Using a Systematic Approach and Theoretical Framework to Design a Curriculum for the Shaping Healthy Choices Program

Area of Science:

• Nutrition Education
• Curriculum Development
• Pedagogical Frameworks

Background:

• Effective nutrition curricula are essential for promoting healthy habits.
• Garden-enhanced programs offer unique opportunities for experiential learning.
• A systematic approach is needed to integrate theory and practice in curriculum design.

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline a systematic process for developing an inquiry-based, garden-enhanced nutrition curriculum.
• To integrate theoretical frameworks into the curriculum design for the Shaping Healthy Choices Program.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of a structured development approach.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a 3-step curriculum development process: defining learning objectives, determining assessment methods, and creating activities.
• Employed pilot-testing in two phases to refine curriculum activities based on formative data.
• Applied the Backward Design method for systematic alignment of activities with learning goals.

Main Results:

• Developed the 'Discovering Healthy Choices' curriculum through a systematic, iterative process.
• Integrated Social Cognitive Theory and constructivist learning theory into the curriculum.
• Backward Design ensured activities met learning objectives and program goals.

Conclusions:

• The curriculum development process significantly impacts student outcomes in nutrition education.
• Further research is needed on curriculum design, objective selection, and theoretical application for effective garden-enhanced nutrition interventions.
• Replication of effective development strategies is crucial for advancing nutrition education.