67A-16 |
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T. L. SMITH, Dept. of Human Movement Sciences & Education, Univ. of Memphis, 421 Manning Hall, College of Education, Memphis, TN 38152 For the professional disciplines that contribute to the knowledge-base of food science and technology, the backbone is research. Educators can incorporate the research process throughout existing curriculum to help undergraduate students generate and appreciate research findings. Due to undergraduate students’ rich personal knowledge and experiences with foods, food is an accessible medium by which to introduce the research process. The objective of this program was to investigate the impact of incorporating the research process in 3 required undergraduate dietetic courses on the participation of undergraduate students in research activities and symposiums. As a means of connecting research and teaching in the classroom and research laboratory, the investigator employed action research as articulated through the pedagogical values of relationship, community, individual voice, personal experience, and empowerment (RE-CIPE). Action research is a reflective methodology with the goal of promoting change through the timely collection and use of relevant observations needed to help solve problems. Student research projects focused on maximizing the use of underutilized food resources of the local food bank through product development. The results since initiation in 1998 indicate that of the 19 students who have completed the senior-level course, 10 students presented at the university sponsored symposiums for the critique of research proposals, 12 at university student research symposiums, 5 at state-level professional meetings, and 2 at national-level research meetings. Additional outcomes include collaborative work with engineering faculty and engineering undergraduate students that yielded an international presentation. Two papers with undergraduate co-authors were published. The results of the program suggest that when undergraduate research activities are incorporated into required curriculum, and students are supported and encouraged to complete and present the results of research projects at professional meetings or in professional journals, most students are willing to participate in research-related activities.
Session 67A, Education: General
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