Public health teaching in practice, peer learning and partnership working: the Cook School project

Authors

  • Amani Al-Saedi Kingston University London
  • Jake Bell Kingston University, London
  • Alex Boorman Kingston University, London
  • Ellie Cameron Kingston University, London
  • Zoe Castleman Kingston University, London
  • Chamos Flanagan Elior UK at Kingston University, london
  • Cristine Fraser Elior UK at Kingston University, London
  • Jessica Pearson Kingston University, London
  • Alison Philp Kingston University, London
  • Kirsty Robinson Elior UK at Kingston University, London
  • Flavio Silva Elior UK at Kingston University, London
  • Amina Taki Kingston University, London
  • Dareen Tubeileh Kingston University
  • Robyn Vosters Kingston University, London
  • Hilda Mary Mulrooney Kingston University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.29311/ndtps.v0i12.843

Keywords:

Authentic learning, Peer learning, Motivation, Partnership, Employability

Abstract

Authentic learning opportunities replicating working environments will enhance learners’ employability and intrinsic motivation. Within most undergraduate curricula, opportunities for students to experience hands-on learning opportunities which mimic public health practice are limited. A pilot university cook and eat programme (the Cook School) was developed based upon community cook and eat programmes. The aim was to enable trained undergraduate Nutrition students to facilitate healthy eating activities to their peers, as a voluntary co-curricular activity. 

Two cook and eat programmes, each of five weeks duration, were offered to undergraduate students (12 participants per programme). Cooking was delivered by trained chefs and the healthy eating components were facilitated by trained undergraduate Nutrition students. Participants did not know beforehand that sessions would include nutrition information & activities in addition to cooking. Facilitators identified ‘employability’ as a key driver for their participation in this project. Their post-course evaluations suggested that key employability skills like team work, time management, communication and organisation were enhanced by involvement in the Cook School.  Participants suggested that attending Cook School improved their knowledge of healthy eating. Whether this translates into improved diets long term is currently unknown. 

This pilot project offered undergraduate Nutrition students a unique opportunity to gain key employability skills within an authentic learning environment, working in partnership with their peers. 

Keywords: Authentic learning, Peer learning, Motivation, Partnership, Employability

Author Biographies

Amani Al-Saedi, Kingston University London

BSc Nutrition student

Jake Bell, Kingston University, London

BSc Nutrition student

Alex Boorman, Kingston University, London

BSc Nutrition student,

Ellie Cameron, Kingston University, London

BSc Nutrition student

Zoe Castleman, Kingston University, London

BSc Nutrition student

Chamos Flanagan, Elior UK at Kingston University, london

Retail Catering Manager

Cristine Fraser, Elior UK at Kingston University, London

Chef Manager

Jessica Pearson, Kingston University, London

BSc Nutrition student

Alison Philp, Kingston University, London

BSc Nutrition student

Kirsty Robinson, Elior UK at Kingston University, London

Student Experience & Marketing Manager

Flavio Silva, Elior UK at Kingston University, London

1st Commis Chef

Amina Taki, Kingston University, London

BSc Nutrition student

Dareen Tubeileh, Kingston University

BSc Nutrition student

Robyn Vosters, Kingston University, London

BSc Nutrition student

Hilda Mary Mulrooney, Kingston University

Senior Lecturer in Nutrition

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Published

15-08-2017

How to Cite

Al-Saedi, A., Bell, J., Boorman, A., Cameron, E., Castleman, Z., Flanagan, C., … Mulrooney, H. M. (2017). Public health teaching in practice, peer learning and partnership working: the Cook School project. New Directions in the Teaching of Natural Sciences, (12). https://doi.org/10.29311/ndtps.v0i12.843

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Section

Community Directions