A curriculum framework for continuing professional development in culinary studies
Date
2007-12
Authors
Jooste, Susina M.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch
Abstract
Culinary studies is a relatively young and unfamiliar field of study which engages the
application of life and natural sciences, business and technology in a food-specific
environment. The growth in the demand for training, re-training and continuing professional
development in the culinary arts can be attributed to factors such as enhanced culinary
programmes at high school level, an increased level of education and expectation about food
in general, growth in culinary tourism and highly polished food magazines or other
publications. The celebrity status of high-profile chefs and a stronger economy that enables
more people to explore fine dining and gourmet food can be added to the list of factors that
influence the interest in culinary arts as a profession.
The number of qualified culinary professionals has increased over the last 10 years in South
Africa, providing a large corps of people with a good understanding of this field of study and
a need for continuing professional development opportunities. This study was a response to
the challenges of the demand for continuing professional development opportunities from
this growing body of culinary professionals.
The demand for continuing professional development opportunities in culinary studies is
becoming more complex and challenging for both learner and teacher. Although institutions
that provide training in hospitality are also in the business of culinary education, their
perspectives and focus are quite diverse. Culinary education can therefore be improved
through a deeper understanding of the curriculum development process combined with the
expectations of both the industry and the individual.
A fundamental shortcoming in the field of culinary education is often that persons with
limited expertise in the field of curriculum studies bear the primary responsibility for
addressing curriculum challenges. The development of curricula for professional
development in culinary studies subsequently happens at the expense of understanding the
curriculum. The primary aim therefore of this study was to identify and propose a curriculum
framework for continuing professional development in culinary arts. This framework might
contribute to providing a curriculum foundation, credibility to the broad hospitality industry and specifically to culinary studies, as well as to the securing of some uniformity of standards
over the spectrum of culinary qualifications.
A scientifically validated situational analysis was executed by means of focus group
discussions, personal interviews, curriculum comparisons and an electronic mail
questionnaire survey, which mainly generated qualitative data. These techniques were used
in triangulation as research instruments to investigate the needs for continuing professional
development in culinary arts and the availability of curricula to address these needs.
The greatest challenges in culinary studies were reflected in the complexity and multidisciplinary
nature of this relatively undefined industry and field of study. The intricate
relation, interaction, collaboration and contexts between secondary schools, various culinary
training institutions, industry and culinary professionals were investigated. The data
generated confirmed the need for training and development opportunities to improve the
professional status of culinary professionals in South Africa
The promotion of a change in direction for culinary studies development in South Africa
could ensure future growth as a discipline cognitively and professionally, in line with
international standards, procedures and practices. The range of challenges and changes facing
the industry varies from social issues to the educational issues of qualifications and credible
accreditations, which are addressed in the proposed curriculum framework.
The lack of more empirical research in this field of study is an indication that both students
and professionals should be encouraged to do the relevant research and that higher education
institutions should provide the opportunities and structures for such research.
Description
Thesis (MEd (Curriculum Studies)--University of Stellenbosch, 2007.
Keywords
Culinary studies, Curriculum framework, Dissertations -- Curriculum studies, Theses -- Curriculum studies, Cape Peninsula University of Technology -- Curricula -- Planning, Teacher participation in curriculum planning, Consumer education -- Study and teaching (Higher) -- South Africa -- Western Cape