Online Education for Secondary Science Teachers: An Integrated Approach to Food Safety Training

As a result of this course teachers will: a) increase knowledge and application of food safety, as documented by increased knowledge and behavior scores from pretest to posttest b) increase familiarity and use of the Internet, as noted by pretest and posttest survey responses c) apply food safety activities in the classroom, as documented in course activities and evaluation. <P> Education Objective: To develop learning experiences in food safety for secondary level youth. Youth will: a) increase food safety knowledge and improve food handling behaviors at school and at home, as documented by increased knowledge and behavior scores from pretest to posttest b) increase use of food safety activities with families and at home, as determined by questionnaires administered to children by teachers.
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This integrative approach to food safety education will incorporate: 1) research on knowledge, behaviors and attitudes of teachers, 2) Extension education for secondary level science teachers, students and families through an online course, and 3) application of curricula and evaluation of food safety learning in youth in formal classroom settings. In Phase I a National Advisory Group will provide professional input into the design and methodology of the research and assessment, the on-line course and program promotion. Science teachers nationally will be assessed for food safety knowledge along with attitudes towards the importance of food safety using the Health Belief Model, and the intention to change personal and classroom behaviors using the Stage of Change Model. Based on survey results and advisory group input, Phase II will feature the development, implementation and evaluation of an Internet-based course, Food Safety Education Online, for secondary science teachers and their application with their students and families. The National Science Teachers Association and US Food and Drug Administration curriculum, Science and Our Food Supply, along with Web resources will be used. Group interaction online will be maximized by collaborative learning and small threaded discussion groups. Pretest/postest data will demonstrate change in knowledge, attitudes and behavior scores, actual and intended time teaching food safety and family involvement. Phase III will provide support to teachers to implement and evaluate classroom experiences with their students, for sustained food safety knowledge and behavior change.
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Food borne illness continues to plague American health and economy. While many children are responsible for food preparation, they do not learn safe food preparation practices from their parents or at school. Few teacher training institutions offer courses in food safety to educators. This collaboration will promote and enhance food safety education by developing an online training program for teachers to use with students, parents and other school community members.