Integration of Service-learning Activities into Three Food and Nutrition Courses: Benefits and Challenges

• Published in: NACTA journal Vol. 48; no. 3; pp. 53 - 59
• Main Authors: Lambert, Laurel G., Gabel, Kathe A., Culbertson, Jeff
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Twin Falls National Association of Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture 01-09-2004; North American Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture
• Subjects: American sign language; Behavioral Objectives; Classroom activities; Data Analysis; Data collection; Dietetics; Experiential learning; Food systems; Grade 1; Grade 2; Learning Activities; Lesson Plans; Nutrition; Outcomes of education; Service learning; Student Experience; Teaching Methods; Vegetables
• ISSN: 0149-4910

Academic service-learning (ASL) is known to increase students' self-efficacy and problem solving skills, plus stimulate higher order thinking due to direct experiences in learning activities. An ASL activity, incorporating multiple ADA learning outcomes, for Food and Nutrition (FN) majors was developed and integrated into Clinical Dietetics, Food Systems Management, and Food Research and Development courses. This ASL activity provided students with experience in weighed plate waste research in a community school setting; exposed them to research design, data analysis and research report writing; while providing teaching experience. FN majors perceived the ASL experience to be valuable and enjoyable. Coordination of the FN courses illustrated to FN majors the integrated nature of clinical dietetics, food systems management, and research. The ASL activity presented challenges in that: (1) involving FN majors in all aspects of planning and developing the activity was not possible, (2) the opportunity for FN majors to develop individual research projects was replaced by the ASL group activity, and (3) developing the ASL activity required a significantly greater amount of faculty time compared to traditional classroom preparation.