Thanks for all the context, Jeff! I know right away that I want to take your course! Diet and nutrition is such a fascinating topic, especially with the "influence" angle.
Your discussion prompt zones right in on important knowledge and skills. I imagine each student would bring a lot of what they know about nutrition, trends, and everything else that goes into menu selections.
I stalled a bit when I contemplated what I would choose and why -- and what would it taste like. I appreciate the strategy to bring in personal points of view and perspectives, and also the request to draw on research. I wonder though if we would need to back up a bit. Is there a way to engage your learners in a discussion about menu designs by opening it up for discussion about all possible trends, possibilities, demographics, and other considerations? As it is now each student is asked to explain why they make their choice, but where does it go from theret? Would opening it up as a more general discussion, yet still drawing on personal experiences, result in more of an exchange?