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- Title
Focus Groups Reveal Dietetic Students' Opinions on the Addition of Cultural Competency Training to the Dietetics Curriculum.
- Authors
Kessler, Lisa A.; Burns-Whitmore, Bonny; Wallace, Sharonda P.
- Abstract
In order to better plan a curriculum for enhancing dietetic students cultural competence with the Hispanic population, focus groups were held with dietetic majors to better understand their thoughts and concerns regarding this proposed curricular change and to assess their understanding of cultural competence. Three focus groups (n=24) were conducted with dietetic students, on campus in a classroom setting. Students expressed a strong desire for additional coursework to improve cultural competency, requested specific classes, and provided reasons supporting this proposed program, and voiced concerns. One-half of the students reported, "not feeling comfortable" interacting with a Spanishonly speaking client. Reasons given for desiring this program included improved job success and the perceived ability to function more effectively in their future jobs. There was consensus that this curriculum not be mandatory, but remain optional. Concerns were voiced about workload, course availability, and availability of competent instructors. Only 33% of the students provided an accurate definition of cultural competence. Students recognized the need for this type of curricular change. Faculty should assess and then take student concerns into account as they develop curriculum to meet the future agricultural and nutrition education needs of an increasingly diverseU.S. population.
- Subjects
UNITED States; PEOPLE with diabetes; CULTURAL competence; CULTURAL awareness; TRAINING; STUDENTS; ACADEMIC workload of students; CURRICULUM; EDUCATIONAL programs; NUTRITION education; EDUCATIONAL planning; EDUCATION
- Publication
NACTA Journal, 2010, Vol 54, Issue 4, p2
- ISSN
0149-4910
- Publication type
Article