Janelle Y Morris

NFSC 460: Nutrition Counseling and Education

Skill Area: Nutrition Education

Assignment Title: Nutrition Education Plan

What I learned: I learned how to make a comprehensive nutrition education plan and create education materials that will fit the needs of a target population.  I learned how to research a population, do a needs assessment and find out the most effective way to fill that need.  For this project, my target population was a group of college freshman.  College freshman are highly motivated by social norms and reciprocal determination.  They learn best through direct associations to their environment and immediate outcomes. 

Reflection to assignment: This assignment allowed me to experience the process of designing a nutrition education plan based on a needs assessment.  I was able to combine education theory, psychology and body image in order to motivate a young and eager population.  Going through this process was valuable for me because it gave me confidence that I can design and implement a plan and gave me real-world experience speaking in front of large groups.

Relevance to profession: As a Registered Dietitian, I will need to be able to adapt nutrition education according to a variety of populations.  Registered Dietitians are frequently asked to speak in front of groups to teach about a variety of topics.  Whether the audience that I am speaking to is foodservice staff working for a hospital kitchen, a group of Registered Dietitians, I will need to be able to be engaging and present material that is relevant and appropriate for each specific audience.