Abstract:

Emotions play a key role in children’s learning processes, particularly in experiential and health-related educational interventions. In the context of first aid education, emotional engagement may be especially relevant for facilitating the transfer of learning beyond the classroom. The aim of this study was to explore the emotional responses associated with a school-based first aid workshop in Primary Education and to examine how these emotions relate to the transfer of learning to the family environment.

A qualitative exploratory study was conducted with parents or legal guardians of pupils from 4th, 5th and 6th grade of Primary Education who participated in a first aid workshop. The intervention involved a total of 56 pupils (20 from 4th grade, 20 from 5th grade and 16 from 6th grade). Data were collected through an online self-administered questionnaire distributed via the school’s regular family–school communication platform. A total of 32 parents completed the questionnaire. Open-ended questions focused on children’s emotional reactions to the workshop, what they shared at home, and whether they transferred or demonstrated any of the acquired knowledge in the family context.

Data were analysed using thematic analysis. The results revealed a range of emotional responses linked to the workshop, including enthusiasm, surprise, pride and heightened interest in helping others. These emotions were frequently associated with behaviours indicative of learning transfer, such as children explaining first aid procedures to family members, demonstrating specific actions, or referring to potential real-life emergency situations. Families often described emotional engagement as a trigger for continued conversation and reinforcement of the workshop content at home.

The findings suggest that emotional involvement may facilitate the transfer of first aid learning beyond the classroom in Primary Education. This study highlights the importance of considering emotional dimensions when designing and implementing health education interventions aimed at promoting meaningful engagement and continuity between school and family contexts.

Keywords:

First Aid education, Primary Education, emotional responses, learning transfer, qualitative research.