An assessment of the influence of the Food Safety Education Program on the Food Safety Inspectors enrolled in employment education at the Texa A&M University /
This study investigates the influence of the Food Safety Education Program (FSEP) on the USDA Food Safety Inspectors through the paradigm of transformative learning empowerment. Identification of potential educational program course improvements is undertaken. FSEP's design assists the cultur...
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| Format: | Thesis Book |
| Language: | English |
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[Place of publication not identified] :
[publisher not identified] ;
2000.
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| Online Access: | http://proxy.library.tamu.edu/login?url=http://proquest.umi.com/pqdweb?did=728409611&sid=1&Fmt=2&clientId=2945&RQT=309&VName=PQD |
| Summary: | This study investigates the influence of the Food Safety Education Program (FSEP) on the USDA Food Safety Inspectors through the paradigm of transformative learning empowerment. Identification of potential educational program course improvements is undertaken. FSEP's design assists the cultural change to the science-based Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) system by the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS). FSEP has an integrated multi-disciplinary curriculum teaching principles of food safety and public health for the purpose of employee professional development. The processes of design, development, and validation of the FSEP Survey Instrument by the researcher utilizing a Pilot Study Questionnaire are discussed. Extensive quantitative test data and qualitative open-ended responses are statistically analyzed. Research findings indicate high satisfaction with enhancement of scientific knowledge base. Overall satisfaction with the course is found to have significant correlation at the 0.01 level with the Final Exam Total, Chemistry Lab Exam, Microbiology Lab Exam, and Numerical Course Grade. Inferential statistical analysis of the pretest-posttest data indicates improvements of 60% to 70% in chemistry and microbiology. A cross-tabulation statistical analysis reveals FSEP learners approach their work differently and perceive their job effectiveness as improved. Over 90% of the respondents are satisfied the course materials are closely related to future work. That FSEP makes a positive difference is affirmed by respondents with the most frequent open-ended response reporting an increase in confidence enabling better communication and decision-making. Of former FSEP students responding, 91.3% desire further college study indicating success in transformative learning motivation for lifelong learning. The recommendations of the researcher include: 1. FSEP is a model educational program with an effective integrated inter-disciplinary design for adult learners facing major changes in the workplace and needing to extend or refresh their scientific knowledge base. 2. An advanced FSEP course should be developed to further augment the Inspectors' scientific knowledge of the safety of meat and poultry foods. 3. Practical laboratory sessions should be expanded for beneficial reinforcement of microbiology, chemistry, environmental sanitation, epidemiology, risk assessment and HACCP concepts. |
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| Item Description: | Vita. "Major Subject: Educational Administration". |
| Physical Description: | xx, 190 leaves : illustrations ; 28 cm. Issued also on microfiche from University Microfilm Inc. |
| Bibliography: | Includes bibliographical references (leaves 155-162). |