Integrating Self-directed Learning into a Large Second Year Nutrition Course

Accepting greater autonomy for learning is a hallmark of self-directed learning (SDL). Transitioning students from a learning environment of receiving information to creating new knowledge is important for their success in academia and the workplace. This project aims to develop and implement a SDL framework in a large second-year nutrition course (FNH 250: Nutrition Concepts & Controversies), and to assess the impact of new SDL learning activities on student success in achieving the course objectives.

This project draws on results from a needs assessment of FNH 250 students’ readiness for SDL conducted in 2015-2016, which showed students were willing to develop SDL skills, but most did not perceive themselves as SDL primarily due to a lack of SDL learning opportunities. Measured outcomes of this project include pre-post differences in student achievement of specific learning objectives for SDL- versus lecture-based modules, and changes in students’ skills and identities as SDL.

Gail Hammond, Instructor, Food, Nutrition and Health, Faculty of Land and Food Systems
Roselynn Verwoord, PhD Student, Faculty of Education