Journal article
Experiential learning for engaging nutrition undergraduates with sustainability
International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education, Vol.18(7), pp.1108-1122
2017
Abstract
This paper describes students' self-reported learning from engaging in an experiential learning task designed to develop their understanding of sustainable food systems and dietary practices. One hundred and forty three first year students enrolled in an entry level food and nutrition subject undertook a 3 week eco-friendly food challenge (1. Reduce food (& food related) waste; 2. Localise food purchases; 3. Eat seasonally & sustainably; or 4. Reduce meat consumption). They blogged about their experience and respond to an action-orientated reflective question each week. Content analysis of the blogs was undertaken using Nvivo 10. Content was systematically coded and categorised according to action/activity, learning and response to reflective question. Students reported undertaking a range of self-selected practical activities throughout the challenge. Self-reported learning suggested students gained self-awareness and knowledge, and demonstrated problem solving abilities. The importance of planning and preparation was the most common theme in students' blogs when responding to the action-orientated reflective question in week 1. In week 2 students identified socially-mediated barriers and the time and energy required to undertake their challenge as the most likely barriers preventing others engaging in the challenge. They provided advice and solutions to overcome these barriers. In week 3 a range of community, government and multi-sector initiatives to support consumer food-related behaviour change were identified. This approach presents a possible means for engaging nutrition undergraduates with environmental sustainability.
Details
- Title
- Experiential learning for engaging nutrition undergraduates with sustainability
- Authors
- Judith Maher (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Science, Health, Education and EngineeringSarah J Burkhart (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering
- Publication details
- International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education, Vol.18(7), pp.1108-1122
- Publisher
- Emerald Group Publishing Ltd.
- Date published
- 2017
- DOI
- 10.1108/IJSHE-01-2016-0010
- ISSN
- 1467-6370
- Copyright note
- Copyright © 2017 Emerald Group Publishing Limited. This article is © Emerald Group Publishing and permission has been granted for this version to appear here. Emerald does not grant permission for this article to be further copied/distributed or hosted elsewhere without the express permission from Emerald Group Publishing Limited.
- Organisation Unit
- Australian Centre for Pacific Islands Research; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Health - Nutrition & Dietetics; School of Health and Sport Sciences - Legacy; Centre for Bioinnovation; School of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Legacy
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99451103802621
- Output Type
- Journal article
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