ABSTRACT
An effective educational model for development of skills or competencies in food safety must be designed for the adult consumer. Strategies based on adult learning styles theoretically exert the most impact on food handling behavior of adult consumers, production workers, and food handlers. The general consumer receives food safety information from the media, from course offerings in adult learning sites, such as school districts and extension programs, or through public health agencies. Food safety training programs for adults generally have not addressed the specific phases of learning or the characteristics of adult learners. Perhaps the size of the audience or their diversity as learners has stymied the consumer educator. Many competency-based, adult-focused education programs exist at present. A variety of teaching methods may be employed in adult education and training programs including new and traditional presentation techniques, discussion techniques, simulation techniques, and skill practice exercises. The type of method used to educate adults for skills development is important.
