Service learning uses real-world experience to develop skills, create connections between academic study and public concerns, and foster social change. In Spring 2015, a graduate-level community nutrition course at a… Click to show full abstract
Service learning uses real-world experience to develop skills, create connections between academic study and public concerns, and foster social change. In Spring 2015, a graduate-level community nutrition course at a university in southern California was amended to include a research-focused service-learning project. Four phases of service learning were included in course content. The phases were as follows: (1) a needs assessment; (2) development, implementation, and evaluation of nutrition lessons; (3) reflection; and (4) celebration. Reflective assignments indicated that students valued needs assessment as a basis for program development and growth in assessing program impacts. Modest gains in vegetable consumption patterns were evidenced among program participants.
               
Click one of the above tabs to view related content.