“It's Not the Child's Fault” – Students' Perceived Learning About Pediatric Obesity in a Collaborative Online Case Study

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this collaborative online case study was to increase undergraduate students' pediatric obesity management knowledge and skills. Target Audience: The target audience for this case study was undergraduate students in a life cycle nutrition class. Theory, Prior Research, Rationale:Multiple levels of factors impact children's weight status (social ecological model), and parents and community members may be able to change these factors. Undergraduate nutrition programs should include a review of obesity management but time constraints often prohibit covering material in depth. Online collaborative case-based learning (CBL) may overcome these barriers; however, few have evaluated the effectiveness of online CBL in nutrition courses. Description: This online case study module was one of six to be implemented across the curriculum. Students in small groups completed the module consisting of PowerPoint presentations to scaffold learning, self-reflective essays, group discussion boards, and collaborative development of a nutrition care plan consistent with recommended guidelines for the ‘‘case family.’’ Evaluation: Eighty-eight students were included in analyses. The mean difference between pre-tests and post-tests was +10.3% (SEM 1.2%, P< 0.001). Qualitative thematic analyses of students' self-reflective essays indicated that the majority did not previously recognize the extent of the obesity epidemic, the impact of multiple factors on weight status, and the need to involve families in behavior change. Most students intended to apply knowledge gained to their own behavior. Conclusions and Implications: An online collaborative case study including self-reflection was effective in increasing students' awareness of obesity-related factors and need to involve family in nutrition care planning. Funding: College of Family and Consumer Sciences, University of Georgia