Using Experiential Education to Explore Changes in Students' Perceptions toward Those Experiencing Poverty and Food Insecurity

The purpose of this exploratory study was to examine the impact of an undergraduate short-term experiential learning nutrition course on influencing students' perceptions toward individuals experiencing poverty and food insecurity (FI). The Undergraduate Perception of Poverty Tracking Survey (UPPTS) was the tool used to measure perception. Student reflection journals were also collected and used to assess themes. The secondary purpose of this research was to assess the overall undergraduate students' perceptions of poverty and the incidence of FI at a private elite university and further determine if there was a relationship between the UPPTS and demographics. Subjects included a convenience and snowball sampling during the 2022 academic school year. Three surveys were combined into one questionnaire for participants to complete: (a) UPPTS, (b) U.S. Department of Agriculture Household Food Security Survey Module (USDA HFSSM), and (c) self-identified demographics. A paired samples t test was performed to test pre-course perception scores to post-course perception scores following the short-term course. Results indicated that after taking an experiential learning nutrition course, students' scores on the UPPTS indicated a more favorable and empathetic view toward those experiencing poverty. Thematic analysis from student reflection journals indicated greater awareness of structural attributions toward poverty and increased empathy toward poverty. For the total undergraduate sample, UTTPS total scores were slightly higher compared to the instrument mean scores, thus indicating a more unfavorable perception toward those experiencing poverty. In assessing food security, based on the frequency analysis of the total participants, roughly 23% of the undergraduate sample was considered food insecure. Lastly, a multiple regression analysis was used to assess the relationship between the UPPTS and demographics. Of the predictors, sex, race, and income were significant, as females and Black/AA were noted to view poverty more favorably compared to males and non-Black/AA, and households making less than $80,000/year also noted a more favorable view of those experiencing poverty. This study offered insight to the impact of experiential learning on influencing perceptions towards poverty, and predictors that contribute to one's perception. Lastly, FI data were used inform private elite universities of the incidence of FI on campus. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]