Supporting vocational education and training (VET) students through dog-assisted activities

Supporting vocational education and training (VET) students through dog-assisted activities

Authors

Katja Norvapalo, Katja Paasivirta, Tuija Turunen, Henna Jokinen

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7_EITN_2023_01_F1_Norvapalo.pdf

Abstract

This paper explores dog-assisted and strength-based activities in the Finnish Tutkintoon valmistava [Preparatory Education for a Degree] (TUVA) programme. The participants of the study were students in the pilot TUVA group to obtain support and enhance their skills for vocational education and training (VET). Feedback from the students indicated that the dog-assisted activities and a strength-based approach lowered the threshold for engaging students and creating connections with them. This assisted in the development of their self-confidence and social skills.

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Keywords

strength-based approach, study skills, social skills, dog-assisted therapy, VET

DOI

https://doi.org/10.26203/gahk-h393

Published in Volume 30(1) The engine room of educational change - perspectives from Vocational Education and Training (VET) and Further Education (FE),