Link to 5 minute podcast about the Assertion Evidence approach for educational PPTX or read on..... 🙂 Several years ago, I attended a workshop offered by our Center for Teaching here at Vanderbilt on approaches for educational Power Point presentations for use in higher ed.  I was most intrigued and impressed by examples and the pedagogy behind the “Assertion-Evidence” approach to creating slide presentations. Rather than a topic heading on the slide, this format uses an assertion statement to make a point – and builds a presentation around messages rather than topics. The assertion is a statement or short sentence as the slide heading that expresses the primary focus or take away from that slide.  Even a quick glance at the slide provides the central concept or message being communicated.   For example, rather than a topic heading that says, “Blood Glucose Regulation”, the assertion would be “Blood glucose levels are maintained through the actions of pancreatic hormones”.  Or rather than a topic of “Carbohydrate Classification” the assertion would be “Carbohydrates are classified as simple or complex”.   The assertion communicates a message about a topic that is then supported by additional information or evidence of the assertion.  The “evidence” that follows would be bullet points, a visual image, or infographic that supports the assertion.   Regarding the assertion “carbohydrates are classified as simple or complex” the evidence would be examples of simple and complex carbohydrates along with or even just an image of some of these foods from the text.  The assertion is not repeated in the body of the slide.  For my own classes and for the textbook, I adapted the “regular” (and still very good!) slides to incorporate the Assertion-Evidence approach as an alternative for instructors. Thus, as currently found in the instructor resources - and unique to our text - educators have the choice of either topic-based slides or my Assertion-Evidence.   Both can be adapted and edited to meet individual instructor’s style and learning goals.    You can also read more about this approach at www.assertion-evidence.com.  ... View more

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At the conclusion of each semester, I created and posted an anonymous survey in our LMS to assess how well students believed the overall course goals from the syllabus were met.   The university generated evaluations provide valuable feedback but input specific to a course and its success beyond student performance has proven to be valuable.   I’ve modified the survey over several semesters from a narrative answer to a scale to a combination of both.  And maybe more importantly, reviewing the course goals at the conclusion of the semester allows students the opportunity to reflect upon and consider what they’ve learned – and hopefully feel good about that!  A link to the survey is shared via email with a message encouraging completion and how their anonymous feedback will assist in improving the course and its components for future students.  Reading student feedback provides another opportunity for instructors to evaluate the course design and components in alignment with course goals.  Here are the course goals from the introductory nutrition course: At the end of the course, the student will be able to: Appreciate the scope and complexity of the evolving science of nutrition. Discuss the role of each of the six classes of nutrients in the maintenance of health.  Describe how dietary recommendations for Americans are established, evaluated, implemented, and applied to meet individual dietary needs, promote health, and prevent chronic disease – and how they compare to food-based guidelines from around the globe. Describe the fundamental role of nutrition and food choice in prevention and treatment of select diet-related chronic diseases. Discuss factors that affect nutrition and health status of individuals across the lifespan with corresponding intervention strategies. Analyze controversies or claims surrounding one or more contemporary nutrition issues based on scientific evidence and nutrition theory. Identify ways individuals can assess, evaluate, and implement strategies that promote a healthy and safe diet. Discuss how all foods can fit within an overall healthful diet.  A goal of this course is to lessen and lighten food related "rules" and dogmatic thinking surrounding dietary practices and approaches through a better understanding of nutrition principles and application.   ... View more

Was delighted to welcome teaching colleagues and co-host our latest “Coffee with Nutrition Authors” with my co-author and friend, Steve Nizielski, and our Senior Marketing Manager, Nancy Bradshaw on March 23.   Attendees were able to get a behind-the-scenes look at Nutrition for a Changing World’s new digital update and online platform Achieve.   Nancy previewed a pre-built course that includes pre-class, in-class, and post-class activities and assessments for each chapter and spotlight as well as aligned AnalyzeMyDiet activities and eBook activities.   We were treated to demos of the new interactive Real World Nutrition activities that now accompany every chapter and spotlight.   See a screen shot sample of chapter 4 Carbohydrates pre-built chapter below.  And of course, a look at that our pre-graded AnalyzeMyDiet within Achieve has to offer!   Even as an author of the text, I benefitted greatly from a one-on-one demo with one of our amazing tech team – so don’t worry if you missed the Coffee hour, you have the opportunity to see for yourself all the new and enhanced features of Achieve and AnalyzeMyDiet unique to the nutrition text and course.   Here’s a few links that I hope are helpful!   Best!   Jamie (feel free to reach out to me as well!  Jamie.pope@vanderbilt.edu or jpopenutrition@gmail.com ) Nutrition for a Changing World Dietary Guidelines and Digital Update Getting Started with Achieve for Instructors online info and tutorials Schedule a one-on-one demo of Achieve and AnalyzeMyDiet for yourself! Find your Macmillan Learning representative to request a review copy of the text (print and/or online version) or for consultation ... View more

Every year the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics sponsors National Nutrition Month in March.   This year's theme is "Celebrate a World of Flavors" with a focus on cultural diversity and exploring tastes and dishes from around the globe.  You can find a NNM toolkit on the Academy's website with a variety of helpful resources including  tips for adding foods, spices, and dishes from other cuisines. I gave a presentation to an undergraduate student organization where I shared a few of the resources, but also did a bit of "traveling through taste".   With travel restrictions during the pandemic many people are seeking authentic culinary experiences closer to home by experimenting with new recipes or dining out.   As this group of 100 or more students have diverse ethnic backgrounds we asked students to share a recipe representative of their culture - including different regions of the U.S prior to the meeting.    We also took a look at different countries and regions and how climate, agriculture, the economy, cultural traditions, and more might impact eating patterns and food choice - and even dietary recommendations.   I love photo journalist Peter Menzel's work and his book Hungry Planet - here's a link to some of the images of  a week's worth of food from around the world!  The National Geographic's "How the World Eats" is also an interesting site to explore and discuss!   Here's a link to the slide presentation from that meeting - feel free to use or edit!   Best.   Jamie ... View more