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. 2023 Oct;93(10):891-899.
doi: 10.1111/josh.13351. Epub 2023 May 30.

Rethinking Adolescent School Nutrition Education Through a Food Systems Lens

Margaret Miller  1 , Donna Barwood  2 , Amanda Devine  3 , Julie Boston  2 , Sandra Smith  2 , Martin Masek  4
Affiliations

Rethinking Adolescent School Nutrition Education Through a Food Systems Lens

Margaret Miller et al. J Sch Health. 2023 Oct.

Abstract

Background: Obesity-driven nutrition education in schools does not appear to result in healthier adolescent food choices. This study explored food systems as an alternative pedagogical approach to engage students in nutrition education.

Methods: After playing a food systems computer game, 250 13- to 16-year-old students in 5 Western Australian secondary schools, participated in group discussions to distinguish learning and interests in food systems. Discussion records were thematically coded using constant comparative analysis.

Results: Students reported crop growth, food production and food waste, healthier food choices, and food systems as knowledge outcomes of game play. They requested additional content on food production, costing, handling, processing, and accessing local produce. Experiential activities were preferred pedagogical approaches.

Conclusions: Cross-curricular pedagogy which embraces human and planetary health through a food systems lens, can engage adolescents in nutrition education. Transformational computer games are effective to engage, educate and stimulate inquiry in food systems education.

Keywords: adolescent; computer game; food system; nutrition education; school; sustainability.

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References

REFERENCES

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    1. World Health Organization. Report of the Commission on Ending Childhood Obesity, Vol. 2-7. Geneva, Switzerland: World Health Organization; 2016:30-33.

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