Sirpa Laitinen-Väänänen

Sirpa Laitinen-Väänänen, PhD joins the University of Luxembourg in 2009 within the research activity “Development of expertise in higher educational contexts” (Assoc.-Prof. Dr. Gudrun Ziegler). She works as a principal lecturer at the Teacher Education College in the JAMK University of Applied Sciences, Jyväskylä, Finland. Previously, she has worked, more than ten years, as a principal lecturer and as a lecturer in physiotherapy at Lahti University of Applied Sciences, Lahti, Finland. Her PhD in Health Sciences Studies at the University of Jyväskylä, Finland integrates socio-constructivism and an approach to discourse studies on development. Her research interest focuses on the professional development and relevant practices within higher education.

Academic Qualifications

  • PhD (Health Sciences) at the University of Jyväskylä
  • MSc (Physiotherapy) at the University of Jyväskylä
  • BSc (Cultural Studies) at the University of Jyväskylä

Professional Career

  • Principal lecturer, JAMK University of Applied Sciences 2009
  • Lecturer, JAMK University of Applied Sciences,2007-2009,
  • Lecturer, University of Jyväskylä, 2007
  • Principal Lecturer, Lahti University of Applied Sciences, 2003-2007
  • Researcher at the University of Jyväskylä, 2002-2003
  • Lecturer in Physiotherapy at Lahti University of Applied Sciences, 1996-2007
  • Physiotherapist in different posts in the health care sector, 1987-1995

Research interests

Sirpa Laitinen-Väänänen’s research interest focuses on the professional development and relevant practices to promote professional development in higher education.

Research projects

  • 2009 ”Development of expertise in higher educational contexts” at Luxemburg University (Assoc.-Prof. Dr. Gudrun Ziegler), FNR Luxembourg
  • 2008-2011 Developing employees’ partnerships and co-operation skills (KOHO), at JAMK University of Applied Sciences, funded by EU and the State Provincial office of Western Finland
  • 2007-2009 Developing students’ internship by mobile- and web-based utilities (TOVE), at JAMK University of Applied Sciences, funded by the Ministry of Education.
  • 2007-2009 Enhancing mentoring in vocational higher education (INTO), at JAMK University of Applied Sciences, funded by the Ministry of Education.
  • 2007-2008 Working community portfolio as a process of enhancing community-based professionalism, at Lahti University of Applied Sciences, funded by the Ministry of Labour.
  • 2004-2007 The Placement Development Project (HARKE), at Lahti University of Applied Sciences, funded by the Ministry of Education.
  • 2003-2004 Mentoring and patients’ counselling, at JAMK University of Applied Sciences, funded by Employment and Economic Development Centre, and the Rheumatism Foundation.
  • 2000-2004 Development of physiotherapy work and clinical education in physiotherapy, PhD-project, funded by the Ministry of Labour.

Scientific Publications

  • Laitinen-Väänänen S, Talvitie U, Luukka M-R, Vänskä K. 2009. How is “learning” discussed? A qualitative study of clinical education. (Submitted)
  • Talvitie U & Laitinen-Väänänen S. The development of physiotherapy and clinical education. The application of developmental research in physiotherapy education. Learning in Health and Social Care. (Under Review)
  • Laitinen-Väänänen S., Hopia H. & Pirttiaho P. 2009. Supervising internship by using mobile devices. [Original publication in Finnish: Mobiiliohjausta ulkomailla harjoitteleville ammattikorkeakouluopiskelijoille.] Ammattikasvatuksen aikakauskirja 11(2), 11-19.
  • Lahtinen P, Harri M, Laitinen-Väänänen S & Heinonen P. 2008. Enhancing professional values in group portfolio process at workplaces. [Original publication in Finnish: Yhteisöllisen asiantuntijuuden kehittyminen portfolioprojektissa.] Lahden ammattikorkeakoulun julkaisu, Sarja A, Tutkimuksia, osa 13.
  • Laitinen-Väänänen S. 2008. The construction of supervision and physiotherapy expertise. A qualitative study of physiotherapy students’ learning session in clinical education. The university of Jyväskylä. Studies in Sport, Physical Education and Health 130. Jyväskylä: Jyväskylä University Printing House. Doctoral Dissertation.
  • Laitinen-Väänänen S, Talvitie U, Luukka M-R. 2008. Construction of the client in physiotherapy student’s practical learning sessions: A discourse analytic study. Learning in Health and Social Care 7(1), 2-11.
  • Laitinen-Väänänen S, Luukka M-R, Talvitie U. 2008. Physiotherapy under discussion: A Discourse Analytic Study of Physiotherapy Students’ Clinical Education. Advances in Physiotherapy 10(1), 2-8.
  • Laitinen-Väänänen S, Talvitie U, Luukka M-R. 2007. Clinical supervision as an interaction between the clinical educator and the student. Physiotherapy Theory and Practice 23(2), 95-103.
  • Talvitie U & Laitinen-Väänänen S & Tikkanen P. 2002. From clinical practice to on-the-job-learning and co-operative teams.[Origal publication in Finnish: Kliinisestä harjoittelusta työssäoppimiseen ja yhteistyötiimeihin]. Aikuiskasvatus 22(3), 206-214.