Further to Learning Styles and Nutrition Counselling, understanding and incorporating learning styles can improve outcomes for our clients in professional practice. Therefore, when it comes to nutrition counselling it is important to utilise different and appropriate techniques to help maximise the education of clients and improve the outcome of consultation sessions.

One potential technique could be “flipped classroom” teaching. Flipped classroom (or Flip the classroom) is a recently new education technique used in student teaching environment, where the emphasis is on providing student learning content through videos and other information before class so that the face-to-face time in class can be better utilised to discuss learning content and concepts in more depth. This type of teaching technique may include the learning styles of reading, visual and aural.

Currently, research for this flipped classroom teaching technique has been aimed at the student education environment, in particular in higher education. Studies have shown an overall positive feedback from students on this technique of teaching and increase in student engagement, with some showing higher scores compared to traditional class. Studies noted potential limitations to using “flipped classroom” techniques such as: 1) new technologies may be overwhelming for some students, 2) not being able to afford the required technology (computers, laptops and smartphone devices), and 3) problems with potential technology failures.

However, studies support the use of technology as a useful and important tool to support student learning using online lectures via reading material or videos by enhancing the learning experience and enabling the “flipped classroom” technique.

One study addresses the potential for using flipped classroom for education in the field and practice settings. With studies showing overall positive impact and improvement in learning outcomes, can flipped classroom and technology be used in nutrition counselling settings?

The flipped classroom technique opens up the opportunity to increase outcomes for clients and improve efficiency of consultation sessions. Potential ways that this technique can then be used in client nutrition counselling:

• Use technology to prepare/accumulate info and educate clients prior to face-to-face consultations
• Help to maximise face-to-face time in consultation to answer specific questions based on an existing knowledge provided prior to session
• Encompasses different learning styles through the use of videos and accompanying written facts to potentially engage a majority of client’s

Nero (Nutrition Education Resources Online) is an easy and simple to use technology web-based platform that provides videos, fact sheets and assessment tools that nutrition professionals such as accredited or registered dietitians nutritionist can use for on-line education and/or as a flipped classroom technique. Nero can be accessed using many technology devices such as computers, laptops, smartphones and notebooks.

Nero provides:

• Free access for clients, with a low cost monthly fee for registered Accredited Professional Dietitians (APDs);
• Online education videos – the client has access to a few, however you as APD have access to all and can share more in depth suitable videos by adding to client’s viewing profile. These tools used in a flipped classroom style, can also be used within in a consultation session to help aid clients education process and increase consultation efficiencies.
• Meal Planner tool – client can plan their meals based on their food likes and energy requirements and their referred APD can view them and provide dietary advice.
• Easy to print out dietary information sheets – these can accompany the education videos
• Referral system – client can book further session with you through the client app and other people can find you through this system and book appointments.

For more information log onto www.nero4me.com.au or sign up for your free 60 day no obligation trial.

Holmes MR, Tracy EM. Moving from flipcharts to the flipped classroom: using technology driven teaching methods to promote active learning in foundation and advanced masters social work courses. Clin Soc Work J. 2015;43:215-224. doi:10.1007/s10615-015-0521-x. Students may not also be able to afford having computing, laptop or smartphone devices

Heath-Reynolds J, VanWeelden K. Integrating Apps with the core arts standards in the 21 st-Century elementary music classroom. National Association for Music Education. 2015;29(1):24-27. doi: 10.1177/104837131558912.

Gilboy MB, Heinerichs S, Pazzaglia G. Enhancing student engagement using the flipped classroom. J NUtr Educ Behav. 2015;47:109-114. doi: