Nutrition Education – NUTR 649

Course Description

Application of current theories and techniques of education to the field of nutrition and dietetics. Practical application of communication techniques, motivational interviewing, learning theories and behavior change techniques, and factors affecting eating patterns. Nutrition psychology and the psychoanalytic approach to nutrition counseling will be emphasized in the class.

Rationale

This course aims to introduce students to the traditional models, theories of learning and skills necessary to design and implement nutrition education programs as well as emerging education models for promoting healthy eating and an active lifestyle. It introduces students to nutrition education basics, definition, history, aims and challenges.

The students will learn about nutrition education definition, rationale, impact, role of health educator and nutrition services, and nutritional population problems. Students will learn the why, who, what, when, and where of nutrition education by linking research, theory, and practice.

Students will learn about the impact of marketing and communication on the food and lifestyle choices that are made by consumers. Students will have the opportunity to consider more about how they learn, the dynamics of teaching and how they can enhance their communication skills to provide accurate and current research information to the consumer.

Course Assignment

Textbook Readings and Lecture Presentations

Course Requirements Checklist

After reading the Syllabus and Student Expectations, the student will complete the related checklist found in the Course Overview.

Discussions (4)

Threads

Discussions are collaborative learning experiences. Therefore, the student is required to create a thread in response to the provided prompt for each discussion. (CLOs: B, C, D, E, G)

Replies

In addition to the thread, the student is required to reply to 2 other classmates’ threads. The instructor is looking for substantial, thoughtful, and critical discussions. (CLOs: A, F)

Nutrition Education Activity Project Assignments (5)

This project is comprised of five (5) parts that will be conducted throughout the term. The aim of the activity is to not only learn about the importance of foundational theories and models in the field but also to apply them to a population and nutritional challenge in that population.

Part 1 – Population and Nutritional Challenge Assignment

The student will choose a population that he or she would like to work with. This could be a community, region, race/ethnicity, age-group, or health-related condition.  Then the student will choose a nutritional challenge for that population and discuss the need for further education. (CLOs: A, C)

Part 2 – Nutrition Education Program Assignment

The student will design a Nutrition Education Program for the population and nutritional problem that was discussed in Part 1. The student must include an introduction, discussion of digestion and nutrients, biblical principle, and tips for application. (CLOs: D, E, G)

Part 3 – Theory or Model Application Assignment

The student will choose a theory or model and apply this to the program that he or she has designed. The student must be able to indicate how constructs will be used in the education program. (CLOs: B, F)

Part 4 – Nutrition Education and Materials Assignment

The student will design a piece of educational material for the designed education program. This material may be a webpage, presentation, or educational flyer that would convey the application and take-home message of the program. (CLOs: D, F, G)

Part 5 – Reflection Assignment

The student will reflect on his or her process of building the program. This is a personal subjective reflection that requires integration of biblical principles. (CLO: D)

Nutrition Education Program Evaluation Assignment

The student will critically evaluate a preexisting program design, theory or model application, and materials. He or she will determine strengths and challenges of the current program and suggest two (2) changes that he or she feels could be made. (CLOs: A, F)

Fast Food Marketing Evaluation Assignment

The student will research and choose a fast food chain to evaluate. The student will then evaluate the marketing scheme of the chain, identify a possible model/theory that may be used, identify possible populations that the marketing may be aimed at, and make suggestions for change to promote positive health behaviors. (CLOs: A, D, F, G)

The student will design an educational session for a community program. This will include an introduction, activity, take-home material, and outline of the session. (CLOs: A, D, E, G)

The student will research and choose an online nutrition education platform to evaluate. The student will then evaluate the purpose of the platform, population, and possible efficacy, and make suggestions for change to promote positive health behaviors. (CLOs: A, F)