درخت حوزه‌های تخصصی

The objective of this study was to explore the experiences of students and educators during the transition from special education to higher education. This qualitative study employed a phenomenological approach to gain an in-depth understanding of the participants' experiences. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 23 participants, including 15 students who had transitioned from special education to higher education and 8 educators, comprising special education teachers, higher education faculty members, and disability support staff. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the interview transcripts, with themes and subthemes identified through coding and categorization. The analysis revealed three primary themes: Transition Challenges, Support Systems and Resources, and Personal Growth and Development. Transition Challenges included academic difficulties, social integration issues, navigating support services, emotional and mental health challenges, and financial barriers. Support Systems and Resources encompassed institutional support, peer support, parental involvement, community resources, and technological aids, with a notable emphasis on the importance of faculty and staff training. Personal Growth and Development highlighted the development of self-advocacy skills, independence and responsibility, academic and career aspirations, and building confidence and resilience. The findings of this study underscore the multifaceted nature of the transition from special education to higher education, highlighting both the challenges and opportunities for students with disabilities. Effective support systems and comprehensive planning are crucial for facilitating successful transitions. The study's insights can inform the development of targeted interventions and support strategies to create more inclusive and supportive educational environments, ultimately empowering students with disabilities to succeed in higher education.

The establishment of the Psychological Research in Individuals with Exceptional Needs (PRIEN) Journal marks a significant milestone in the field of psychology. This pioneering international academic journal is dedicated to addressing the multifaceted psychological needs of individuals with exceptionalities. Our mission is to promote understanding, support, and advancement for those with unique psychological needs, ranging from developmental and emotional challenges to cognitive exceptionalities and giftedness. As we introduce PRIEN Journal to the world, we aim to set the stage for meaningful progress in this crucial field. The landscape of psychological research is vast, yet there remains a critical need for focused studies on individuals with exceptional needs. The PRIEN Journal addresses this gap by offering a platform for high-quality original research, comprehensive reviews, thought-provoking editorials, and insightful communications. This focus ensures that our content is relevant and beneficial to both practitioners and scholars who work with this diverse population. Our journal aims to highlight such impactful studies and bring them to the forefront of academic and clinical practice. As we launch the PRIEN Journal, we invite researchers, practitioners, and scholars to contribute their work and join us in advancing the understanding and support of individuals with exceptional needs. Together, we can set the stage for progress, driving forward research and practice that will make a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve.

The objective of this study was to explore and identify effective differentiated instruction (DI) strategies for students with learning disabilities in mainstream educational settings. This qualitative research involved semi-structured interviews with 21 participants, including general education teachers, special education teachers, and educational administrators from an urban school district. Participants were selected through purposive sampling, ensuring a diverse representation of educators with extensive experience in teaching students with learning disabilities. Data collection continued until theoretical saturation was achieved. Thematic analysis was conducted to identify patterns and themes related to DI strategies, perceived effectiveness, implementation challenges, and support mechanisms. The study identified several key DI strategies, including differentiated content, process, product, and environment, along with the integration of technology. These strategies were reported to enhance student engagement, academic achievement, and social-emotional development. However, significant challenges such as time constraints, limited resources, and the need for professional development were highlighted. Support mechanisms, including professional development opportunities, collaborative practices, administrative backing, community resources, parental engagement, and technological support, were identified as crucial for successful DI implementation. Differentiated instruction is an effective approach to addressing the diverse needs of students with learning disabilities, promoting inclusivity and improving educational outcomes. Despite its benefits, the successful implementation of DI requires addressing substantial challenges through targeted support mechanisms. Future research should focus on expanding the sample size, exploring long-term impacts, and investigating the role of technology in DI. Practical recommendations include enhancing professional development, fostering collaboration, securing administrative support, engaging community resources, and increasing parental involvement.

Gifted children, recognized for their exceptional intellectual abilities and advanced cognitive skills, often face unique challenges and opportunities in their social development. This letter aims to shed light on these complexities, exploring the factors that influence the social skills of gifted children and suggesting strategies for supporting their social growth. Continued research is vital to understand better the social development of gifted children and the effectiveness of various interventions. Studies focusing on diverse populations and contexts can provide insights into how different factors influence social outcomes. By building a robust evidence base, educators, parents, and policymakers can develop more effective strategies to support the social development of gifted children. The social development of gifted children is a multifaceted issue that requires a nuanced understanding of their unique challenges and opportunities. While gifted children may face difficulties in peer acceptance and social-emotional adjustment, they also possess advanced social skills and problem-solving abilities that can be harnessed to promote positive social interactions. Educators and parents play a crucial role in providing the support and interventions needed to nurture these skills. By adopting an equity-focused approach and implementing innovative strategies, we can ensure that gifted children thrive both socially and academically.

The integration of robotics in education has garnered increasing attention, particularly in the realm of special needs education. As technology evolves, so does its potential to enhance learning experiences for students with disabilities. This letter explores the current state and future prospects of using robotics in special needs education, drawing on recent research to highlight both the challenges and opportunities. The future of robotics in special needs education holds immense promise. By enhancing academic skills, boosting motivation and engagement, and supporting social and emotional development, robotics can significantly improve the educational experiences of students with disabilities. However, to realize this potential, it is essential to address the challenges related to design, accessibility, and educator training. Continued research and innovation will be crucial in ensuring that robotics can serve as an effective tool in special needs education, providing tailored support that meets the diverse needs of all students.

The study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of drama therapy on friendship quality and emotion regulation in adolescents with physical disabilities. A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 40 adolescents aged 13-18 years, randomly assigned to either an intervention group receiving drama therapy (n=20) or a control group (n=20). The intervention comprised ten 60-minute sessions over three months. Measures used included the Friendship Quality Scale (FQS) and the Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (ERQ), assessed at pre-intervention, post-intervention, and three-month follow-up. Data were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA and Bonferroni post-hoc tests, with analyses performed in SPSS version 27. Significant improvements were observed in the intervention group compared to the control group. For friendship quality, the intervention group’s scores increased from a mean (M) of 55.12 (SD = 5.47) at pre-intervention to 68.25 (SD = 6.23) post-intervention and slightly decreased to 66.84 (SD = 6.01) at follow-up. Emotion regulation scores in the intervention group increased from 36.45 (SD = 4.12) at pre-intervention to 45.78 (SD = 4.96) post-intervention and slightly decreased to 44.67 (SD = 4.81) at follow-up. ANOVA results showed significant main effects for group and time (p < .001), with significant interactions between time and group for both variables (p < .001). Bonferroni post-hoc tests confirmed significant pre- to post-intervention and pre- to follow-up improvements in the intervention group (p < .001). Drama therapy significantly enhances friendship quality and emotion regulation in adolescents with physical disabilities, with effects sustained at a three-month follow-up. These findings support the incorporation of drama therapy in therapeutic programs for this population to address their unique psychosocial challenges.