Active Learning in the Experimental Study of Food

The objective of this paper was to describe some major changes made in an experimental foods course by incorporating active and cooperative learning techniques and a student research project. An interactive learning environment for dietetics, food science, and nutritional science students was designed in Project LEA/RN (Learning Enhancement Action/Resource Network). Group activities and 15‐min lectures replaced 50‐min lectures. Quizzes and out‐of‐class assignments replaced written examinations. A group laboratory project replaced individual reports. The average class score (85.6%) was better than previous semesters (81.5%). Increased interaction improved students' abilities to solve problems in food science and to articulate oral and written critiques of research results.