Abstract
Objective: This article reports the findings from a convergent parallel mixed method study, aiming to ascertain the opinions of New South Wales (Australia) government secondary school teachers on integration of food literacy and food numeracy (FL&FN) across secondary school curriculum. Methods: Participants were invited to take part in an anonymous survey and a semi-structured interview [n (email invitations) =401 schools, duration of study=17 weeks]. Their opinions were sought on the integration of FL&FN within their own subject, in all subjects, in whole school programs and as an additional cross-curriculum priority. The collected qualitative and quantitative data were analysed separately, using analytic software programs, and discussed together. Results: Participants in quantitative and qualitative components [n (surveys received) =200, (valid surveys) =118, n (interviews conducted) =14] reported higher feasibility rates in lower secondary grades and stated several barriers and enablers for this integrative pedagogy. Conclusion: If FL&FN is to become an integral part of secondary school curriculum, a collaborative approach by secondary and tertiary education sectors is required to address two main barriers i.e., provision of teacher training and teaching resources. Implications for public education: The reported poor dietary intake among Australian adolescents and its impact on public health, cognitive development, economy, and environment requires further strengthening of school-based food and nutrition education interventions such as the proposed integration of FL&FN across secondary school curriculum. This study provides an initial insight into the feasibility of this proposal.
Highlights
Research has shown a correlation between poor dietary intakes and the rising rates of overweight and obesity among children and adolescents, as reported by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW, 2020)
The list of all New South Wales (NSW) secondary schools was obtained from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS, 2020)
Unregulated advertising and marketing of unhealthy foods: One teacher had a strong opinion about the effect of advertising on adolescents’ dietary behaviours and food consumption patterns during school hours: ‘In South Australia, you're not allowed to buy those treats under 18; nothing's going to change until the government gets their act together; kids come in showing off about who has the bigger can.’ (R8) ‘We need to have a federal policy changed in advertising act; [...] government spending money in schools need to spend money on that advertising.’ (R8)
Summary
Research has shown a correlation between poor dietary intakes and the rising rates of overweight and obesity among children and adolescents, as reported by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW, 2020) This rise is associated with some eating disorders, emotional and behavioural problems (e.g., depression, and poor interaction with peers), and lower self-esteem which increases as BMI increases (Sanders, Han, Baker, & Cobley, 2015; Black & Kassenboehmer, 2017; Russell-Mayhew, McVey, Bardick, & Ireland, 2012). It is anticipated that these interventions will be mutually beneficial to students and teachers who may have diverse prior knowledge and skills in food and nutrition An example of these interventions is the proposed integration of FL&FN across Australian secondary school curriculum. Their responses have been sought on the current practices and resources available in own school which may enhance this feasibility
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