Learning to Teach, Teaching to Learn

Abstract

Community Based Learning (CBL) successfully enhances didactic objectives in a nutrition curriculum while serving the community. University students actively solved problems in a 'real world' situation and benefited non-profit locations. Emotionally, learners profited on personal levels through successfully overcoming barriers. Content analysis was used to demonstrate that using CBL in a 'Nutrition Education and Communication' class met didactic learning objectives, enhanced students' personal confidence in teaching, and strengthened awareness of interpersonal skills. 71 students, in pairs, developed and taught nutrition lessons in diverse community locations. Students kept a reflective journal throughout the five weeks of the experience.