Abstract
Diabetes camp is helpful in providing hands-on learning experiences and interprofessional learning opportunities through immersive experiences. Currently, there is little research comparing the changes in knowledge and perception during experiential learning in dietetics students at a residential diabetes camp. This longitudinal qualitative case study explored the knowledge, perceptions, confidence, and empathy gained by four dietetics students during experiential learning at the camp. Qualitative research methods (interviews, observations, "photovoice," journals, and focus groups) were used to explore and understand participants’ experiences of hands-on involvement with type one diabetes, and what they learned at camp that cannot be learned in a classroom. This study suggests that experiential learning at diabetes camp can make a difference in the overall education and feelings of dietetics students regarding type one diabetes care and management. While one year of experiential learning was beneficial to participating dietetics students, two years provided a deeper understanding of the disease in children’s lives and the role of the registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) at camp. The study’s greatest contribution is the ability for educators to understand how experiential learning opportunities at diabetes camp provide in-depth education and how these learning experiences can be incorporated into dietetics curricula.
Recommended Citation
Mount, Mallory and Gould, Mary Kathryn
(2024)
"Learning at Diabetes Camp: Experiential and Interprofessional Opportunities for Dietetics Students,"
Journal of Dietetic Education: Vol. 2:
Iss.
2, Article 5.
Available at:
https://ecommons.udayton.edu/jde/vol2/iss2/5
Included in
Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Commons, Food Studies Commons, Higher Education Commons, Other Nutrition Commons