Animal Welfare Education
Introduction
The course on Animal Welfare aims to provide participants with an understanding of the principles, practices, and ethical considerations related to the well-being of animals. Classroom and outdoor activities complement the course agenda, offering a comprehensive approach to animal welfare education for primary and secondary teachers.
Description
Animal welfare education is crucial for several reasons, reflecting our evolving understanding of the ethical and moral considerations surrounding our interactions with animals. Key reasons why there is a pressing need for animal welfare education are: the ethical considerations, the cruelty and abuse of animals, public health and safety, legal issues, companion animal welfare, the education for the future generations, the decline of the biodiversity, cultural and social issues, implications for agriculture animal husbandry etc. By promoting animal welfare education, society can work towards creating a more compassionate and ethical relationship between humans and animals, leading to better overall well-being for both.
The content of the course will include:
Introduction to Animal Welfare:
Define and explain the concept of animal welfare.
Explore the historical context and evolution of attitudes toward animals.
Legislation and Regulations:
Examine national and international laws related to animal welfare.
Animal Rights Declaration
Animal Behavior and Needs:
The behavior of various animal species.
Basic needs of animals and how they can be met.
Ethical Considerations:
Ethical dilemmas related to the use of animals in different contexts (research, agriculture, etc.).
Explore ethical frameworks for decision-making in animal-related industries.
Animal Husbandry Practices:
Impact of different husbandry practices on animal welfare.
Best practices for housing, feeding, and healthcare.
Animal Health and Veterinary Care:
Role of veterinary care in promoting animal welfare.
Healthcare measures and the treatment of illnesses.
Education and Advocacy:
Strategies for educating the pupils/students about animal welfare.
Discuss advocacy efforts and their impact on policy and public opinion.
Learning objectives
Knowledge Acquisition:
Ensure participants understand the scientific, ethical, and legal aspects of animal welfare, the basics of Biodiversity loss.
Critical Thinking:
Develop participants’ ability to critically evaluate and analyze practices affecting animal welfare.
Application of Concepts:
Enable participants to apply theoretical knowledge to practical situations, such as assessing and improving animal welfare.
Ethical Decision-Making:
Foster ethical decision-making skills in the context of animal use and care.
Communication Skills:
Enhance participants’ ability to communicate effectively about animal welfare issues with diverse audiences.
Advocacy and Leadership:
Empower participants to advocate for positive change in animal welfare policies and practices.
Interdisciplinary Understanding:
Encourage collaboration and interdisciplinary perspectives, recognizing the interconnectedness of animal welfare with other fields.
Continuous Learning:
Instill a commitment to staying informed about evolving concepts, research, and practices in the field of animal welfare.
Methodology and assessment
Methodological Approaches:
The course on animal welfare education involves developing a comprehensive methodology and assessment strategy to ensure that teachers gain a deep understanding of the subject matter.
Methodology:
1. Introduction to Animal Welfare:
Lectures: Provide foundational knowledge on the concept, history, and importance of animal welfare.
2. Ethical Considerations:
Debates and Discussions: Engage students in discussions on ethical dilemmas related to animal welfare.
Case Studies: Analyze real-life situations and evaluate the ethical implications.
3. Legislation and Policies:
Lectures and Workshops: Cover national and international laws related to animal welfare.
Role Play: Simulate scenarios where students act as policymakers to understand the decision-making process.
4. Animal Behavior and Needs:
Field Trips: Visit animal shelters, farms, or sanctuaries to understand different environments.
5. Animal Husbandry Practices:
Hands-on Sessions: Demonstrate proper care and handling of animals.
6. Communication Skills:
Role Play: Practice communicating with the public about animal welfare issues.
7. Technology in Animal Welfare:
Workshops: Explore the use of technology (e.g., sensors, tracking devices) in monitoring animal welfare.
8. Group Projects:
Collaborative Research: Assign group projects that involve research on a specific aspect of animal welfare.
Presentations: Have groups present their findings to the class.
Assessment:
1. Class Participation:
Discussion Engagement: Assess participation in class discussions and debates.
2.Critical Analysis: reflections on ethical considerations.
3. Practical Assessment on animal handling and welfare assessment techniques
4. Group Project Evaluation: Evaluate the depth and quality of the course.
5.Presentation Skills: Assess communication skills during the presentation.
This methodology and assessment strategy provides a holistic approach to teaching animal welfare, combining theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and ethical considerations.
Course program
Animal welfare education
| Day | Activities |
| Monday | Welcome-Registration-Ice breaking activities-Outline of the course program. Program objectives-Participants’ presentations-Expectations and objectives-Practical information about the course. Short presentation of the Greek Education System |
| Tuesday | Introduction to the to the history of animals-humans’ relations through the centuries. From exploitation to understanding and from slaughtering to empathy Laws and conventions protecting the animal rights The living conditions of different species of animals in Europe and in the world. A review of the literature concerning the animals and their relations to the humans. |
| Wednesday | Study visit to a municipal kennel. Discussion with municipal officials and kennel caretakers. (Alternatively: Meeting with a member of the board of an Animal Welfare Organization) |
| Thursday | Teaching about animal rights in the classroom Teaching and learning activities in the classroom and in the schoolyard Processes for the adoption of animals by a school |
| Friday | Special needs and animals in the school. Educational material for teaching the animal welfare at school Biodiversity and animal welfare Certificates ceremony Farewell |
Cost and services
400 Euros (Course and 1 study visit)
Contact:
Dimitrios Kalaitzidis
Sessions
- 2024-6-24 to 2024-6-28
- 2024-10-7 to 2024-10-11
- 2024-12-9 to 2024-12-13
- 2025-2-24 to 2025-2-28
Registration
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfksCQ_0QvW2BimFu3Q3WaYDOdHn30rMNihA8tUTMJEKSSUxA/viewform
