders is the use of vocal hygiene training. Many studies have addressed different types of voice training with mixed results due to lengthy training programs, poor implementation, and other factors related to teacher motivation. The purpose of this study was to determine whether education on vocal hygiene practices would impact teachers' willingness to modify vocal behaviors. A group of 26 teachers from preschool to high school was sent pre- and post-training surveys to determine demographics, daily vocal use, and history of voice issues. The survey also assessed participants' likelihood to modify their behaviors to incorporate vocal hygiene practices into their daily lives. Between the pre- and post-training surveys, teachers received a one-hour training on vocal hygiene practices. This training consisted of basic information regarding the anatomy and physiology of the voice, healthy, and unhealthy vocal behaviors and the impact of phonotrauma behaviors, and positive effects of vocal hygiene techniques. Results showed that the impact of vocal hygiene training on teachers' willingness to incorporate vocally hygienic behaviors was statistically significant (d ≥ 0.80). Increases in study participant perceived desire to engage in vocal hygiene behaviors by virtue of vocal hygiene training was manifested in nearly 90% of the targeted vocal hygiene behaviors. In conclusion, teachers appear to benefit from receiving education on voice use and vocal hygiene techniques and show willingness to incorporate these techniques into their repertoires.