The process of learning is a complex one, and it cannot be stressed enough how crucial it is to determine the best way to acquire knowledge. Different people may have unique methods to learn, but who would have thought that animals could positively impact our education system? It sounds surprising, but yes, it is true. Whether it is dogs or llamas, animals have become increasingly popular tools in assisting students to learn and improve cognition.
The effect of animals on humans can be traced back to ancient times. The bond between humans and animals has always been special and profound. It is why humans have domesticated animals such as dogs, cats, horses, and cows. Animals evoke an emotional response from us, and this bond is what educational institutions have emphasized on to help students with special needs or bring creativity in the school environment. It is all about enhancing the learning experience, and animals have shown time and again how much they can contribute to it.
Animal-Assisted Education
The use of animals for educational purposes is called Animal-Assisted Education (AAE), and it has become increasingly popular in recent years. AAE utilizes the existing relationship humans have with animals to enhance learning and cognitive growth. This innovative way of teaching has been proven to be useful in therapeutic, educational and social contexts, in students with diverse learning profiles.
Animals are trained, certified, and then brought into educational settings like schools, colleges, and universities. They interact with students, and the positive responses they evoke are used to benefit the learning environment. Animal interactions can take place in a variety of settings, including special education, libraries, and community establishments.
Benefits of AAE
The following are some of the benefits of utilizing AAE in an educational setting:
Boost student motivation
Having animals in a learning environment can be a great incentive for students to attend classes. The promise of interacting with animals has the potential to stimulate interest and improve attendance. This enhancement of overall classroom engagement can result in a more positive attitude towards learning, improved academic achievement, and ultimately, higher student motivation.
Reduces Anxiety and Stress
Students going through tough times, whether it is at home or at school, can find solace in interacting with animals. Studies have shown that spending time with animals significantly reduces stress levels, anxiety, and depression. This reduction in stress levels has a direct impact on their academic performance and overall well-being of students.
Empathy Development
Interaction with animals can further enhance the emotional well-being of students. This also develops empathy, understanding, and a compassionate attitude in students. When students learn to show concern and affection towards animals, they learn the importance of respect and understanding towards each other. It is the perfect way to instill values that are fundamental to a child’s social and moral growth.
Improve Social Interaction
Animals can work wonders for students who struggle with social interaction. Interacting with animals can provide a sense of companionship and affection that can foster relationships and meaningful connections with others. Students also learn to communicate, take turns and work together, essential skills for a healthy social life. This interaction can improve social skills, leading to better relationships with both human and animal connections.
AAE In Practice
There are different types of animals that are suitable for AAE – the most popular are dogs and horses. Dogs are excellent companions for human beings; they make socializing easy, boost self-esteem, and reduce anxiety levels, all of which combine to create a more positive learning experience. Equine-assisted therapy is another form of AAE, where horses are used to promote physical, occupational, and emotional growth in children.
In a school setting, dogs can be used in many ways. One such example is Reading with Rover, a program that is popular in several countries. Children who struggle with their reading skills can spend time reading to dogs. Here, the non-judgmental demeanor of dogs creates a comfortable and non-threatening environment for students. This, in turn, enhances their confidence and improves their reading skills. Similarly, the use of animals in schools has shown to be extremely beneficial for those with special needs.
AAE Around The World
AAE has been practiced for years around the world, and it has shown to have numerous benefits. In Finland, dogs are used to reduce the anxiety of students taking their final exams. In France, patients diagnosed with Alzheimer’s were shown to have an improving mood, reduce apathy and decrease anxiety levels when they interacted with cats.
In the United States, several universities and colleges are using AAE to improve students’ overall well-being. At Eckerd College, dogs are used to help stressed-out students relax during final exams. At the University of Washington, a program called Horsepower is being used to raise the morale of cancer patients.
Caveats
While AAE offers numerous benefits, it is worth considering certain caveats. The animals must be appropriately trained and certified to participate in AAE programs. There must be proper protocols in place to ensure the animal’s welfare and the safety of the students participating. Additionally, students and participants should be educated about animal behavior and appropriately trained before undergoing any interaction with an animal.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is evident that the bond between animals and humans is beyond just companionship; it can also prove useful in the field of education. Animal-Assisted Education offers plenty of benefits, and its implementation worldwide has yielded positive results. Whether it is to develop empathy or simply to raise morale, animals have become powerful tools to enhance the learning experience. However, it is essential to consider the caveats in place and ensure that the animals are appropriately trained and that the animals’ welfare is taken care of. educators should take note and consider the implementation of AAE in their respective educational settings, thereby producing a positive impact on their students.