BETHLEHEM, Pa., Aug. 19 (AScribe Newswire) -- Research out of Lehigh University's College of Education should sound an alarm for parents: American school children are being robbed of valuable life-long lessons. Dr. Karen Evans Stout's research reveals students in American schools are given less time to eat than prison inmates.
Stout, associate professor, educational leadership program in Lehigh University's College of Education, believes sharing a meal has the potential to help students learn how to be more responsible for themselves and to care for and relate to others. Her new research project shows American school children are missing a huge opportunity that their peers in Europe are being given. Stout is looking at how schools use a child's lunch break during the school day.
"The lunch period can be used as a community experience, one in which students learn from the positive interaction with their peers. We should use this time (the lunch period) to instill in schoolchildren some of our most cherished values."
Her new study reveals:
- Problem is widespread in America
- Consequences can be severe
- Students make poor choices about what to eat
- Behavior may be affected, particularly in classes immediately following lunch period
Contrasting the American and European examples raises questions about the experiences of our students. Some time is spent eating and socializing -- not standing in line to pay for lunch. Children learn how to communicate and interact with others. "Children in American public schools haven't learned a thing about sitting and eating and talking."
Dr. Stout studies micro policies at the school level, including how practitioners use data to make decisions for the well-being of children and youth. Additionally, Stout studies Federal, state, and local policy implementation and the politics of education. The implications of her work are far-reaching, touching every American family with school-aged children.
Media Contact: Joanne C. Anderson, University
Communications/College of Education External
Relations, 610-758-3069; janderson@lehigh.edu
NOTE TO EDITORS: Dr. Stout is available for on-air or
phone interviews beginning today. Satellite B-Roll newsfeed
will be released August 21.
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