Applied Economics Teaching Resources

an AAEA Journal

Agricultural and Applied Economics Association

Teaching and Educational Methods

Bringing Behavioral Change Education to Life: Incorporating Healthy Eating into College Classroom Teaching

Yanhong Jin(a), Mary L. Wagner(a), Yuxi Lei and Marion Reinson(b)
(a)Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, (b)Eating for Your Health, a New Jersey based Non-profit Organization

JEL Codes: JEL Codes: I12, A22, D91
Keywords: Behavioral change, breakfast, college students, Healthy Eating Challenge

Publish Date: July 9, 2024
Volume 6, Issue 2

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Abstract

This study evaluates the impact of implementing a Healthy Eating Challenge within the classroom setting. The activity integrated nutrition education, self-discovery/reflection, and community support. The findings underscore the potential of this approach to effectively educate college students about healthy eating and behavioral change models. This personalized active learning classroom project utilized a diverse array of effective educational strategies, including personalized goal setting, self-discovery and assessment, and creative expression of the Challenge experience. These strategies were employed to align behavioral change goals with an individual’s readiness to embrace change. They served to foster a more comprehensive understanding of behavioral modification concepts and strengthen their reinforcement among college students. Throughout the Challenge, participants identified modifications that they would like to incorporate, such as enhancing meal balance, adding food variety, preparing food in advance, and eating breakfast earlier. This Challenge not only reshaped participants’ perception of influential factors guiding behavioral transformations but also notably reduced the perceived barrier of inadequate cooking skills.

About the Author: Yanhong Jin is a Professor at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey (Corresponding Author Email: Yanhong.Jin@rutgers.edu). Mary Wagner is an Associate Professor at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey. Yuxi Lei is a PharmD student at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey. Marion Reinson is the Executive Director with Eating for Your Health, a New Jersey based non-profit organization.

Acknowledgments: The authors introduced the Healthy Eating Challenge to the classroom by partnering with Eating for Your Haleh (EFYH), a New Jersey nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting healthy eating. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to EFYH’s collaboration. We also thank Chandana Singathi and Julia Yi for assistance with the challenge part of the course. Above all, we sincerely thank the students who participated in this research, displaying openness, engagement, and a spirit of learning and exploration. All errors remain solely the responsibility of the authors. This research is approved by the IRB office at Rutgers (Project No.: Pro2022000396).

Copyright is governed under Creative Commons CC BY-NC-SA

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