Strategies for Introductory Health Literacy Education Using Fundamental, Case-based, and Simulated Learning Experiences in Undergraduate Health Education

Abstract

ABSTRACT This feature article describes strategies for designing and facilitating an introductory health literacy education mini unit using a compendium of fundamental, case-based, and simulated learning experiences in undergraduate health education. It explores issues of definition, complimentary fields, associative pedagogy and established measures, before considering contextualized and scaffolded, and skill-building approaches, and their direct translation to health education practice. The guiding perspective acknowledges health literacy as an asset and critical outcome of health education; its transferrable skills continuously enhanced in changing contexts. Conceptual and experiential health literacy education interventions are both grounded in Constructivist learning theory and informed by salient instructional planning models. Pedagogical guidance for their facilitation is provided, with particular emphasis placed on encouraging newly developed and meaningful learning informed by students’ prior experiences and knowledge. Featured collaborative and learner-centered instructional activities include live and virtual interactions, affording students practice using HL Universal Precautions to clearly communicate health information and confirm understanding of health messages. Collectively, the HL education unit was informed by emerging literature; National Health Education Standards; NACE Career Competencies; Health Literacy Clear Communication Recommended Practices; HESPA II 2020 Area VI competency, and sub-competencies. Lastly, extensive, practical applications align this HL education unit with health education practice.