Dr. Stephanie Baumgartner

Cooperation with university staff

This is the third time I have taught this course. Since the co-lecturer already knows the course and was very busy with the selection of the new class, he did not follow the class closely. However, a brief daily exchange was observed. The new assistant, on the other hand, took the opportunity of class visits as far as his agenda allowed and was a great support especially on the anthropometry day. For my part, I was allowed to observe a new colleague and got an interesting insight into her way of teaching. We plan a follow-up, to take the chance for a close alignment of our two courses.

With three B360 experts on the same floor, it is challenging to arrange with the available rooms and time. But every bottleneck could be solved with a little flexibility and spontaneity. The competent support of the NUST staff also contributed to the success of the mission. A big thank you to all those involved at NUST.

Cooperation with students

Thanks to the second run, which was conducted entirely online due to the Covid pandemic, all learning materials are available on the NUST eLearning platform. The course could theoretically be completed in self-study. This is a great reassurance for those students who cannot attend all the face-to-face classes. They can review the theory at home.

The aim of the face-to-face classes on site is to do mainly practical exercises: Establish relationship with the patient, perform assessment as well as anthropometric measurements, make nutritional diagnoses, develop and evaluate interventions.

The interaction with the students was immediately sincere and enriching. The students are in their 6th semester of the bachelor's degree program in "Human Nutrition". They bring a good previous knowledge with them and are already focused on the future, professional field of practice. The interaction with them is relaxed. When cultural differences appeared, which can be quite pronounced in nutrition, there was also sometimes a hearty laugh together. They were exceptionally active in participating. Out of 27 students, about 22 were present in each learning session. This is a high rate considering that they have significantly more attendance hours during this block course than in a normal week.

Impact Win-WIn

Since I no longer teach in Switzerland, I particularly appreciate the contact with these young students who are eager to learn. At the beginning, some of them rated the learning objective as quite challenging. But all of them made great progress in the competencies to be achieved. This became obvious during the final presentations.

Memorable Highlights

On the evening of my arrival day, as two years ago, the networking event with B360 alumni, Namibian experts and NUST staff took place. Learning how alumni have gained confidence and are actively developing their careers through their B360 experience is impressive and very motivating. Further contact with alumni occurred at a dinner with local, traditional food, e.g. Mopane worms, which fascinated me as a nutritionist. A stimulating exchange also took place during a joint weekend with four virtual B360-interns, in which I was allowed to participate as a guest.

Personal message

I am impressed that despite difficult circumstances, the students show full commitment. Access to the internet is an almost insurmountable obstacle for some. For the working students in particular, a block course with a high level of attendance is also a challenge, as the agreed assignments at the workplace have to be adhered to. I have high respect for the performance of my Namibian students.

Thank you!