Tag Archives: Education/Training

CALL FOR APPLICATIONS – HAI RESEARCH

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CALL FOR APPLICATIONS – HAI RESEARCH

The WALTHAM® Human–Animal Interaction (HAI) Research Programme is pleased to announce the availability of £340,000 (approximately 524,000 USD) in 2015 to fund high quality research into the impact of companion animals on human cognition or academic outcomes.

Although animals are often included in educational settings for a variety of purposes, there is little empirical research documenting the efficacy of such practices. In the absence of an assessment system for these activities there are significant gaps in our understanding of the potential impact of animals on measures of academic success. Fundamental research is required to provide an evidence base to inform practice and guide educators and administrators on when, and under what circumstances, animal presence or animal ownership may be pedagogically valuable.

Specific areas of research eligible for funding under this call include but are not limited to the following categories:

  • Reading/literacy
  • Academic learning outcomes
  • Aspects of cognition (executive function, memory, learning, categorization, language etc.)
  • Stress/anxiety reduction
  • Classroom behaviours impacting academic success
  • Physical activity and cognition/learning
  • Typical and/or special populations (e.g. ADHD, autism spectrum, etc.)

Deadlines:

Letter of Intent: Prior to submitting a formal application, investigators are required to submit a Letter of Intent to Dr. Nancy Gee (nancy. gee@effem.com) by June 1, 2015.

Application: The application deadline is June 31, 2015.

Further details and the application can be downloaded from the WALTHAM
website:
http://www.waltham.com/waltham-research/other-funding-opportunities/

SCAS publications available for purchase

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Two popular SCAS publications “Children and Pets” and “Older People and Pets” are once again available for purchase through our website.

“Older People and Pets: A Comprehensive Guide” (2005)

Older People and Pets smCompiled by SCAS, this book provides an invaluable resource for anyone who is concerned about the well-being of older people, including health and social care professionals, veterinary staff and housing providers.

The reader is given insight into how companion animals improve health, provide social support and enhance the quality of life for older people in different settings – those living in the community as well as those in sheltered housing and residential care homes – and in different ways.  The book addresses a wide range of key issues, from animal-assisted therapy programmes, to the challenges faced by older pet owners moving into sheltered housing, to the impact of pet loss for older people.  The book contains some very useful guidelines on pet policy for housing providers and staff working in institutions.

Price £12.50 + P&P

Purchase "Pets and Children" a book published by SCAS

“Children and Pets: A guide for parents, teachers and therapists” (2003)

Parents have for many years recognised the benefits of pets for their children, but it is only in the last thirty years that the significant health and social benefits associated with animal companionship have been scientifically confirmed.  We now have a greater understanding of the special bond that exists between children and companion animals and how this bond supports children in different ways throughout life.

SCAS realised that much of the information and research on child-animal interactions would be of immense value to those responsible for children and who work with children.  Members of SCAS, experts in their respective fields, have collaborated to produce this publication, which will provide an informative, accessible guide to developing positive interactions between pets and children.

Price £5.99 + P&P

We also have a number of books and booklets available for purchase relating to pet bereavement support including: