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Communicating food safety information to workers |
R. B. GRAVANI, Dept. of Food Science, Cornell Univ., 11 Stocking Hall, Ithaca, NY 14853 The key to developing and implementing effective food safety education and training programs for employees-whether they work on farms, in food processing plants, retail food stores or food service operations-is an understanding of how adults learn and the principles of adult education. Many programs highlight training and the training process, instead of focusing on the outcome-which is learning and the positive behavioral changes that take place when learning occurs. Adults are highly differentiated and enter learning situations with their own goals, motivations, and needs. They consider themselves independent, have a wide variety of experiences and are concerned with immediate problems. Adult learners need to understand the goals and objectives of the program, what is expected of them, and the personal significance of the topic. Adults learn better and faster when: the information is structured to meet their needs and is relevant to their daily activities; they are actively involved in the program; the information is presented through a variety of instructional methods using practical examples; simple problem-solving exercises are used; subjects are explained and supported visually; "hands-on," how-to activities are used. This presentation will feature some basic principles of adult education and provide some practical tips for planning and conducting outstanding education and training programs, resulting in positive food safety behaviors.
Session 24, Communicating food safety: To the public, students and food handlers
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