Dogs in the Hall: A Case Study of Affective Skill Development in an Urban Veterinary Program

Abstract

The purpose of this bounded single case study was to explore how an urban high school veterinary program impacted students' affective skill development. The program was unique because students were required to participate in internships with local animal care businesses and care for animals within the school veterinary laboratory. The responsibility of caring for the animals created a compassionate and safe environment sought by students and faculty alike. Animals provided students a hands-on learning tool facilitating career skill development, social and professional connections within the community, and emotional skill development. These findings may be interpreted as transferable to other agriculture or Career and Technical Education students in similar immersive experiences