Assessing the Feasibility of a Service Learning Activity to Promote Nutritional Knowledge and Behavior

Year 2015, , 16 - 20, 09.03.2015

Sean Forbes M. C. Kate Esposito Rebecca Robichaux-davis Anthony Guarino

https://doi.org/10.17985/ijare.82427

Abstract

This one group pre/post study assessed the feasibility of a newly created nutritional course for sixth-grade students from impoverished schools. The sample (N = 512) was comprised of students from the western and southeastern United States. Surveys assessing nutritional knowledge and appropriate diet consumption were completed before and one-week after the end of the course. Pre-service teachers enrolled in their service-learning activity conducted five-nutrition classes (one day per week) on the following topics, (a) The Body & Nutrients, (b) Understanding Food Labels, (c) Food Pyramid Servings, (d) Calorie Intake, and (e) Healthy Eating Goals.  The results indicated a dramatic increase in Knowledge yet no gain on Behavior. Implications of these findings are discussed.

Keywords

 Nutrition,  middle‐school health education,  service learning,  pre‐service teachers 

Assessing the Feasibility of a Service Learning Activity to   Promote Nutritional Knowledge and Behavior

Abstract

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