I am sure you were asked this question in elementary or even higher grades the first day or week of school.   A great opportunity to learn more about classmates and even experiences and destinations.   I've just returned - and recovering - from a week in Orlando with my family squeezing in all the parks - and I mean, all the parks - Seaworld, Universal, and the Disney parks.   I was struck while sipping a beer in Germany (Epcot) just how many higher ed disciplines were represented in some way across all the parks -  just as examples:  architecture and design (my daughter is in architectural grad school so was fun to see all the representations across countries and the designs of futuristic and whimsical attractions); management (just how do they do it?), and history (bummed that the Hall of Presidents was closed as they add our newest president).   As for nutrition, I loved the opportunity to sample cuisines in Epcot and noted that all the parks seemed to make an effort at providing plant-based options and "healthier" alternatives.   I noticed the Disney Check icon on menu boards and learned that they've recently established Disney Nutrition Guidelines Criteria to promote vegetables, fruit, whole grains, and lean protein items.   An interesting and relevant activity would be to have students explore and discuss the criteria - and how they feel the use of icons might influence consumer behavior and under what circumstances.    What did you do on YOUR summer vacation and how might you share your experiences and observations to generate discussion and input from your students?    ... View more

Having taught for more than 20 years, I recall faculty meetings and department policies that grappled with the issue of laptops in the classroom – facing a room of over 200 students with many faces looking at their screens rather than at me or my visuals – and little idea of what they were looking at or whether they were listening at all.   While there remains a sprinkling of open laptops in face-to-face classes, the not so new challenge is the always handy and not quite so visible Smartphone.   A challenge that can be turned into a teaching and learning asset both in and outside of a face-to-face class.   We’re all familiar with the application and integration of mobile phones as student polling and assessment devices – like Macmillan’s adaptable and effective iClicker.   I’ve used a variety of polling approaches over the years to guide lectures, assess learning, and enhance engagement.  I also expose students to applicable online websites or resources as part of my classes, but rather than just showing them, I have students look things up or visit websites on their phones with a particular goal or question in mind - often followed by a polling question that reflects if they actually engaged with the material.   I’ve opened some classes by asking students to “google” a specific topic and then to look at relevant news stories.   For example, to open a class on obesity its interesting what’s being reported about prevalence, causes, implications, and interventions.   I have students share headlines and then often ask them if the news article referenced a new study.   I’ve also had students use their phones to complete certain online health risk assessments for themselves or a scenario I provide.   This provides context and can generate discussion.  These are only a few ideas!   Please share your approaches and thoughts with your colleagues by clicking on “Reply” below.   Also, I found this recent article from Faculty Focus of interest with tips on how you might suggest students use their Smartphones as an effective study tool outside of class time.  For example, to encourage students to take advantage of tiny time slots to read course content throughout the week allowing more time to digest the information.  A good read!   Best!   Jamie ... View more

I am particularly intrigued by the influences and trends in American eating patterns over time - and these are interesting to share with students in context of current food related beliefs and practices.  For the past 16 years the International Food and Information Council (IFIC) has conducted an annual Food and Health Survey that considers consumer attitudes and practices about diet and food choice.  Among the 2021 survey findings, respondents are yearning for a return to "normalcy" in regards to food choice and eating practices. People are excited to be able to return to restaurants. Online food purchases increased again in the 2021 survey. I was encouraged to see that there is a trend (albeit modest) towards the definition of "healthy" determined by what a food provides (vegetables, fruit, fiber, protein) rather than what it doesn't contain (gluten, GMOs, etc.). You may find a summary of the survey results helpful.  Interested to hear your take on the findings or how you might incorporate into your lecture launchers!   Use "Reply" below. ... View more

Just listened to a podcast on Dr. Barbi Honeycutt's website (Teach Learn Create) entitled The Reflective Professor:  How  One Professor Stays Curious, Keeps Learning, and Improves His Teaching with Dr. Carlos Goller.  Barbi, a teaching and learning consultant, interviewed him about ways he reflects on assignments and active learning in his classes (a microbiologist) to engage students and continually improve and expand - and reflect.  They discuss "throw away assignments" - those that exist for a semester in the LMS and how to take them beyond the parameters of a LMS.   I began documenting activities I created within my LMS so that I'd have easy access for future use and adaption - and a way to consider how better to frame and offer these activities and even retain and share some of the marvelous work my students submitted across semesters.   The website offers numerous free podcasts that are pertinent to becoming better educators and helping students thrive in diverse learning environments.   Summer is a great time to up our game!   Please share any resources, podcasts, or ideas that you've found by clicking on the "Reply" button below.   Would love your input!   Jamie   ... View more

Nutrition Appreciation ... View more