Expansive conceptualisation of the impact of continuous learning programmes: An analysis of research-based workshops in higher vocational education and training

Sanna Juvonen; Tarja Kantola; Hanna Toiviainen

doi:10.3384/njvet.2242-458X.2414370

Authors

Sanna Juvonen Tampere University, Finland https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0896-8473
Tarja Kantola Laurea University of Applied Sciences, Finland. https://orcid.org/0009-0006-8160-4341
Hanna Toiviainen Tampere University, Finland https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4431-1666

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3384/njvet.2242-458X.2414370

Keywords:

dimensions of expansion, health and social care, impact of higher vocational education and training (HVET), professional specialisation education (PSE) programmes

Abstract

Finnish higher education institutions offer continuous learning opportunities, including professional specialisation education programmes for the health and social sector. This article focuses on the conceptualisation of the impact of these programmes, which was the topic of discussion by education and working-life actors in research-based workshops. Drawing on the cultural–historical activity theory (CHAT) approach, the study seeks to answer the following research questions: What are the main themes through which the participants conceptualise the impact of education? How do the themes expand the conceptualisation of the impact of education? A qualitative study analysed data from the multi-professional discussions facilitated by researcher-developers in online workshops during the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings describe the impact-related discussion themes and analyse their expansive potential. Participants’ discursive actions in research-based online workshops manifest expansive conceptuali-sation on multiple dimensions, but also reveal dilemmatic impact-related questions that reflect the underlying contradictions of continuous learning programmes in the health and social sector.

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