Date of Award
2016
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Education (EdD)
Committee Chair
Barry Redmond
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to determine whether canine therapy provided by the B.A.R.K.S. program was effective in increasing reading achievement, impacting the motivation of students while participating in therapy, and decreasing off-task behaviors in the classroom. This study focused on academic or behavioral difficulties that have been exhibited in the general education classroom.
This study utilized a mixed-methods approach, with pre and postassessments for academics, behavior, and motivation. Parents were also given a questionnaire to fill out that addressed the qualitative component of the study. A combination of t tests and ANCOVA were used to analyze the data that were collected. The quantitative results from this study did not show a statistically significant impact when students’ academic growth and off-task behaviors were compared in the pre and postassessment; however, the qualitative data showed positive results with motivation.
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Citation Information
Rector, Maria, "The Effects of Canine Therapy on Academics, Behavior, and Motivation of Students" (2016). Education Dissertations and Projects. 153.
https://digitalcommons.gardner-webb.edu/education_etd/153