Reducing the Affective Filter: Using Canine Assisted Therapy to Support International University Students’ English Language Development

Authors

  • John-Tyler Binfet University of British Columbia - Okanagan
  • Megan L. Trotman University of British Columbia - Okanagan
  • Heinrich D. Henstock University of British Columbia - Okanagan
  • Haley J. Silas University of British Columbia - Okanagan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14288/bctj.v1i1.225

Keywords:

English as an Additional Language, animal-assisted therapy, university students, language development, affective filter

Abstract

This exploratory mixed-methods study examined the influence of an on-campus canine therapy program on linguistically diverse international students’ perceptions of their English language development and stress. Participants were recruited from English language support classes at a mid-size western Canadian university and were randomly selected from a larger pool of participants indicating interest in the study. Seven participants attended five canine therapy sessions in which they interacted with certified therapy dogs working as part of a campus initiative to reduce stress and homesickness on campus. Both formative and summative data collection was done with students completing weekly stress assessments, responding to summative questions asked in an interview, and elaborating on their views in a focus group discussion. The following key themes emerged with students describing: 1) decreased overall stress; 2) improvements in their sense of belonging in the campus community with dogs as social catalysts; and 3) increased opportunities to practice oral language skills through interactions with dog handlers and fellow students in the lab. Implications are discussed within the context of reducing the affective filter for language learners and increasing accessibility to programs for international students.

Author Biographies

John-Tyler Binfet, University of British Columbia - Okanagan

Assistant Professor

Director of B.A.R.K. (barkubc.ca)

Faculty of Education

Megan L. Trotman, University of British Columbia - Okanagan

Ms. Trotman is an undergraduate student at UBC Okanagan studying Human Kinetics.

Heinrich D. Henstock, University of British Columbia - Okanagan

Mr. Henstock is an undergraduate student at UBC Okanagan studying pre-medicine.

Haley J. Silas, University of British Columbia - Okanagan

Ms. Silas is an undergraduate Science student at UBC Okanagan.

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Published

2016-06-04

How to Cite

Binfet, J.-T., Trotman, M. L., Henstock, H. D., & Silas, H. J. (2016). Reducing the Affective Filter: Using Canine Assisted Therapy to Support International University Students’ English Language Development. BC TEAL Journal, 1(1), 18–37. https://doi.org/10.14288/bctj.v1i1.225

Issue

Section

Articles