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A Survey of Registered Dietitians' Perceptions of Constructivist and Behaviorist Instructional Approaches and Delivery Methods in Accredited Dietetics Programs
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 8
POSTER SESSION: SCIENCE/EDUCATION/MANAGEMENT/FOODSERVICE/CULINARY/RESEARCH Innovations in Technology Applications: Incorporating Interactive Tools to Reduce Childhood Obesity
Community Nutrition Students and Anti-Hunger Advocacy in the Local Community
Author(s): A. C. McCool1, E. J. Belasco2, C. P. Lyford2, B. N. McCool3; 1 Food and Beverage Management, University of Nevada Las Vegas, Las Vegas, NV, 2Agricultural and Applied Economics, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, 3Nutrition, Hospitality, and Retailing, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX
Author(s): M. Gilboy; Health, West Chester University, West Chester, PA
Learning Outcome: Participants will be able to identify at least three technological applications feasible for programs designed to reduce childhood obesity. The escalating childhood obesity incidence is a critical problem with long term health and economic implications. Health behavior change programs based on constructivism, a derivative of social cognitive theory incorporating traditional approaches to interactive learning, have realized moderate success but have not been widely dispersed. Technology offers new opportunities for incorporating interactive learning into behavior change programs focused on reducing obesity among children. Children, today, are technologically “savvy” and respond positively to interactive games and Internet based interactive programs and activities, including those accessible via their cell phones. Internet based programs enable children to share their knowledge and interactive activities with their families as such programs can be brought into the home environment via computers or cell phone “apps”. Although development costs must be considered, such programs can be cost effective as they can potentially reach many children with minimum distribution costs while achieving a high degree of success initially as well as long term behavioral improvements compared to more traditional programs. These applications can also be used to reinforce existing programs’ effectiveness in varied community settings. Such programs can be implemented in high risk areas such as rural communities or the inner city where other programs are costly to implement, thus enabling obesity issues to be addressed in areas with limited resources. Dietitians need to gain the technology skills required for facilitating the development and implementation of technologically based interactive children’s educational programs designed to help reduce childhood obesity. Recommendations for effective interactive program development will be presented.
Learning Outcome: The participant will be able to recognize the importance of academic service learning in helping undergraduate dietetic students relate to community anti- hunger advocacy. Communities and nutrition professionals across the United States face challenges in addressing the growing number of families suffering from food insecurity. University nutrition students are often sheltered from the hunger issues surrounding college campuses. This project engaged Community Nutrition (CN) students in academic service learning to participate in meaningful nutrition projects in the local community. Kolb’s experiential learning model guided the instructor with a framework for the service learning. During the community assessment phase of this project, students identified that local food pantries were running out of food due to increased needs of the community. Based on this need, the instructor assisted the students to explore service learning projects to help alleviate the food shortages in local food pantries. Students examined food insecurity data and met with key individuals in the community and the university. Students and the instructor decided to 1) plan a targeted food drive on the University campus and 2) organize fundraising to sponsor a University team for a regional walk against hunger. Over three semesters, 25 CN students collected more than 3000 targeted food items. Fifteen CN students planned fundraising events and organized walking teams to participate in the walk against hunger. The first year the team raised over $700 to benefit local food pantries. The goal for this semester includes fundraising of $1000 and participation by 100 walkers. Students enthusiastically report in reflective journaling what they have learned about food insecurity in the local community and identify ways nutrition students can actively address the problem. Funding Disclosure: None
Funding Disclosure: None
Evaluating Intense Motivational Interviewing Training in Dietetics Author(s): K. Krapcha1, E. Molaison2, M. Madson3; 1South Central Regional Medical Center, Laurel, MS, 2Nutrition and Food Systems, The University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS, 3Psychology, The University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS Learning Outcome: The participant will be able to identify outcomes which may be positively associated to the use of motivational interviewing in nutrition counseling. Objective: To examine the impact of Motivational Interviewing (MI) as a nutrition counseling technique on weight, blood pressure, waist circumference, and body mass index. Methodology: Subjects voluntarily participated in nutrition counseling services on a college campus and were comprised of faculty, staff, and/or students. All participants were given the opportunity to be included in the research. If a participant chose not to participate in the research, nutrition counseling (using the MI technique) was provided, but the outcomes that were measured as part of the research were not recorded. Participants were asked to return for a follow-up session four weeks later. Results: Fifteen individuals participated in the study All but one of the outcome measures decreased after the participants received nutrition counseling using MI: mean weight dropped from 202.8lbs to 201.08lbs (P ⫽ .003), BMI decreased from 32.35 to 32.16 (P ⫽ .370), and waist circumference also dropped from 40.20” to 39.85” (P ⫽ .068). There was no difference in blood pressure. Conclusion: While all of the outcomes were not significantly improved, slight reduction of weight, BMI and waist circumference were noted. The results of this research can be used to strengthen the current body of research on MI by providing a positive relationship between a dietitian providing nutrition counseling using MI and improved outcomes. More research is needed to determine the level of influence MI-based nutrition counseling has on outcomes and the accessibility and affordability of training dietitians in MI. Funding Disclosure: None
A Survey of Registered Dietitians’ Perceptions of Constructivist and Behaviorist Instructional Approaches and Delivery Methods in Accredited Dietetics Programs Author(s): M. A. Smith1, D. Anderson2, P. Buchanan3; 1Nutrition Care Division, Madigan Army Medical Center, Tacoma, WA, 2Leadership and Counseling, Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti, MI, 3Technology, Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti, MI Learning Outcome: Presenting the outcome of this study will enable educators to develop a curriculum that utilizes constructivist and behaviorist learning theories and models of teaching in dietetic educational programs. Background: Research testing effectiveness of educational approaches in dietetic programs is needed. The objective of this research study was to evaluate perceived preparation of entry level Registered Dietitians (RD) by testing learning theories and models of teaching (constructivist vs. behaviorist) used in dietetic education programs. Methods: From a national database, 3,607 RD’s were surveyed. Using an exploratory-quantitative-descriptive research design, a 106-item survey was developed by the author and adapted from previously developed instruments including the Teaching Belief Survey and the Constructivist Learning Environment Survey. Questions were designed to obtain information on relative achievement (type of dietetic program [coordinated program in dietetics vs. didactic program in dietetics], type of university [public vs. private], GPA, and RD exam score), instructional delivery methods (on-line vs. on-campus), and demographic information. Results: A total of 354 respondents completed the survey. Findings of the study suggest that both constructivist and behaviorist teaching strategies and classroom environment had a positive effect on GPA and perception of knowledge. Conclusion: This study addressed knowledge and skills to determine competence to work as an entry level dietitian. Constructivist and behaviorist teaching strategies and learning environments are not mutually exclusive nor is either one considered to be superior to the other. Future research is warranted in order to strengthen instructional effectiveness outcomes of dietetic education nationally. Funding Disclosure: None
Journal of the AMERICAN DIETETIC ASSOCIATION / A-59
POSTER SESSION: SCIENCE/EDUCATION/MANAGEMENT/FOODSERVICE/CULINARY/RESEARCH Innovations in Technology Applications: Incorporating Interactive Tools to Reduce Childhood Obesity
Community Nutrition Students and Anti-Hunger Advocacy in the Local Community
Author(s): A. C. McCool1, E. J. Belasco2, C. P. Lyford2, B. N. McCool3; 1 Food and Beverage Management, University of Nevada Las Vegas, Las Vegas, NV, 2Agricultural and Applied Economics, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, 3Nutrition, Hospitality, and Retailing, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX
Author(s): M. Gilboy; Health, West Chester University, West Chester, PA
Learning Outcome: Participants will be able to identify at least three technological applications feasible for programs designed to reduce childhood obesity. The escalating childhood obesity incidence is a critical problem with long term health and economic implications. Health behavior change programs based on constructivism, a derivative of social cognitive theory incorporating traditional approaches to interactive learning, have realized moderate success but have not been widely dispersed. Technology offers new opportunities for incorporating interactive learning into behavior change programs focused on reducing obesity among children. Children, today, are technologically “savvy” and respond positively to interactive games and Internet based interactive programs and activities, including those accessible via their cell phones. Internet based programs enable children to share their knowledge and interactive activities with their families as such programs can be brought into the home environment via computers or cell phone “apps”. Although development costs must be considered, such programs can be cost effective as they can potentially reach many children with minimum distribution costs while achieving a high degree of success initially as well as long term behavioral improvements compared to more traditional programs. These applications can also be used to reinforce existing programs’ effectiveness in varied community settings. Such programs can be implemented in high risk areas such as rural communities or the inner city where other programs are costly to implement, thus enabling obesity issues to be addressed in areas with limited resources. Dietitians need to gain the technology skills required for facilitating the development and implementation of technologically based interactive children’s educational programs designed to help reduce childhood obesity. Recommendations for effective interactive program development will be presented.
Learning Outcome: The participant will be able to recognize the importance of academic service learning in helping undergraduate dietetic students relate to community anti- hunger advocacy. Communities and nutrition professionals across the United States face challenges in addressing the growing number of families suffering from food insecurity. University nutrition students are often sheltered from the hunger issues surrounding college campuses. This project engaged Community Nutrition (CN) students in academic service learning to participate in meaningful nutrition projects in the local community. Kolb’s experiential learning model guided the instructor with a framework for the service learning. During the community assessment phase of this project, students identified that local food pantries were running out of food due to increased needs of the community. Based on this need, the instructor assisted the students to explore service learning projects to help alleviate the food shortages in local food pantries. Students examined food insecurity data and met with key individuals in the community and the university. Students and the instructor decided to 1) plan a targeted food drive on the University campus and 2) organize fundraising to sponsor a University team for a regional walk against hunger. Over three semesters, 25 CN students collected more than 3000 targeted food items. Fifteen CN students planned fundraising events and organized walking teams to participate in the walk against hunger. The first year the team raised over $700 to benefit local food pantries. The goal for this semester includes fundraising of $1000 and participation by 100 walkers. Students enthusiastically report in reflective journaling what they have learned about food insecurity in the local community and identify ways nutrition students can actively address the problem. Funding Disclosure: None
Funding Disclosure: None
Evaluating Intense Motivational Interviewing Training in Dietetics Author(s): K. Krapcha1, E. Molaison2, M. Madson3; 1South Central Regional Medical Center, Laurel, MS, 2Nutrition and Food Systems, The University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS, 3Psychology, The University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS Learning Outcome: The participant will be able to identify outcomes which may be positively associated to the use of motivational interviewing in nutrition counseling. Objective: To examine the impact of Motivational Interviewing (MI) as a nutrition counseling technique on weight, blood pressure, waist circumference, and body mass index. Methodology: Subjects voluntarily participated in nutrition counseling services on a college campus and were comprised of faculty, staff, and/or students. All participants were given the opportunity to be included in the research. If a participant chose not to participate in the research, nutrition counseling (using the MI technique) was provided, but the outcomes that were measured as part of the research were not recorded. Participants were asked to return for a follow-up session four weeks later. Results: Fifteen individuals participated in the study All but one of the outcome measures decreased after the participants received nutrition counseling using MI: mean weight dropped from 202.8lbs to 201.08lbs (P ⫽ .003), BMI decreased from 32.35 to 32.16 (P ⫽ .370), and waist circumference also dropped from 40.20” to 39.85” (P ⫽ .068). There was no difference in blood pressure. Conclusion: While all of the outcomes were not significantly improved, slight reduction of weight, BMI and waist circumference were noted. The results of this research can be used to strengthen the current body of research on MI by providing a positive relationship between a dietitian providing nutrition counseling using MI and improved outcomes. More research is needed to determine the level of influence MI-based nutrition counseling has on outcomes and the accessibility and affordability of training dietitians in MI. Funding Disclosure: None
A Survey of Registered Dietitians’ Perceptions of Constructivist and Behaviorist Instructional Approaches and Delivery Methods in Accredited Dietetics Programs Author(s): M. A. Smith1, D. Anderson2, P. Buchanan3; 1Nutrition Care Division, Madigan Army Medical Center, Tacoma, WA, 2Leadership and Counseling, Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti, MI, 3Technology, Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti, MI Learning Outcome: Presenting the outcome of this study will enable educators to develop a curriculum that utilizes constructivist and behaviorist learning theories and models of teaching in dietetic educational programs. Background: Research testing effectiveness of educational approaches in dietetic programs is needed. The objective of this research study was to evaluate perceived preparation of entry level Registered Dietitians (RD) by testing learning theories and models of teaching (constructivist vs. behaviorist) used in dietetic education programs. Methods: From a national database, 3,607 RD’s were surveyed. Using an exploratory-quantitative-descriptive research design, a 106-item survey was developed by the author and adapted from previously developed instruments including the Teaching Belief Survey and the Constructivist Learning Environment Survey. Questions were designed to obtain information on relative achievement (type of dietetic program [coordinated program in dietetics vs. didactic program in dietetics], type of university [public vs. private], GPA, and RD exam score), instructional delivery methods (on-line vs. on-campus), and demographic information. Results: A total of 354 respondents completed the survey. Findings of the study suggest that both constructivist and behaviorist teaching strategies and classroom environment had a positive effect on GPA and perception of knowledge. Conclusion: This study addressed knowledge and skills to determine competence to work as an entry level dietitian. Constructivist and behaviorist teaching strategies and learning environments are not mutually exclusive nor is either one considered to be superior to the other. Future research is warranted in order to strengthen instructional effectiveness outcomes of dietetic education nationally. Funding Disclosure: None
Journal of the AMERICAN DIETETIC ASSOCIATION / A-59