An Exploratory Survey on Teaching Practices Integrating Nutrition and Mathematics in Australian Primary Schools

Abstract

Overweight and obesity prevalence in children has increased worldwide. One of the stated reasons for this rise is the increase in portion sizes, perhaps due to individuals having difficulties with portion size estimation. Portion size estimation could be improved with portion size education involving the mathematical concepts of volume and capacity. The current study aims to explore mathematical teaching practices focussing on volume and capacity measurement in Australian primary schools. A convenience sample of 101 teachers completed an online survey reporting information on their teaching background, experience, use of resources, digital games and curricular integration. We found that teachers tend to use Smartboards and cubes to teach volume and capacity, and that the majority use nutrition-related examples such as household measures, recipes and grocery shopping. Teachers also expressed having positive beliefs and interest in using digital games for these concepts. Although mathematics is most commonly integrated with science and technology, teachers believe a digital game integrating nutrition and mathematics could be very useful. Research on the development and implementation of an educational resource to combine these subjects using technology is needed.