J Nutr Health.  2025 Apr;58(2):238-251. 10.4163/jnh.2025.58.2.238.

Comparison of creative dietary teaching efficacy and dietary perception according to the frequency of participation of elementary school pre-service teachers in meal preparation

• Kim Y
• Kim JE
• Lee K

• KMID: 2568113
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4163/jnh.2025.58.2.238

Abstract

Purpose
The purpose of this study was to analyze the differences in creative dietary teaching efficacy and dietary perception among pre-service elementary school teachers according to their levels of participation in meal preparation.
Methods
Data were collected nationwide from 345 pre-service elementary teachers using a self-administered 5-Likert questionnaire from October to November 2023.
Results
First, the participation rate in meal preparation was significantly higher among male pre-service teachers compared to female pre-service teachers (p < 0.01). The participation rate exhibited an upward trend with increasing grade levels; however, a decline was observed in the fourth grade pre-service teachers (p < 0.05). Second, the mean score for creative dietary teaching efficacy was recorded at 3.90, with the subgroup that participated daily achieving the highest mean score of 4.07. A statistically significant difference was identified among three groups: those participating daily, those participating 1–5 days per week, and those rarely participating (p < 0.001). Third, the average score across the eight factors of dietary perception was 3.85. The subgroup participating more than three days per week demonstrated a significantly higher average score compared to the other groups (p < 0.001). The average scores for the factors of Convergence Utilizing Dietary Area competency, dietary value, cooking capacity, and dietary knowledge exhibited significant variations based on the frequency of participation (p < 0.001).
Conclusion
Expanding the participation of prospective teachers in meals preparation is effective in improving the efficacy of creative dietary teaching and dietary perception. Therefore, the importance of creative dietary practices and participation in the daily meal preparation process should be emphasized in the education course of elementary school preservice teachers.

Keyword

creativity; diet; perception; teaching; education