An examination of teacher training programmes in terms of their inclusion of the nutrition-learning connection: Implications for the relationship between mathematics achievement and nutrition

The first aim of this study is to examine what kind of courses related to nutrition are included in the teaching programs of universities. The second objective is to draw conclusions about the possible consequences for students' mathematics achievement depending on whether or not these lessons are included. This study is a qualitative study and document analysis was used to determine the courses related to nutrition in the teaching programs of universities. In this framework, course information packages published by state universities for specific teaching programs were used as data sources. The information packages were examined in terms of what kind of courses related to nutrition are included; how the courses are classified in terms of field education, general culture, elective categories and what kind of inferences can be drawn about students mathematics achievement based on the interactions of nutrition-attention, nutrition-focus, nutrition-motivation, nutrition-academic achievement in the context of the relevant literature. In these examinations, it is seen that in the undergraduate teaching programs of 76 universities, courses related to nutrition are generally included within the scope of elective courses, limited to one course; in the undergraduate programs of some universities, they are not included at all. In the context of the related literature, it is revealed that nutrition has a significant impact on students' academic achievement as well as their health status. These findings reveal that nutrition-attention, nutrition-focus, nutrition-motivation, nutrition-academic achievement interactions and the relationship between nutrition and mathematics achievement based on these interactions should be taken into account. In the context of this relationship, universities and educators should take into account what kind of courses related to nutrition are included in the teaching programs of universities in order to ensure the awareness and of pre-service teachers who will educate future generations on the importance of balanced and healthy nutrition. There is a need for experimental and further studies in which the subject can be examined in more detail.