Instructional Design Document

Mastering the Basics of Human Nutrition

Course Overview

This online nutrition course provides a roadmap to developing sustainable healthy eating habits for improved overall well-being. Through video lessons, interactive activities, and meal planning tools, participants will gain a deep understanding of the fundamentals of nutrition science. They'll learn to decipher food labels in order to build balanced plates with nutrient-dense whole foods, practice mindful eating strategies, overcome common barriers to healthy habits, and customize an eating approach tailored to their unique lifestyle and goals. With a focus on building skills for lifelong change, the course empowers individuals to take control of their dietary choices, optimize energy levels, support disease prevention and management, achieve a healthy weight, and cultivate a positive relationship with food. By the end, participants will emerge as savvy nutritional navigators equipped with the knowledge and practical tools to nourish their bodies and embrace a vibrant, health-promoting way of eating.

Knowledge Gap

Addressing the knowledge gap in American healthy eating patterns requires a multifaceted approach, including efforts in nutrition education, improving food environments, promoting food literacy, addressing socioeconomic barriers, and collaborating with various stakeholders to create a supportive environment for healthy eating choices.

Target Audience

This nutrition course is designed for a diverse group of adult learners who share a common interest in improving their health through better nutrition. The target audience comprises three main groups: health-conscious individuals who are proactive about their well-being, people with specific health concerns such as diabetes or heart disease who need to modify their diets, and fitness enthusiasts looking to optimize their nutrition for performance. These learners typically range in age from 25 to 65, with varied educational backgrounds and a mix of cultural influences that shape their dietary habits.

The learning profile of this audience is characterized by high motivation and a readiness to engage with new information and strategies. While their prior knowledge of nutrition varies, they all share a desire for practical, actionable content that can be applied to their daily lives. The course caters to different learning styles and preferences, offering a blend of visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learning experiences. Recognizing the busy schedules of adult learners, the course provides flexibility and self-paced options. Personalization is key, as learners have diverse dietary needs and cultural backgrounds. To support long-term behavior change, the course includes ongoing resources and community support, enabling learners to continue their nutritional education beyond the initial course completion.

Detailed Learner Profile:

Demographics

Age range: Typically 25-65 years old
Gender: Diverse, with a possible slight skew towards women
Education level: Varied, but likely to have at least a high school diploma, with many having some college education or higher
Employment status: Mostly employed, with some retirees or stay-at-home parents
Income level: Middle to upper-middle class, as they have disposable income for health and education
Geographical distribution: Urban and suburban areas, with some rural participants

Background

Cultural diversity: Varied cultural backgrounds, which may influence dietary habits and preferences
Family situations: Mix of single individuals, couples, and families with children
Technology access: Generally have access to computers and smartphones, with varying levels of technological proficiency
Health literacy: Range from basic to advanced understanding of health concepts
Previous diet attempts: Many may have tried various diets or nutrition plans in the past

Prior Knowledge

The learners may have varying levels of prior knowledge about nutrition, ranging from minimal understanding to a basic grasp of healthy eating principles.

Skills and Dispositions

Self-directed learning: Capable of managing their own learning process with guidance
Critical thinking: Ability to analyze information and make informed decisions about their health
Time management: Skilled at balancing multiple responsibilities (work, family, personal health)
Goal-setting: Experience in setting personal and professional goals
Adaptability: Willing to make changes to their lifestyle based on new information
Curiosity: Interested in understanding the 'why' behind nutritional recommendations
Reflective practice: Able to self-assess and modify behaviors based on outcomes
Collaborative learning: Open to sharing experiences and learning from peers
Digital literacy: Basic to intermediate skills in using online learning platforms and digital tools
Problem-solving: Ability to overcome obstacles in implementing dietary changes

Additional Learning Characteristics

Experiential learners: Value learning that relates to their personal experiences
Results-oriented: Expect to see tangible outcomes from their learning efforts
Autonomy: Prefer having control over their learning process and dietary choices
Relevance-focused: Seek information that is immediately applicable to their lives
Pragmatic: Interested in practical, evidence-based solutions rather than theory alone

Course Type: Informational

This nutrition course will be designed as a self-paced online informational learning experience that focuses on conveying knowledge to the learner so that they may make informed choices.

Justification: A self-paced online informational course, with the opportunity for instructor interaction, is the most suitable format to address the identified learning gap for several reasons. First, by offering a self-paced online nutrition course, with instructor interaction/check-ins, we can provide an accessible, flexible, and engaging learning experience that appeal to those who are autonomous learners and those who require interaction. In addition, the course can be scaled to accommodate large numbers of learners and provide the course on demand without compromising quality. This format addresses the learning gap by accommodating diverse learning needs, providing personalized content, and ensuring that the information is readily available to a broad audience.

Course Modality: Hybrid

Hybrid: Learners will have both access to content at their own pace and the option for real-time live interactions through virtual classrooms.

Justification: A hybrid approach, combining self-paced online learning with optional instructor interaction, is ideal for an informational nutrition course as it balances flexibility with structure, catering to the diverse needs of adult learners. This method allows for personalized learning experiences, accommodating various learning styles while facilitating immediate application of knowledge with instructor feedback when needed. The online component enables scalable, continuously updated content delivery, while instructor interaction maintains a personal touch, providing motivation and accountability. This blend creates a sense of community through discussion forums and live sessions yet preserves learner independence. It offers the delivery of the content with the online platform covering the needed information and instructor interaction allowing an exploration of the topics or individual interests. Particularly valuable in nutrition education, this approach supports real-world problem solving, enabling learners to navigate personal, cultural, and lifestyle factors in applying nutritional knowledge. By using the strengths of both self-directed and instructor-led education, this hybrid model creates an engaging, effective learning environment that respects adult learners' need for autonomy while ensuring successful outcomes through available expert guidance.

Course Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, learners will be able to implement sustainable, personalized healthy eating habits aligned with their unique health goals and lifestyles by applying core nutrition principles, developing effective meal planning strategies, and overcoming common dietary barriers, all in alignment with improving overall well-being, optimizing energy, and promoting long-term health management.

Learning Objectives

Module 1: The Core Principles of Nutrition

Lesson 1: Understanding Core Principles of Nutrition

TLO 1: Learners will be able to apply the core principles of nutrition to a balanced diet.

ELO 1.1: Define key macronutrients and micronutrients and their functions in maintaining health.

Sub-ELO 1.1.a: Identify nutrient-dense foods and their role in overall health.

Sub-ELO 1.1.b: Capture the concept of a balanced plate, including portion control, to achieve nutritional goals.

Lesson 2: Meal Planning and Grocery Strategies

TLO 2: Learners will be able to design personalized, sustainable meal-planning strategies that align with their health goals and dietary preferences.

ELO 2.1: Develop a detailed, personalized meal plan based on individual health goals, dietary needs, and lifestyle factors.

Sub-ELO 2.1.a: Identify cost-effective and nutrient-dense options during grocery shopping to support healthy eating habits.

Module 2: Nutrition and Mindful Practices

Lesson 1: Overcoming Barriers to Healthy Eating

TLO 3: Learners will be able to develop strategies to overcome barriers to healthy eating through behavior changes.

ELO 3.1: Identify common barriers to healthy eating, such as time constraints and budget limitations.

ELO 3.2: Identify mindful eating techniques to improve awareness of hunger cues, emotional eating, and portion control.

ELO 3.3: Create a customized plan to address personal barriers to manage food cravings and prevent emotional eating, focusing on long-term habit formation.

Lesson 2: Evaluating and Adjusting Nutrition Plan

TLO 4: Learners will be able to evaluate their nutrition plan based on their ongoing progress, goals, and changes in their lifestyle.

ELO 4.1: Utilize digital tracking tools to monitor food intake, nutrient consumption, and overall progress towards health goals.

Sub-ELO 4.1.a: Analyze tracking data in order to address overages or deficiencies in the nutrition plan.

ELO 4.2: Develop strategies for maintaining healthy eating habits in various settings, such as social situations and dining out, to ensure continuity in achieving health goals.

Learning Activities

Module 1: The Core Principles of Nutrition

Lesson 1: Understanding Core Principles of Nutrition

TLO 1: Learners will be able to identify the core principles of nutrition.

ELO 1.1: Define key macronutrients and micronutrients and their functions in maintaining health.

Activity 1: Nutrient Analysis Table (Grocery Store Activity)
Description: Students go to the grocery store and log foods they typically purchase in a table, listing the macro and micronutrient content for each item. They evaluate the nutrient density of each item, which helps them understand the quality of their usual food choices.

Alignment:

Sub-ELO 1.1.a – Identifying nutrient-dense foods.

Sub-ELO 1.1.b: Apply the concept of a balanced diet, including portion control, to achieve nutritional goals.

Activity 2: Balanced Plate Exercise (in-course activity)
Description: Using a drag and drop interactive exercise within the course, students sort various foods into the appropriate macronutrient category. When they finish the first deck, they move on to doing the same for micronutrients.

Alignment:

Sub-ELO 1.1.a – Identify nutrient-dense foods and explain their role in overall health.

(L1) Activity 1: (internal activity) Learners will take a pre-lesson survey to gauge their understanding of micro and macronutrients, general knowledge, and assess their eating habits. (will be downloadable - in progress)

(L1) Materials: Class Handout - Macronutrients and Micronutrients: Essentials for Human Health

(L1) Activity 2: (internal activity) Learners explore an interactive balanced plate.

(L1) Activity 3: (internal/external activity) Students go to the grocery store and log foods they typically purchase in a table, listing the macro and micronutrient content for each item. They evaluate the nutrient density of each item, which helps them understand the quality of their usual food choices.

(L1) Materials: Announcement and shopping list worksheet.

(L1) Activity 4: (internal activity) Students participate in an optional LIVE class discussion.

(L1) Activity 5: (internal activity) Building a balanced plate by correctly identifying (drag and drop) macros and micros.

Lesson 2: Meal Planning and Grocery Strategies

TLO 2: Learners will be able to design personalized, sustainable meal planning and grocery shopping strategies that align with their health goals and dietary preferences.

ELO 2.1: Develop a detailed, personalized meal plan based on individual health goals, dietary needs, and lifestyle factors.

Activity 1: Personalized Meal Plan Creation
Description: Students create a personalized meal plan for a week, aligned with their health goals. This activity requires them to consider factors like portion sizes, variety, and cost.

Alignment: ELO 2.1 – Develop a personalized meal plan.

Activity 2: Budget-Friendly Grocery Challenge
Description: Students simulate grocery shopping on a budget, selecting nutrient-dense foods that align with their meal plans. They research or visit a grocery store to price-check items, promoting cost-effective yet nutritious options.

Alignment: Sub-ELO 2.1.a – Identifying cost-effective, nutrient-dense options.

(L2) Activity 1: (internal activity): Pre-lesson instructions and check-off list (will be downloadable - in progress)

(L2) Activity 2: Students create a personalized meal plan for a week, aligned with their health goals. This activity requires them to consider factors like portion sizes, variety, and cost.

(L2) Activity 3: Students simulate grocery shopping on a budget, selecting nutrient-dense foods that align with their meal plans. They research or visit a grocery store to price-check items, promoting cost-effective yet nutritious options.

(L2) Materials TBD

Downloadable transcripts for video and audio files and matching exercises for Module 1.

Module 2: Nutrition and Mindful Practices

Lesson 1: Overcoming Barriers to Healthy Eating

TLO 3: Learners will be able to recognize barriers to healthy eating through the application of mindful eating and behavior change strategies.

ELO 3.1: Identify common barriers to healthy eating, such as time constraints and budget limitations.

ELO 3.2: Identify mindful eating techniques to improve awareness of hunger cues, emotional eating, and portion control.

Activity 1: Time Management for Meal Prep
Description: Students list their weekly schedule, identifying time constraints, then develop a realistic meal prep plan to work around these limitations. They analyze how pre-planning can help overcome time-related barriers to healthy eating.

Alignment: ELO 3.1 – Identify barriers to healthy eating.

Activity 2: Mindful Eating Journal
Description: Over one week, students keep a journal documenting hunger cues, emotional triggers, and eating behaviors. They reflect on these patterns to identify personal triggers and use mindful eating techniques to control cravings.

Alignment: ELO 3.2 – Identify mindful eating techniques; Sub-ELO 3.2.a – Managing food cravings and emotional eating.

Lesson 2: Evaluating and Adjusting Nutrition Plan

TLO 4: Learners will be able to evaluate their nutrition plan based on their ongoing progress, goals, and changes in their lifestyle.

ELO 4.1: Utilize digital tracking tools to monitor food intake, nutrient consumption, and overall progress towards health goals.

ELO 4.2: Develop strategies for maintaining healthy eating habits in various settings, such as social situations and dining out, to ensure continuity in achieving health goals.

Activity 1: Nutrition Tracking Using Digital Tools
Description: Students track their food intake with a nutrition app for a week. They analyze data to find nutrient overages or deficiencies and identify any adjustments needed to align with health goals.

Alignment: Sub-ELO 4.1.a – Analyzing tracking data.

Activity 2: Role-Playing Social Scenarios
Description: In small groups, students role-play common social settings (e.g., dining out, family gatherings) and practice making healthy food choices. They discuss strategies for maintaining healthy eating habits in these situations.

Alignment: ELO 4.2 – Maintaining healthy habits in various settings.

Final Assessment Strategy

Final exam measures all terminal learning objectives. See attached assessment.

Assessment Mastering Basic Human Nutrition Pdf

PDF – 138.5 KB 18 downloads

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Subject Matter Experts

Marion Nestle, PhD, MPH

Expertise: Public health nutrition, food politics, and food industry influence on diet and health.

Works:

Food Politics: How the Food Industry Influences Nutrition and Health
What to Eat
Soda Politics: Taking on Big Soda (and Winning)

Website: https://www.foodpolitics.com

T. Colin Campbell, PhD

Expertise: Nutritional biochemistry, the impact of nutrition on long-term health, particularly plant-based diets.

Works:

The China Study: The Most Comprehensive Study of Nutrition Ever Conducted
Whole: Rethinking the Science of Nutrition

Website: https://nutritionstudies.org

David Katz, MD, MPH

Expertise: Preventive medicine, nutrition, and obesity prevention.

Works:

The Truth About Food: Why Pandas Eat Bamboo and People Get Bamboozled
Disease-Proof: The Remarkable Truth About What Makes Us Well

Website: https://davidkatzmd.com

Dr. Fred Hatfield "Dr. Squat"

Expertise: Sports nutrition and supplementation, strength training and bodybuilding, human performance and athletic conditioning

Works:

Bodybuilding: A Scientific Approach
Hardcore Bodybuilding: A Scientific Approach
Fitness: The Complete Guide (a textbook for the International Sports Sciences Association, which he co-founded)

Website: International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA)

Instructional Design Model: ADDIE

Learning Theory

In addition to andragogy, which focuses on adult learning principles, the development of this online nutrition course will primarily draw from cognitivism and constructivism learning theories. These theories align well with the chosen structural design approach, including the ADDIE model and Gagne's Nine Events of Instruction. While the course design will primarily focus on cognitivism and constructivism, some elements of behaviorism may be incorporated, particularly in the design of assessments and feedback mechanisms. For example, providing immediate feedback and reinforcement for correct responses can help shape learner behavior and support the acquisition of foundational knowledge. Connectivism, which emphasizes the role of technology and social networks in learning, may also be considered in the design of the course's hybrid approach and collaborative features and the use of digital tools to support learning.

By integrating these learning theories into the structural design approach, the online nutrition course will provide a rich, engaging, and effective learning experience that supports learners in constructing meaningful knowledge and developing practical skills that can be applied in their daily lives.