Enhancing academic and professional literacy in Swedish specialist nurse and other professional education programmes: a teacher’s perspective

Authors

  • Asa Carlsund Umeå university, Sweden
  • Annette Björk Mid Sweden University, Sweden

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47408/jldhe.vi31.1161

Keywords:

academic literacy, higher education, professional education, professional literacy

Abstract

This opinion piece focuses on the vital integration of academic and professional literacies in specialist nurse education and other professional education programmes within higher education in Sweden. In this opinion piece, we argue that extended learning, practise, and support can enhance the academic and professional literacy competence of specialist nurse students and other students in professional educations. To offer student specific and targeted support, educators, researchers, and policymakers can engage in collaboration, as well as inspire and empower their teachers through ongoing professional development. We also argue that the relationship between these two literacies should be highlighted in higher education to clarify the importance of academic skills within specialist nursing and other professions. We therefore suggest higher education could be more active in implementing and visualising intended learning outcomes with progression and learning activities regarding academic literacy as well as professional literacy curricula in professional educations. This approach, with an emphasis on systematic monitoring and research, ensures proficiency in effective communication, evidence-based practice, ethical responsibility, continuous learning, and quality assurance.

Author Biographies

Asa Carlsund, Umeå university, Sweden

Åsa Carlsund is a clinical nurse specialist and work as a senior lecturer at the Department of Nursing Science at Umeå University, Sweden. She is interested in higher education pedagogy especially the interaction between professional literacy and academic literacy in professional education.

Annette Björk, Mid Sweden University, Sweden

Annette Björk is a clinical nurse specialist and works as a senior lecturer at the Department of Nursing Science at Mid Sweden University, Sweden. Furthermore, she has an interest in higher education pedagogy regarding the interaction between academic literacy, professional literacy, and the profession to promote healthy literacy for vulnerable individuals.

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Published

29-09-2024

How to Cite

Carlsund, A. and Björk, A. (2024) “Enhancing academic and professional literacy in Swedish specialist nurse and other professional education programmes: a teacher’s perspective”, Journal of Learning Development in Higher Education, (31). doi: 10.47408/jldhe.vi31.1161.

Issue

Section

Opinion Pieces