Animal Management Reflection
Animal management was a topic I felt confident in knowing a satisfactory amount of knowledge prior to starting it. I believe this was because I have studied a Level 3 Extended Diploma in animal management. Many of my peers felt anxious about this topic due to studying A-Levels previously.
Throughout the first semester of animal management there several strong points, including lectures focusing on companion animals, I excelled in these topics having written assignments on this previously. Another positive aspect was the confidence I felt in canine-based practicals as I have obtained weeks of experience in kennels and around dogs.
Nonetheless there were features that required further study, such as livestock due to absence of experience. I identified this as a weakness of mine and carried out additional reading, guided by the book ‘Management and welfare of Farm Animals’ (Webster, 2011). I acknowledge some practical’s were more difficult than others particularly the lunging lecture due to my lack of experience, my peers appeared more confident. I felt self-conscious about this lack of skill, meaning I did not utilise the practical to its full extent. This lack of participation impeded opportunities to enhance this important skill, used as a form of rehabilitation (Surrey Vet Physiotherapist, 2014). Since this occurred I have gained lunging experience with a knowledgeable horse owner rather that in front of my peers.
For animal management this following semester I will carry out further study on weaker aspects, buying books to guide my study. I will gain experience with a range of animals ensuring my confidence is not an issue in future practical’s as they are perceived as an effective way of developing conceptual understanding (Jokiranta and Viiri, 2014).
References
Jokiranta, K. and Viiri, J. (2014) The effectiveness of practical work in science education bachelor’s thesis. Available at: https://jyx.jyu.fi/dspace/bitstream/handle/123456789/42979/URN:NBN:fi:jyu-201402181251.pdf?sequence=1
Surrey Vet Physiotherapist (2014) Remedial exercises | veterinary Physiotherapy. Available at: http://www.surreyvetphysio.com/index.php/veterinary-physiotherapy-services-and-techniques/remedial-exercises
RSPCA (2017) Housing, husbandry and care. Available at: https://science.rspca.org.uk/sciencegroup/researchanimals/ethicalreview/functionstasks/housingandcare
Webster, J. (2011). Management and welfare of farm animals. 1st ed. Oxford: Blackwell Publishing.
