The Benefits of the Dogs in the Classroom Program
The benefits of the Dogs in the Classroom Program are many. They reduce bullying, aggression, and stress hormones. Students who have participated in the program have reported reduced stress and increased dopamine levels. Here are some ways to see how this program can benefit your students. Let's get started. How do dogs affect learning? How does it work? How does it change behavior? And, what is the best way to implement this program in your classroom?
Reduce bullying
Despite the recent increase in student violence, Mexico's Dogs in the Classroom program is helping to combat the issue. Ex-teacher Jo Dean Hearn, who created the program, says that students see positive results when the dogs are present. Volunteers accompanied by irresistible canines present the class with lessons on bullying prevention and education. In fact, one out of every five students in the United States reports being a victim of bullying.
This program helps teachers create safer and more accepting environments for students. New students in particular are particularly vulnerable to bullying because they often have negative perceptions of the classroom and learning environment. In this context, the bottom dogs are usually new. They can be particularly helpful in promoting a positive environment for new students. However, many students report experiencing bullying when they are the victims of the behavior. Luckily, many teachers and administrators are now recognizing the benefits of a Dogs in the Classroom program.
The program also promotes empathy among children, a key factor in reducing bullying. Research suggests that interactions between children and animals improve mental health, improve self-esteem, and increase overall happiness. It's no wonder that a Dogs in the Classroom program reduces bullying. The benefits are numerous. While children can improve their academic performance through interacting with therapy animals, the positive effects of being around animals go beyond classroom walls.
Reduce aggression
Preliminary evaluations of the Dogs in the Classroom Program suggest that the methodological protocol is effective at advising teachers about which students need support. These results can help guide future controlled studies in educational settings. These children showed signs of increased nonverbal communication and expressed emotions during interactions with the dogs. Teachers observed the students' strengths and weaknesses, and intervened when necessary. After three months, the students' SDQ Total Difficulties scores decreased significantly.
Preliminary results suggest that this intervention has a positive impact on the reduction of aggression. The primary outcome of the intervention was a reduction in class-wide violence by teachers and child aggression. The results were examined over two weeks and one year and were analysed by intention to treat. Interestingly, no significant differences were seen between the groups. The effect size was 0*7 SD, with 95% CIs ranging from -0*16 to +0*30.
In one study, students in a special education classroom read to therapy dogs in order to improve their reading skills. The program also aimed to improve the attitude of the students toward reading. In addition to improving reading skills, the research focused on how the program affected the behaviors of students with SEN. During the program, teachers kept daily behavior logs to measure the changes in four students' behavior. These four students were males in grades one, two, and five.
Reduce stress hormones
The researchers compared the effects of an animal-assisted petting program with a slideshow or an observation. They found that the hands-on condition had lower post-test cortisol than the waitlist and observation groups. The dogs were a natural source of stress relief in the classroom environment. Moreover, they were well trained and physically and mentally healthy. Their effects were observed with a 10-minute college-based AVP.
In addition to decreasing physiological values such as blood pressure, the study participants' moods were improved after the 10-min interaction with the dogs. The researchers also found significant reductions in the subjects' subjective assessment of stress. The study participants included 93 female students. The first group underwent the animal-assisted activities. The second group chose to engage in a relaxation technique. The third group served as a control group.
The hands-on condition was conducted in a room with a curtain and research assistants timing each student's entrance and exit. A group of four to five students engaged in the interaction with the dogs while another group engaged with the cats individually. The dogs were large-breed adult shelter animals. The dogs were seated on blankets with their handlers. The cats were housed in large cat condos.
While there are a number of benefits to introducing therapy dogs into the classroom, further research is needed to determine their impact on students' academic outcomes. Funding is a challenge for this program, but university partnerships with therapy dogs are a great way to solve this problem. There is a great need to explore the effects of dogs in the classroom and the overall school environment. For this, universities are looking for ways to fund the project.
Increase dopamine
Did you know that a dog's presence in a classroom can increase dopamine in kids? Research shows that dogs increase the amount of this neurotransmitter, which is essential for learning and behavior. In fact, studies have shown that dogs can increase the amount of dopamine in children's brains by up to 30 percent. It is not clear whether this effect is temporary or lasting, but it may be worth a try.
To assess this effect, researchers used neurohormone monitoring and individual neurohormone profiling to study the welfare state of the dogs involved in the Animals in the Classroom Program. The findings could help improve selection and training of animals for these activities. This new way of looking at animal assisted activities can improve the lives of both humans and dogs. And they might even improve the quality of life for these dogs. But if the findings continue to be confirmed, they will be important in determining how best to use this powerful program.
These results suggest that the Dogs in the Classroom Program may be a powerful way to increase dopamine levels in children. While it is not clear whether this effect is permanent, the researchers note that the dog's presence in the classroom has been shown to improve students' mood and behavior. In a study conducted in 2007, scientists at the University of Kentucky also found that the Dogs in the Classroom Program may improve the mood and academic performance of students.
Improve mental health
Many educators are using therapy dogs in the classroom to provide cognitive, physiological, and social support to students. The growing popularity of canine assistants in schools is an excellent way to improve student morale. Schools can use visiting therapy dogs for individual or group sessions, reading interventions, and behavioral de-escalation. The following are some of the benefits of canine assistants in the classroom. These benefits are not only positive for students but also for their instructors.
This research is encouraging, as the benefits of CAA for children with SEN are well known. It is worth noting that parents' perceptions of the program may influence student motivation and engagement in the treatment. Lack of awareness and low acceptability may be two of the biggest barriers to treatment uptake. In future studies, schools can explore the benefits of bringing a therapy dog to the classroom to help children with anxiety.
Grand Ledge High School students became celebrities after the therapy dog Gravy was introduced to them during September. In addition to showing off tricks in the hallway, Gravy climbed students' laps when they knelt down to pet her. The students even asked the Dean of Students Maria Capra to throw a birthday party for Gravy, which fell before Thanksgiving break. The students were thrilled to meet Gravy in person, and she was rewarded with a cake and cupcakes for the entire school.
Promote team-based approach to program implementation
The main barrier to program implementation for most schools is the large workload of staff. This is why a team-based approach is so important. Implementing the Dogs in the Classroom program requires multiple actors, including teachers and administrators. Several resources are available to assist teachers in implementing the program. Below are some ideas for effective team-based program implementation. Each component is important to the success of the program.
First, leaders in the school community must be supportive and understanding. In order for the program to be successful, it requires a team-based approach to program implementation. Too much responsibility may result in a high workload and negative sustainability effects. To ensure success, program instigators must be flexible, able to take on various roles and demonstrate strong interpersonal skills. They should be aware of the cultural differences and sensitivities of students and staff, and be sensitive to student perceptions and preferences.
Second, successful program implementation requires strong leadership. Team-based approach to Dogs in the Classroom program implementation has been shown to result in higher program outcomes. However, school leaders should also be aware of the importance of maintaining a vision for the program and involving all school staff. Also, they should be able to maintain trust and collaboration with students. The benefits of team-based approach to program implementation are many, and it is important to ensure the school community's support and commitment.
By Muharrem
