درخت حوزه‌های تخصصی

According to sociocultural theory, dynamic assessment (DA) merges instruction and assessment. This study attempted to compare the effects of interactionist versus interventionist DA on the writing fluency and complexity of adult versus young IELTS candidates in an international language school in Tehran with the age range of 15-48. One hundred and forty students (90 males and 50 females) who had enrolled in the IELTS preparation course in the spring of 2021 participated in this study. The study participants were divided into four groups namely, young interactionist, young interventionist, adult interactionist, and adult interventionist. The participants in all groups were homogenized based on the result of their performance in a standard version of Preliminary English Test (PET). During the eight-week treatment period, the interactionist groups were given writing tests followed by the instructor’s feedback and guidance, while the interventionist groups received instructions and were given writing test samples without qualitative feedback. The pre-test and post-test comparisons among the four groups by Two Way ANCOVA showed that both young and adult individuals in the interactionist groups had a significant improvement in their writing performance compared to those in the interventionist group. In addition, the study revealed the significant impact of interactionist DA vs. interventionist DA on both young and adult participants' scores in both writing fluency and complexity post-test. Likewise, the results showed no statistically significant interaction between the type of assessment and the candidates’ age. The study presents pedagogical implications for teachers, students, and IELTS preparation program designers.

This study examined the impact of auditory input enhancement on the speaking abilities of Iranian EFL learners. Given the importance of speaking in language acquisition and the challenge of limited exposure to spoken English, the study focused on auditory input enhancement—altering intonation and pitch—to improve speaking proficiency. Fifty intermediate-level female learners, aged 18-28, from an English Language institute were selected based on their Oxford Placement Test (OPT) scores. Participants were divided into an experimental group, which received auditory input enhancement, and a control group, which followed traditional methods. Speaking abilities were evaluated with pretests and posttests using the Preliminary English Test (PET). An independent samples t-test analyzed the scores to test the hypothesis. Results indicated a statistically significant improvement in the experimental group's speaking performance compared to the control group, with Cohen's d showing a large effect size. These findings support previous research on input enhancement, underscoring the role of auditory input in focusing learners' attention on linguistic features and enhancing speaking performance. The study suggests that auditory input enhancement could be a valuable tool for EFL teachers and curriculum designers to improve learners' speaking skills.

This study aims to explore teachers' narratives on implementing AI-based learning tools for students with severe disabilities. The objective is to understand the challenges faced, the impacts on students, and the experiences of teachers using these technologies in special education settings. A qualitative research design was employed, using semi-structured interviews to gather data from 16 certified special education teachers with experience in using AI-based learning tools. Participants were selected through purposive sampling to ensure a diverse range of perspectives. Interviews were transcribed and subjected to thematic analysis to identify key themes and patterns in the data. Three main themes emerged from the analysis: implementation challenges, the impact on students, and teacher experiences. Teachers reported significant technical difficulties, inadequate training, and limited administrative support as major challenges. Despite these issues, AI tools had a positive impact on student engagement, motivation, learning outcomes, social interaction, and behavioral changes. Teachers experienced a range of emotions, from initial skepticism to eventual acceptance, and highlighted the importance of peer support and professional growth. The study underscores the transformative potential of AI in special education, while also identifying critical areas that need attention for successful implementation. The integration of AI-based learning tools in special education offers significant benefits for students with severe disabilities, including enhanced engagement, improved learning outcomes, and better social interactions. However, successful implementation requires addressing technical issues, providing comprehensive training, securing administrative support, and fostering a culture of feedback and reflection. Future research should focus on long-term impacts, comparative effectiveness of different AI tools, and the development of effective training programs. Educational institutions must prioritize these areas to maximize the positive impact of AI technologies in special education.

This study aims to explore the impact of sleep disorders on daily functioning in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) through the perspectives of their caregivers. A qualitative research design was employed, involving semi-structured interviews with 23 caregivers of children aged 4-12 years diagnosed with ASD. Participants were recruited through local autism support groups, special education schools, and pediatric clinics. Interviews focused on the types, frequency, and severity of sleep disorders, their impact on the child's behavior, academic performance, social interactions, physical health, and family dynamics, as well as the strategies used to manage these issues. Thematic analysis was used to identify key themes and patterns from the data. The study identified several types of sleep disorders among children with ASD, including insomnia, sleep apnea, and night terrors, varying in frequency and severity. Sleep disturbances were found to significantly impact daily functioning, leading to behavioral issues, academic challenges, social difficulties, and physical health problems. Caregivers employed a range of coping strategies, such as medical interventions, behavioral routines, environmental modifications, dietary adjustments, and alternative therapies, with varying degrees of success. Barriers to effective management included cost, accessibility, and lack of knowledge. The need for individualized, adaptive approaches to treatment was emphasized. Sleep disorders in children with ASD have profound effects on their daily functioning and overall quality of life. Addressing these issues requires a comprehensive, individualized approach that considers the unique needs of each child. Collaboration with caregivers and regular adjustments to intervention strategies are essential for effective management. Further research should focus on larger, more diverse samples and incorporate objective sleep measures to provide a more comprehensive understanding of these challenges.

This study aims to examine the relationship between self-advocacy skills, assistive technology use, and self-esteem among adults with physical disabilities. A cross-sectional design was employed, with data collected from 244 adults with physical disabilities. Participants completed validated self-report measures assessing self-esteem, self-advocacy skills, and assistive technology use. Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated to explore the relationships between the variables. A linear regression analysis was conducted to determine the extent to which self-advocacy skills and assistive technology use predict self-esteem. All analyses were performed using SPSS version 27. The results indicated significant positive correlations between self-esteem and both self-advocacy skills (r = .62, p < .01) and assistive technology use (r = .58, p < .01). Self-advocacy skills and assistive technology use were found to be significant predictors of self-esteem, accounting for 49% of the variance (R² = .49, F(2, 241) = 115.63, p < .001). The regression analysis revealed that self-advocacy skills (B = 0.34, β = .42, p < .001) and assistive technology use (B = 0.28, β = .36, p < .001) both positively influence self-esteem. The study concludes that self-advocacy skills and assistive technology use are crucial determinants of self-esteem in adults with physical disabilities. These findings highlight the importance of providing support and training in self-advocacy and access to appropriate assistive technology to enhance psychological well-being and autonomy in this population. Future research should explore these relationships longitudinally and across diverse disability groups.

This study aimed to investigate the predictors of academic self-concept in children with hearing impairments, focusing on the roles of emotion socialization and grit. Understanding these relationships can inform interventions to support the academic success and well-being of these children. The study employed a cross-sectional design with a sample of 271 children with hearing impairments, selected based on the Morgan and Krejcie table. Participants were assessed using the Self-Description Questionnaire I for academic self-concept, the Coping with Children's Negative Emotions Scale for emotion socialization, and the Grit Scale. Data were analyzed using Pearson correlation to examine bivariate relationships and linear regression to evaluate the predictive power of emotion socialization and grit on academic self-concept, using SPSS-27. Descriptive statistics indicated moderately high levels of academic self-concept (M = 3.45, SD = 0.58), emotion socialization (M = 4.12, SD = 0.73), and grit (M = 3.89, SD = 0.65). Pearson correlation showed significant positive relationships between academic self-concept and both emotion socialization (r = 0.45, p < 0.001) and grit (r = 0.52, p < 0.001). The regression model was significant (F(2, 268) = 76.45, p < 0.001), explaining 36% of the variance in academic self-concept (R² = 0.36). Emotion socialization (B = 0.35, p < 0.001) and grit (B = 0.45, p < 0.001) were significant predictors of academic self-concept. The study found that both emotion socialization and grit are significant predictors of academic self-concept in children with hearing impairments. These findings suggest that interventions aimed at improving emotion socialization practices and fostering grit could enhance the academic self-concept of these children, supporting their academic success and overall well-being.

The objective of this study is to explore the identity development of teenagers with learning disabilities (LD). This qualitative research employed a phenomenological approach, utilizing semi-structured interviews to gather in-depth data from participants. Nineteen teenagers (10 males and 9 females) aged 13-18 years, diagnosed with LD and enrolled in special education programs at three urban high schools, were purposively sampled. The interviews, lasting 45 to 60 minutes each, were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using a thematic approach to identify key themes and subthemes. Four main themes emerged from the data: personal experiences, social interactions and relationships, self-perception and identity, and coping strategies and support systems. Participants reported significant academic challenges, leading to emotional distress and lowered self-esteem. Social interactions varied, with positive relationships providing crucial support and negative interactions exacerbating feelings of isolation. Identity development involved navigating dual identities and coping with internal conflicts. Effective coping strategies, such as seeking help and using assistive technology, contrasted with less adaptive methods like avoidance. Supportive family and educational environments were essential for positive identity development and emotional resilience. The study highlights the complex interplay of factors influencing the identity development of teenagers with LD. Academic challenges, social interactions, and coping strategies significantly impact their self-perception and overall well-being. The findings underscore the need for inclusive educational practices, supportive teacher-student relationships, and comprehensive mental health resources to foster positive identity formation and improve outcomes for adolescents with LD.