Learner-Centered Education

Adapt this curriculum to your audience. Focus on the learners' experiences, perspectives, interests, and needs (Kaiser et. al. 2007). Adults learn best when their curiosity and emotions are aroused in a safe and comfortable environment. 

A learner-centered approach includes:

Parents taste fruit-infused water

Setting the stage for learning: Arrive early to greet families as they arrive. Have everything ready to peak curiosity and help people feel respected and safe. 

Opening: Use a warm-up exercise or question to help people connect to the topic. For example, ask a question that prompts people to think about their diet and lifestyle changes over time.

Lesson: Link the key messages to parents' hopes for their children. Encourage people to share their experiences. Use questions that do not have a "yes/no" or a "right/wrong" answer to help parents problem-solve. 

Parents role-play setting limits on TV time

Hands-on Activity: Assign people into small groups to help them practice new skills.  Prepare and taste a  recipe with fruits and/or vegetables. 

Families prepare for a healthy foods cook-off

Closing: Provide a take-away message or do goal setting exercise to reinforce the learning.