Dissertation
A concept-based curriculum framework for nutrition and dietetics education programs in Australia
University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
Doctor of Philosophy, University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
2024
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25907/00813
Abstract
This thesis aimed to identify and develop future-focused core concepts for education and training in nutrition and dietetics and explore the translatability to curriculum design. This research project was the first to explore these concepts in nutrition and dietetic education internationally. A total of 56 core concepts relevant to nutrition and dietetics education were identified through document analysis. The majority of these concepts were considered important for nutrition and dietetics education in Australia through a survey of a sample of 98 Accredited Practising Dietitians. There was less agreement on 12 concepts related to respondents’ characteristics. Specifically, leadership was considered less important for those in rural and regional locations, and sustainability was more important for those working in teaching and education. This suggests that the interpretation of the concepts may vary across contexts; therefore, defining the concepts is critical to show transferability across contexts. The concepts were then mapped against the revised 2021 National Competency Standards for Dietitians in Australia and were demonstrated to reflect current dietetic practice. Finally, the factors for adopting a concept-based approach were explored through qualitative interviews with stakeholders, and transformative change was considered by applying the diffusion of innovation theory. This study demonstrated that strong leadership would need to overcome resistance to change with the development of exemplars of key concepts and support through educational communities of practice. The impact of this work has led to the development of exemplars representing a sample of the concepts in dietetic curricula. As a result of the work in this thesis, core concepts that represent current dietetic practice can now inform curriculum design in nutrition and dietetics education in Australia to address overcrowded curricula and support conceptual learning.
Details
- Title
- A concept-based curriculum framework for nutrition and dietetics education programs in Australia
- Authors
- Judith Tweedie - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, External
- Contributors
- Fiona Pelly (Supervisor) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Health - Nutrition & DieteticsHattie H Wright (Supervisor) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Health - Nutrition & Dietetics
- Awarding institution
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
- Degree awarded
- Doctor of Philosophy
- Publisher
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
- DOI
- 10.25907/00813
- Organisation Unit
- Healthy Ageing Research Cluster; School of Health; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Health - Nutrition & Dietetics; Cancer Research Cluster
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99996898802621
- Output Type
- Dissertation
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