NUFD 113: Nutrition Metabolism

Reflection on Instructional Change

While creating the Wellness Strategies Implementation Plan, I learned about the benefits of social connection. So my strategy to promote this was to increase small group discussion and collaboration in class. I implemented my strategy through creating an in-class activity where student complete a study guide that requires them to work together to answer some free response questions. During our review session for the exam, I had the students divide into small groups and answer the study guide questions. After class, I complied all the responses and shared it with the students. This way students could ask each other questions they were unsure about, strengthen their relationships with each other, and finish the class with a resource to prepare them for the exam.

This semester I have integrated more in-class activities, which helps to promote social connection. The feedback I have received from students thus far is that they enjoy a break from lecturing and the opportunity to talk to each other about the content. The activities give them the ability to apply the knowledge they just learned to see what they don’t understand. In my feedback after the first exam, students said the in-class activities helped prepare them for the exam and they wanted to continue to do them.

I enjoyed creating the Wellness Strategies Implementation Plan and the 7 Dimensions of wellness chart. When creating the Implementation Plan, I found easy things that I could implement in my class that would promote wellness and not require a lot of effort on my part, such as providing an inspiring or funny quote within my slides to lighten the mood. The 7 Dimensions of wellness chart further enhanced my learning by providing me with links to services and resources I did not know about. For example, I include information about smoking several times throughout the semester, but never thought to include a smoking cessation helpline when discussing this.

My lecture slide that includes the impact of smoking on vit C status and smoking cessation resources
My lecture slide that includes the impact of smoking on vit C status and smoking cessation resources

Moving Forward

There were many tactics I learned through this FLC that I want to start incorporating into my classes. When I review my lecture slides for future semesters, I will try to add in inspiring or funny quote within my slides. I also want to add in stretch or movement breaks in my class to demonstrate the benefits of moving instead of remaining sedentary. I may try to include Mindfulness tactics like breathing techniques during my lectures to reset my classroom when students seem stressed. I also want to start doing a comment card so students can share feedback. This will help provide me with information about what they learned and what they are confused about. It also provides students an opportunity to reflect on the class and their learning. I already have a Resources Page on Canvas, but I will spend more of my first lecture reviewing it. I will also continue reviewing it throughout the semester, especially when students are busy with midterms and assignments so they can be reminded of resources available to help them.

Faculty Biography

haley adel I was born and raised right here in Sacramento, California. I grew up in an active family that loved to cook and bake. My passion for food and health encouraged me to pursue a degree in Clinical Nutrition at UC Davis. During my undergrad, I competed as a NCAA Division I athlete in Cross Country and Track & Field all four years and got to travel around the country for races.

I loved learning and sharing my nutrition knowledge with others and felt the best way for me to turn this passion into a career was to become a registered dietitian. I completed my dietetic internship and master's degree at CSU Long Beach after UC Davis. For my thesis, I conducted qualitative research looking at fruit and vegetable intake among college students (feel free to ask me about the results!). I am now officially a registered dietitian and work in the clinical setting. I love teaching future dietitians and medical professionals about nutrition at Sac State.

I enjoy anything that keeps me moving (running, pickleball, basketball, dancing are a few), comedy, cooking/baking, trying new coffee spots, and spending time with my family and friends.

This work was supported by the CSU Office of the Chancellor, Sacramento State Division of Academic Affairs, and Sacramento State Student Health and Counseling Services.