The medical observation ward promotes the return to a normal lifestyle of those people who performed an act of self-harm owing to a state of either psychological or physical fragility. Specific nutrition parameters were defined for meal preparation and distribution.Meals were supplied by the psychiatric ward of Kikuchi National Hospital in Kumamoto.Since admission to the medical observation ward， the majority of patients showed a significant increase in body weight. In the management of nutrition in the medical observation ward， it is more important to focus on providing nutrition surplus rather than concentrating on hypoalimentation behaviors.

View full abstract

The author attempted to improve educational outcomes in the classroom by conducting experimental lessons on the assumption that utilizing mind mapping for learning can promote better understanding. It was found that students who utilized mind mapping scored higher than those who did not on a comprehension verification test given to students. Results of a questionnaire survey to verify changes in self-awareness showed that self-evaluation scores for students improved on a lot of survey items. These results suggest that utilizing mind mapping can help promote the understanding of learning content.

View full abstract

　One credit is given for off-campus practical training in a dietitian training school taken as part of the class "Food Service Management". In the Department of Food and Nutrition at Shokei University Junior College, students are required to receive three credits of practical training at three different types of facilities (schools, hospitals, and welfare facilities, etc.) for the purpose of developing practical skills. The number of schools that accept on-the-job trainees has been decreasing due to the start of teaching practice for nutrition educators as well as school elimination and consolidation due to the declining birth rate. In addition, very few students are actually able to find a job in schools. On the other hand, a given number of students find employment at nursery schools every year,and these nursery schools have been strongly recommending that students get on-the-job training in nursery schools before starting employment.With this in mind, the department has furthered discussions for the realization of nursery school practical training starting last year. This year, due to the impact of the Kumamoto Earthquakes, the number of schools in Kumamoto City conducting practical training was about half that of a typical year. Nevertheless, we decided to start nursery school practical training. We present this report as the summary of our first year initiatives.

View full abstract

　Certified NPO organization Camper carried out soup kitchen activities in Mashiki after the 2016 Kumamoto Earthquakes. 53 students and 8 faculty members from the Shokei University Junior College Department of Food and Nutrition participated. In this report, the authors discuss the activities that were carried out and the results of a questionnaire targeting students who participated and disaster victims.

View full abstract