The Implementation Process of an Animal-Assisted Humane Education Programme in Hong Kong

Abstract

Animal Assisted Education (AAE) is a burgeoning field of education. Increasing bodies of studies indicated the positive effect of social functioning, emotion stabling, physiological arousal of AAE in child education. However, the application of AAE faces two significant problems. First, interventions are rarely implemented as designed and, therefore, failed to achieve the intended learning outcomes. Second, no consensus has been reached among educators on standards of best practice, which means the practice of AAE varies and is unregulated. This paper aims to address these problems by elucidating the actual implementation of an AAE programme called Competence in Active Resilience for Kids (CARing Kids) in Hong Kong. Three researchers with psychology/social work/animal assisted therapy training developed and evaluated an CARing Kids in six primary schools. This paper illustrates the step-by-step process and strategies to ensure fidelity to the conceptual framework for achieving an effective AAE Programme and the welfare of the service animals are well protected