سعید مذبوحی

INTRODUCTION: The achievement of organizational goals depends on the ability of employees to perform the assigned tasks and adapt to the changing environment. The implementation of training and improvement of human resources allow people to effectively continue their activities and increase their efficiency in accordance with organizational and environmental changes. The present study aimed to assess the impact of information and communication technology on self-directed learning among Employees at the Red Crescent Society of Tehran. METHODS: This research was applied-descriptive and survey-type. The statistical population of the current research included all 1800 employees at the Red Crescent Society of Tehran. Based on Cochran's formula, 317 subjects were selected by simple random sampling and answered the questionnaires. To check the variables of the research, a 73-item questionnaire was used, which assesses the two variables of information and communication technology and self-directed learning. The validity of the questionnaire was confirmed by experts' opinions, and its reliability was assessed by Cronbach's alpha method. Research hypotheses were tested by structural equation modeling using LISREL software. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to measure the indicators of the questionnaire, and the model of path coefficients and significant coefficients was applied to examine the hypotheses. FINDINGS: The results of the analyses demonstrated that information and communication technology and each dimension of using computers, media (radio and television), the Internet, educational software, and mobile phones had a significant positive effect on self-control, willingness to learn, and self-management among the employees at Red Crescent Society of Tehran. CONCLUSION: In every organization, the management must make sure that the employees recognize the importance of learning since it is a key factor in the success of the organization. It is necessary for the management of every organization to remove mental models and old beliefs and, considering the role of information technology in learning and creating transformations in learning methods, provide the grounds for its application among employees.

Purpose: The purpose of the present research is to present a brain-based curriculum model focusing on interaction and motivation in the secondary school. Methodology: In order to achieve this goal, qualitative approach, field method and semi-structured in-depth interview techniques were used. The study population included prominent curriculum planning experts, researchers and faculty members and 15 people were interviewed based on the data saturation. The data collection tools included texts and semi-structured interviews, and the method of data analysis also included inductive thematic analysis (Attride-Stirling thematic networks). Findings: The results of the research showed that the curriculum design components included four dimensions: goals, content, teaching methods, and assessment methods, which affect students' interaction and motivation. Goals included indices of changing mental images, real learning environment, flexibility of brain-based curriculum, information storage during learning. Content included indices of development of brain ability, mechanism of brain function, cognitive learning, content understanding, triggering body and brain activity, teaching methods including practical learning, learning in the environment, cooperation in class activity, different learning style, getting students to take responsibility for learning, effectiveness of education, purposeful and conscious teaching, continuous information processing. Assessment method included self- assessment, understand the content easily, flexible learning, encouraging activities. The interaction included indices of sharing new experiences in learning; improving the brain ability; and discussing different topics. Stimulation of learning and motivation included the indices cognitive function of the brain, challenging and enjoyable learning. Conclusion: The results showed that the brain-based curriculum emphasizes on goals, content, teaching and assessment methods, which is designed with an emphasis on interaction and motivation.

Purpose: The project of identifying and leading gifted students (Shahab) was implemented between 2014 and 2015 Education Year by the National Elites Foundation in cooperation with Education Ministry in some regions of all provinces of Iran. Methodology: The project’s main goal was to identify, distinguish and guide the gifted students in elementary and junior education and paving the way to support them in higher education. The project will include all regions in all provinces in the coming years. In our research, teachers of fourth grade elementary schools attempted to evaluate and qualify students by using a pre-defined check list. It tried to understand the challenges and impediments of implementing Shahab project in Shahryar, a suburb of Tehran. Using descriptive and survey methods, it investigated the viewpoints of more than 175 teachers (85 males and 90 female) in fourth grade elementary schools. The interviews were elected randomly and the questionnaire included 40 closed questions in 8 fields and recognized the main obstacles of implementing Shahab project. Taking into consideration descriptive statistical indices, the author has used the Chi-square test one-variable and two variables tests in analyzing gathered information. Findings: The findings demonstrated that the male and female teachers have different ideas regarding challenges and obstacles of the Shahab project. Males believed that the main challenges are check list and method of identifying overqualified students on the one hand and the attitudes of parents on the other. This is while the females expressed that education- related issues and execution factors are the main problems. Conclusion: Putting aside the gender factor, it is argued that teachers see the check list and method of identifying gifted students as the main challenges in implementing Shahab project in Shahryar city.