Environmental Health students give presentations on concepts of health in local schools

DIT Staff: Kathy Young

As part of the BSc Environmental health (DT491) 3rd year students give presentations on concepts of health to transition year (4th) pupils in local schools.

They present on topics of relevance to the pupils tackling issues such as food safety, nutrition and tobacco, alcohol, drugs, body image, sex, school-life balance, stress and bullying. Students work in teams to contact and confirm arrangements with the appropriate school, design and make a presentation of about 30-40mins with time for questions and write up a brief report at the end. They negotiate the tasks among themselves.

What do the students get from it?

By making presentations to local schools as part of their course work, students learn to carry out research and develop a broader understanding of the key current environmental health issues that affect school pupils. It also enables them to contribute directly to the health and social development of these pupils. Through their presentations they develop skills in communication, listening and explaining. They also develop key skills in communication with each other, with lecturers, and with the transition year co-ordinator in the schools as they make the appropriate arrangements for their visit. All these skills are vital as they emerge from their degree course and enter their professional careers.

What do the community get from it?

The school pupils benefited from having contact with third level students, who assisted them to confront pertinent issues in their lives and encouraged them to challenge existing attitudes. Also through contact with the third level students the pupils encounter representatives of higher and further education particularly in the subject of environmental health.

Community partners: