School Cafeteria as a Learning Enterprise: A Mixed-Methods Evaluation of Experiential Learning Outcomes and Financial Sustainability

Joshua Jay  O. Eden,; Ramona  A. Prado,; Floralinda  E. Alfaro,; Anthony  C. Candelario,; Mick Russel  O. Estares,; Jinky  L. Hassan,; Apple Joi  N. Padida,; Dominic  C. Rota,; Zoren  P. Valdisimo,

School Cafeteria as a Learning Enterprise: A Mixed-Methods Evaluation of Experiential Learning Outcomes and Financial Sustainability

Discipline: Education

Abstract:

School cafeterias provide authentic learning environments where students develop professional competencies through real-world operational experiences. This study evaluated the school cafeteria as a learning enterprise by examining experiential learning outcomes and financial sustainability in teacher education using a convergent parallel mixed-methods design. Thirty- eight teacher education students who completed the School Food Service Management course participated in the study. Quantitative data were collected through a validated survey questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent-samples t-test, and Pearson correlation, while qualitative data from open-ended responses were analyzed using thematic analysis. The findings revealed that students demonstrated high levels of competency in food production, managerial skills, entrepreneurial skills, financial literacy, and professional confidence and perceived the School Food Service Management program as highly effective in promoting experiential learning, teamwork, leadership, entrepreneurial preparation, and workplace readiness. No significant differences were found in competency levels between campuses, and no significant relationship was observed between OJT hours rendered and competency development. Financial analysis further indicated that the cafeteria operated as a financially sustainable learning enterprise through positive revenue generation and effective cost management. Qualitative findings showed that students viewed cafeteria operations as challenging yet rewarding, fostering practical skills, teamwork, adaptability, entrepreneurial awareness, and professional growth despite operational constraints. Overall, the findings demonstrate that school cafeterias can function as sustainable learning enterprises that effectively bridge classroom instruction with authentic workplace experiences, thereby strengthening competency development and career readiness in teacher education.

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