A Service Learning Program in Providing Nutrition Education to Children

作者：Falter Rebecca A^*; Pignotti Dumas Karla; Popish Sarah J; Petrelli Heather M W; Best Mark A; Wilkinson Julie J

来源：American Journal of Pharmaceutical Education, 2011, 75(5): 85.

DOI：10.5688/ajpe75585

• nutrition
• service learning
• community
• pediatric

Objective. To implement a service learning program in nutrition and assess its impact on pharmacy students' communication skills and professionalism and elementary school children's knowledge of nutrition concepts.
Design. First-year pharmacy students completed 4 nutrition education sessions led by a registered dietitian and then presented the material to pre-selected classes of at-risk elementary school children in kindergarten through third grade.
Assessment. Ninety-six pharmacy students completed the pre- and post-experience survey and more than 90% rated achievement of course objectives as strongly agree or agree. Four hundred sixty-eight elementary students completed a pre- and posttest on nutrition knowledge. Significant improvement was found in all grade levels on the knowledge test.
Conclusion. This service learning experience was beneficial for the elementary school children and pharmacy students, enhancing the knowledge of both groups and establishing a positive relationship between the pharmacy school and the community.

• 出版日期2011