Animal Assisted Therapy: Engaging Freshmen In Research And Service-Learning

Document Type

Presentation

Presentation Date

3-2011

Abstract or Description

Presentation given at the Gulf South Summit on Service-Learning and Civic Engagement in Higher Education. This session describes how freshmen students are paired with community and individual partners to engage them in service learning. In addition, this course requires reviewing research on the topic of animal assisted therapy (AAT). Each student works with one of the following: individuals who own therapy dogs and who visit assisted living and/or other facilities, a therapeutic horseback riding program for children with disabilities, a Reading to Rover program at the regional library (children practice their reading skills by reading to dogs) and the local Humane Society (pet adoptions, fundraisers and community events such as the county fair). Students are required to research the topic of animal assisted therapy (AAT), and to find five scholarly peer reviewed articles related to a common theme, culminating with a poster session/reception at the end of the semester. The presentation discusses the coordination with the community agencies and individuals who mentor the students,the service learning component, and the focus on research.

Additional Information

Link to program: htthttp://www.cpe.vt.edu/gulfsummit/gulfsummitprog.pdf

Sponsorship/Conference/Institution

Gulf South Summit on Service-Learning and Civic Engagement in Higher Education

Location

Roanoke, VA

Source

http://www.cpe.vt.edu/gulfsummit/index.html

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