Democratic school health education in a post-communist country

Abstract

Emerald is a global publisher linking research and practice to the benefit of society. The company manages a portfolio of more than 290 journals and over 2,350 books and book series volumes, as well as providing an extensive range of online products and additional customer resources and services. Emerald is both COUNTER 4 and TRANSFER compliant. The organization is a partner of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) and also works with Portico and the LOCKSS initiative for digital archive preservation.

HealthLit4Kids: Dilemmas associated with student health literacy development in the primary school setting

“…For example, Teacher 10 reported that 'student buy in was also great with huge enthusiasm and engagement' and Teacher 1 stated 'as a teacher, I have been excited by the enthusiasm of students'. These findings align with previous research (Boberova et al, 2017;Nash et al, 2020;Paakkari and Paakkari, 2012), which noted that students are more engaged if they can see the relevance of the content they are being taught and their perspectives are considered.…”

“…Primary school teachers are often expected to teach a broad range of subjects including health, which they may not feel confident about or adequately trained in (Boberova et al, 2017;Cruickshank et al, 2020;Deal et al, 2010). Teachers in this study described limited awareness of HL initially but noted personal and professional growth, demonstrated by increased confidence in both their own HL and their ability to integrate HL into other subject areas within their classroom.…”

School‐Based Health Literacy Programs for Children (2‐16 Years): An International Review

“…Furthermore, students must be provided with opportunities to contribute meaningfully, and earlier if they are to develop into citizens capable of advocating for their health and the health of others. 36,47,48 Limited published interventions in the primary school age group also may reflect that adults have not always given primary school aged children opportunities to have their voices heard or advocate on health issues. Traditionally, the parents, teachers, and school nurses choose the topics that are covered, and the children's views have not always been captured.…”

“…48 There is potential for a school to provide a HL-responsive environment. Furthermore, Boberova et al 47 highlight that authentic student involvement in these school projects could be further optimized by threading HL values through various aspects of the school day including curriculum, relationships, and school ethos. Boberova et al 47(p 481) state ''only then will the pupils learn the competencies and values relevant to taking care of one's health.''…”

“…Each constructed a plan for an action-oriented project and participated in independent reflection as well as collective reflection with the other pupils, teachers, and the school principal. 47 It is difficult to argue with a whole-of-school effort, when the World Health Organization, UNICEF, and UNESCO all highlight the importance of addressing school health using an integrated and comprehensive approach. 55 Importantly, and consistent with the ''social ecology of health literacy,'' 56 Mukamana and Johri 55 describe how multicomponent interventions are capable of having an impact on the skills and behaviors of individuals, engaging several stakeholders (school, family, community), and generating changes in the school environment and sometimes in health outcomes.…”