Wrapping up Fall 2023 semester with intention and insights - and sending students off with resources

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‎12-01-2023 10:52 AM

Are we really in the final days of the semester? Students and faculty alike are checking their "to do" lists for final projects and exams. It's easy to get caught up in the scramble to the finish line.

In reflecting on overall course learning goals at the end of each semester, I ask myself if students have been equipped to navigate the evolving and often confusing arena of nutrition. The goal of an introductory course is not to create nutrition "experts", but to ignite interest, expose students to the many facets of nutrition, acquaint them with credible sources of information to which they might return, and to heighten their nutrition literacy - and to help them better evaluate what they read or hear about food and nutrition in the media and in the marketplace.

During the semester as part of assignments or activities, students explored a wide variety of nutrition related websites and resources.  I compiled a list of these sites and share with the students at the end of the course. Many of my students are future health professionals so it is valuable for them to have ready access to some of the credible, evidence based sites.  For example, the NIH dietary supplement factsheets is an invaluable resource for questions and cautions about dietary supplements for professionals and consumers alike.  Or to know that the American Heart Association, American Diabetes Association, and the American Cancer Society all have excellent resources and even  disease risk tools.  I've attached the list of sites (feel free to edit and use!).

In addition, remind your students that if they purchased a semester subscription to Achieve (includes E-book) that they can download the E-book NUTRITION FOR A CHANGING WORLD to access for up to 4 years! I have always hoped students would opt for a print version so that they could keep it on their shelf to refer to - but this download is a nice option. To download, use the dropdown menu under the individual's name in the upper right of the screen in Achieve to find "Download E-book from App Store".

Best wishes for a great end of semester and holiday season! Jamie Pope jamie.pope@vanderbilt.edu or jpopenutrition@gmail.com

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About the Author
Jamie Pope, a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and Adjunct Assistant Professor at Vanderbilt University, has worked in the areas of obesity research, health promotion, heart disease prevention, and since 2000 teaching introductory nutrition. Beyond the classroom, she adapted portions of her nutrition courses to produce a Massive Open Online Course attracting more than 175,000 participants from around the world. This experience earned Jamie an Innovation in Teaching award from the Vanderbilt University School of Nursing. She is the co-author of the textbook entitled Nutrition for a Changing World. Now in its second edition, the text is in use in over 140 universities across the U.S. and the recipient of a 2020 Textbook Excellence Award. Most recently she developed and produced an audio course for Learn25.com (Nutrition 101: Understanding the Science and Practice of Eating Well) that is also featured on platforms like Apple Books and Audible. Jamie holds a Master’s of Science degree in Nutrition and post graduate work in Health Psychology. She is a Fellow of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Jamie is an active member and serves on the board of the Textbook and Academic Authors Association. She has authored or contributed to numerous scientific and popular press publications. Jamie also held several corporate positions, serving as nutrition consultant and media representative.