Liquid Syllabus
Feel free to review this syllabus overview that provides answers to frequently asked questions about my nutrition classes.
Student Learning
Student success in this science-based topic is my goal! As a first-generation learner, it took me a few attempts at school to learn how to be successful in school. Learning is best acheived when we share our cultural experiences and worldviews through discussion, using our critical thinking skills, and advancing our knowledge based on scientific evidence. My teaching philosophy is founded in the science and research literature on nutrition, wellness, and equity education practices. Whether you are in my campus classroom or learning online, you participate in active-learning opportunities that apply real-life experiences or require you to find evidence from reliable resources.
Student Feedback
Here is what students say about NUTR-20:
Spring, 2023 (online student): "I wanted to thank you for such a fantastic and engaging year this year in nutrition. I cannot believe how much I learned and how applicable this class is to so many aspects of my life! I am constantly reflecting on my own habits and making changes, thanks to this class. " MM
Spring, 2023 (in-person student): "I will note, I am really feeling that I'm learning a lot from the structure of this classroom, so thank you to you for introducing this and challenging the norms! You rock <3." MP
Fall, 2023 (online student): "I had an overall great learning experience in this class. It was very applicable and taught me a lot about the changes I can make in my own life to be healthier. The community within this class show lots of interest in learning to better themselves and others, and it was nice to be surrounded with an engaging group. Thank you so much Mrs. Russo! You rock." NW
Spring, 2022 (online student): "...so working on assignments together made the class really fun and interesting because we both have different cultural backgrounds so we grew up eating different foods and we both had different views regarding nutrition before taking this class so it was interesting when we'd work on because of how different our nutritional knowledge was." JD
Spring, 2022 (in-person): "I will use my science skills to create a diet and meal plan to be healthier and happier. I will use my science based evidence to inform people that health choices are very important..... I have had a amazing learning experience in this class Denise has been one the best teachers I have ever had in my schooling career and I am very grateful for her." NA
And about the NUTR-22 class:
Spring, 2023: "I loved creating menus and problem solving nutrition concerns - this felt like real-life problem solving." KH
Spring, 2023: "This is a class you actually want to do the reading for, not because of a grade, but for the betterment of self - this class teaches you about the ways to improve wellbeing. " MM
Spring, 2023 (regarding the online team project): "This is a very unique assignment that I’m so happy to be apart of! I love the structure in this class and I look forward to the module each week." CG
Check Letters to Future Students for more feedback.
Over and over, online students say "I wish I could have taken this class in-person." Whether you choose online or in-person, the learning opportutnities are consistent. The conversation around the topics, however, are often enriched through ongoing discourse.
Eat well, play fit! 🌶🏃🏽♀️🥦
Denise