ISU Service Learning Program: Diet, Physical Activity and Cancer Ruth S. MacDonald, RD, PhD Food Science and Human Nutrition Iowa State University
Community groups and individuals Academic Institutions Friends and Family Doctors and health professionals Magazines TV Internet Sources of Information about Diet, Physical Activity and Cancer
Service Learning “a method of teaching, learning and reflecting that combines academic classroom curriculum with meaningful service, frequently youth service, throughout the community” Wikipedia
Faculty Educate Research Outreach Students Learn Develop professional skills Community Access to information Reliable sources Convenience
A Service Learning Collaboration for Community Cancer Education (SLCCCE) American Cancer Society Diet and Exercise Education Program for Cancer Survivors (DEEP-C’s) Lance Armstrong Foundation
Develop and incorporate cancer education modules into selected core courses Engage students in service learning projects Evaluate and assess effectiveness and impact of each project
Outcomes in Curriculum 10 courses have content related to diet, physical activity and cancer A service learning course has been offered every semester since spring Students since Students since 2008
PINK = Power in Nutrition Knowledge Saturday workshops Newsletters Webpage Student presentations Cancer support groups Nursing homes Lunch-N-Learns on campus Youth programs Social groups
Community need was great – lots of interest Engaging with medical professionals was easy at first but difficult to sustain Students are busy – travel is difficult People are busy – attendance was low
Establish a suitable delivery platform and structure Create learning modules Test and evaluate the module with a local community group Modify and adjust the module structure Create additional learning modules Disseminate the program to 4 communities Create additional modules Disseminate the program throughout the Midwest
Compact Disk Delivery Topics on Nutrition information related to cancer Powerpoints Handouts Activities Web-based Delivery Same material available through the web Interactive Accessible Linked to resources
Current Activities Build content Presentations specific to cancer Handouts and activities Build web page Engage community partners Evaluate impact
Future Plans Continue Service Learning course Enhance content and impact of presentations Build web page resources Translate into Spanish?