Exploring The Hidden Curriculum of Nutrition in Chinese and Canadian Elementary Schools

This project explores how children may learn about nutrition not only through what they are taught but also through everyday school routines in Chinese and Canadian elementary schools. While Canadian schools often teach nutrition using guidelines such as the Canadian Food Guide, many Chinese schools provide daily hot lunches that may communicate unspoken messages about healthy eating. Using a concept called the “hidden curriculum” the study will examine how school routines such as lunch and nutritional breaks can shape a students understanding of health in grades 4-6. Guided by concepts of reciprocal learning, this project encourages mutual knowledge exchange between participating elementary schools in China and Canada. This project is expected to provide a deeper understanding of how daily routines can influence a child’s eating habits, which can help schools strengthen nutrition education.

Faculty Supervisor:

Shijing Xu

Student:

Partner:

Southwest University

Discipline:

Sociology

Sector:

Education

University:

University of Windsor

Program: