Effect of a nutrition education program on nutrition-related knowledge of English-as-second-language elementary school students: a pilot study

Abstract

Nutrition programs that target English-as-Second-Language (ESL) students can potentially improve their nutrition knowledge. This pilot study evaluated the effect of a Food Guide Pyramid (FGP) lesson on nutrition knowledge of ESL students (ages 9-12 years) in a refugee after-school program. A pre- and post-FGP lesson one group design was used. A 12-item knowledge questionnaire was administered to students (N = 15) and their opinions about the lesson were obtained. Overall FGP lesson mean knowledge scores did not increase significantly from pretest to posttest; however, scores that measured specific objectives on the ability to identify food groups and the number of servings for food groups increased, while scores on the ability to identify the importance of each food group for health decreased. Overall, students liked the nutrition lesson, described learning mainly about the FGP, and reported no confusing aspects. Findings suggest that nutrition education targeted to ESL students should emphasize foods versus nutrients and promote active learner involvement.