Supporting health literacy in adolescent populations: distinguishing pedagogies for sun safety education in schools

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to distinguish pedagogies supporting critical health literacy development in adolescent populations. Specifically, for sun safety education in schools.Design/methodology/approachThe paper draws on an exploratory intrinsic case study design to qualitatively examine the learning conditions that Pre-Service Teachers' (PsTs) mobilise to advance Health Literary (HL) in learning activities.FindingsThis paper presents data that shows the different ways thirty Pre-Service Teachers (PsTs) in Western Australia conceptualise HL in sun safety education for Year 7 students (12–13 years old). Examination of three consecutive lesson plans categorised learning activities (n = 444) according to HL competencies. Data shows that the PsTs pedagogically advance HL but are constrained when conceptualising learning to support critical HL. Further examination of the lesson plans of the 11 PsTs who pedagogically advanced learning to support a critical level of health literacy, distinguished the learning conditions and pedagogies supporting critically health literate adolescents.Originality/valueBy distinguishing pedagogies to situate individual and social health within broader societal goals, the paper identifies teacher education institutions as key players enabling young people to socially advocate healthier living, particularly, regarding melanoma and non-melanoma incidence.