Experiential learning exercises to enhance learning in a university nutrition course

Two projects were conducted in a University of California-Davis undergraduate animal nutrition class as experiential learning experiences to reinforce concepts taught in the lectures. The objectives of the experiential learning exercises were to (1) reinforce the nutritional concepts that were presented in the lectures, (2) provide hands-on experiences with animals as well as analytical wet chemistry methods, (3) study fiber digestion and lipid metabolism as they relate to digestive systems, and (4) inspire students to learn more about nutrition. Students participated in project 1 to study the digestibility of NDF in sheep, horses, and rabbits and project 2 to study dietary lipid digestion and metabolism in mice. Both projects required participation outside of normal class time. Students were involved in collecting and analyzing samples, recording and analyzing data, and interpreting and reporting their findings. Project 1 concluded with graded written and oral reports, whereas project 2 concluded with summarization of findings. Students were asked at the end of the class to rate both projects on a scale from 1 to 5, with 5 being the best rating. Project 1 received an average of 4.4, and project 2 received an average of 3.7.