Teaching Methodology (Consumption, Nutrition, Health) is the science of subject-specific teaching and learning in nutrition and consumer education. It examines the relevance, selection, and underlying rationale of educational content. Furthermore, it addresses the methods used to convey this content and to foster the development of competencies.

Our research and teaching build particularly on established work in nutrition and consumer education, continuously developing it in the spirit of sustainability-oriented educational practice. The University of Paderborn’s expertise in this field was significantly shaped by the REVIS pilot project (Reform of Nutrition and Consumer Education in Schools), conducted between 2003 and 2005. As part of this project, a reference framework for nutrition and consumer education was developed. This framework is now referenced by numerous educational plans and curricula in Germany and other German-speaking countries, and serves as a central point of reference for teacher training in Teaching Methodology (Consumption, Nutrition, Health). In 2022, the reference framework was revised and expanded to include an additional educational objective.

In developing innovative teaching and learning concepts for general and vocational education, the Institute of Nutrition, Consumption and Health brings together scientific findings from the fields of nutritional science, public health nutrition, lifestyle and the socio-economics of private households, and educational sciences. Furthermore, collaboration with other university sites ensures a supra-regional exchange of knowledge. In this way, Teaching Methodology (Consumption, Nutrition, Health) contributes to the professionalization of future teachers and the continuous development of curricula. A particular focus is placed on (vocational) education for sustainable development. The aim is to empower learners, through appropriate teaching approaches, to make responsible, health-promoting and sustainable decisions regarding nutrition, consumption and household management. In doing so, the ecological, economic, ethical and cultural dimensions of diet and lifestyle are taken into account, as is the development of decision-making skills. At the same time, the subject didactics of home economics and nutrition strengthens the formation of democratic values by fostering the ability to critically reflect on different interests and attitudes, to constructively discuss controversial social issues, and to play a responsible part in shaping a sustainable and democratic society.  In this way, the subject didactics makes a vital contribution to shaping future-oriented educational processes in schools, careers, and society.