- International Journal of Academic Research in Education
- Vol: 1 Issue: 1
- Assessing the Feasibility of a Service Learning Activity to Promote Nutritional Knowledge and Behavi...
Assessing the Feasibility of a Service Learning Activity to Promote Nutritional Knowledge and Behavior
Authors : Sean Forbes, M. C. Kate Esposito, Rebecca Robichaux-davis, Anthony Guarino
Pages : 16-20
Doi:10.17985/ijare.82427
View : 11 | Download : 7
Publication Date : 2015-03-13
Article Type : Other
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