A Meta-Analysis of the Effects of Animal-Assisted Learning With Dogs in School Environments

• In Event: Marriott Roundtable Session 27
  In Roundtable Session: Meta-Analysis in Education: Timely and Topical Evidence About Improving Student Learning

Abstract

Integrating dogs into learning environments is becoming more prevalent as growing evidence demonstrates positive benefits of dogs on human functioning. Currently, no known quantitative review of research specifically investigates the impacts of dogs within school/classroom environments. We sought to fill this gap with a meta-analysis that includes a comprehensive search investigating the effects of dogs on learning. Additionally, we sought to understand how characteristics of students, dogs and methodological features facilitate the effects of animal-assisted learning. After an extensive search, data from 20 studies were extracted yielding 66 independent effect sizes. In general, results showed that the inclusion of dogs within learning environments produced positive learning outcomes for students. We conclude with limitations and implications of the research.

Authors

• Katie Reilly, Washington State University - Pullman

• Olusola Olalekan Adesope, Washington State University

• Phyllis Erdman, Washington State University