Starting Conversations that Matter

Introduction to the second volume of Papers on Postsecondary Learning and Teaching, Proceedings of the University of Calgary Conference on Learning and Teaching

An Open Letter to Student Authors: Addressing the Challenges

In this article, we examine the challenges post-secondary students face as they transition from writing as an academic requirement to its use as a strategy for their life-long learning and professional development. We offer strategies to address these challenges. We make several assumptions. The first is that students hold a set of personal beliefs about academic writing, which influence their motivation and engagement in the writing process. The second is that writing is a strategy to promote competency in professional practice. The third is that the barriers and challenges to successful and sustainable writing can be overcome.  &nbsp

Explaining variation in Down's syndrome screening uptake: comparing the Netherlands with England and Denmark using documentary analysis and expert stakeholder interviews.

Background: The offer of prenatal Down’s syndrome screening is part of routine antenatal care in most of Europe; however screening uptake varies significantly across countries. Although a decision to accept or reject screening is a personal choice, it is unlikely that the widely differing uptake rates across countries can be explained by variation in individual values alone. The aim of this study was to compare Down’s syndrome screening policies and programmes in the Netherlands, where uptake is relatively low ( 90% respectively), in an attempt to explain the observed variation in national uptake rates. Methods: We used a mixed methods approach with an embedded design: a) documentary analysis and b) expert stakeholder analysis. National central statistical offices and legal documents were studied first to gain insight in demographic characteristics, cultural background, organization and structure of healthcare followed by documentary analysis of primary and secondary sources on relevant documents on DSS policies and programme. To enhance interpretation of these findings we performed in-depth interviews with relevant expert stakeholders. Results: There were many similarities in the demographics, healthcare systems, government abortion legislation and Down’s syndrome screening policy across the studied countries. However, the additional cost for Down’s syndrome screening over and above standard antenatal care in the Netherlands and an emphasis on the ‘right not to know’ about screening in this country were identified as potential explanations for the ‘low’ uptake rates of Down’s syndrome screening in the Netherlands. The social context and positive framing of the offer at the service delivery level may play a role in the relatively high uptake rates in Denmark. Conclusions: This paper makes an important contribution to understanding how macro-level demographic, social and healthcare delivery factors may have an impact on national uptake rates for Down’s syndrome screening. It has suggested a number of policy level and system characteristics that may go some way to explaining the relatively low uptake rates of Down’s syndrome screening in the Netherlands when compared to England and Denmark

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Care of Older Residents: One Man among Many Women

Background: Men and women are differently bodily, as well as have distinctive ways of thinking;&nbsp; consequently, their health care needs are not always the same. For some older adults who enter longterm care facilities, the impact of gender upon their care may not be recognized by staff.Research questions: Two questions guided this project: (1) what is known about gender specific differences that may influence resident care in long-term care facilities? And (2) what recommendations might be made specific to residents’ care in long-term care facilities based upon identified gender differences?Method: A literature review, an account of what has been published on the topic of gender by accredited scholars and researchers, was conducted. Attention was paid to the context of located research findings and their applicability to the population of interest.Findings: Gender appears to be identified as an ‘add on’ aspect of care, rather than an integral component. This may be due to limited understanding by staff of gender specific needs within long term care facilities.Implications for practice: Staff, of all levels, must reflect upon their understanding of gender and how it may influence the care that they provide.</p