درخت حوزه‌های تخصصی

This study aims to explore the insights of educators on the implementation and impact of peer-mediated instructional strategies within inclusive education settings. A qualitative research design was employed, involving semi-structured interviews with 22 educators currently working in inclusive educational settings. Participants were selected through purposive sampling to ensure a diverse representation of experience with peer-mediated instructional strategies. Data collection continued until theoretical saturation was achieved. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and subjected to thematic analysis to identify key themes and subthemes related to the implementation, benefits, and challenges of peer-mediated instructional strategies. The study identified five key implementation strategies: training and professional development, collaborative planning, resource availability, student pairing, and monitoring and feedback mechanisms. Educators reported numerous benefits, including academic improvement, social skills development, increased inclusion and acceptance, peer leadership, motivation and engagement, and behavioral improvements. However, they also highlighted significant challenges, such as time constraints, lack of resources, diverse student needs, teacher preparedness, peer dynamics, administrative support, and difficulties in evaluation and assessment. Based on these findings, the study recommends policy changes, enhanced teacher training programs, the development of collaborative networks, flexible implementation models, and increased student involvement. Peer-mediated instructional strategies show great potential for enhancing inclusive education by fostering academic and social benefits for all students. However, successful implementation requires addressing challenges related to resource availability, teacher preparedness, and administrative support. By prioritizing comprehensive training, collaborative planning, and adequate resources, educators and policymakers can improve the effectiveness of inclusive education practices.

This study aims to explore the impact of social support networks on the mental health of gifted students. The study utilized a qualitative research design with a phenomenological approach to capture the lived experiences of gifted students. Twenty-seven participants aged 12 to 18 were recruited from diverse educational settings through purposive sampling. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews, which provided in-depth insights into the participants' perceptions of social support and its impact on their mental health. The interviews were transcribed and analyzed thematically, with themes emerging through iterative coding and constant comparison until theoretical saturation was achieved. The findings revealed that emotional, academic, and peer support are critical for the mental health of gifted students. Family support, characterized by parental encouragement and emotional reassurance, and peer support, through empathetic friendships and social inclusion, were particularly significant. Teacher support also played a crucial role in addressing both academic and emotional needs. However, several barriers to support were identified, including stigma, lack of resources, overemphasis on achievement, peer competition, and reluctance to seek help. These barriers exacerbate feelings of isolation and stress, impacting the overall well-being of gifted students. Social support networks are essential in mitigating the challenges faced by gifted students and promoting their mental health. Creating inclusive and supportive environments in educational settings, addressing barriers, and providing targeted interventions can enhance the well-being of gifted individuals. Future research should focus on longitudinal studies and the intersectionality of giftedness with other demographic factors to develop comprehensive support strategies.

The article "The Role of Parental Scaffolding in the Language Acquisition of Children with Developmental Delays: A Qualitative Study" was published in error. We removed it when the error was brought to our attention. This study investigates the role of parental scaffolding in supporting language acquisition among children with developmental delays. Qualitative methods were employed to capture in-depth perspectives from 25 caregivers of children aged 3 to 6 years with developmental delays. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to gather data on parental scaffolding practices. Data analysis followed a thematic approach, where transcripts were coded and themes related to responsive interactions, language modeling, and support strategies were identified. The findings underscored the significant impact of parental scaffolding on language acquisition. Responsive interactions, including prompting and encouragement, emerged as crucial in stimulating communication and fostering confidence in children. Caregivers’ effective modeling of language, through descriptive speech and vocabulary expansion, was associated with enhanced linguistic competence. Moreover, structured support strategies such as visual aids and routine establishment facilitated comprehension and communication clarity, mitigating challenges associated with developmental delays. In conclusion, parental scaffolding plays a pivotal role in enhancing language development in children with developmental delays. By adapting support strategies to meet the child’s needs and abilities, caregivers can effectively promote language skills crucial for cognitive, social, and academic growth. These findings underscore the importance of integrating evidence-based scaffolding practices into therapeutic and educational interventions to optimize language outcomes for this vulnerable population.

This study aims to explore therapists' experiences with nonverbal communication techniques in psychotherapy for children with autism. This qualitative study employed a phenomenological approach to gain in-depth insights into therapists' experiences. Sixteen licensed therapists with at least two years of experience working with children with autism were selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, each lasting 60-90 minutes, and were transcribed verbatim for analysis. Thematic analysis was conducted to identify key themes and patterns in the data. NVivo software was used to facilitate the organization and analysis of qualitative data, ensuring rigor through triangulation, member checking, and maintaining an audit trail. The analysis revealed four main themes: implementation of nonverbal techniques, perceived effectiveness, challenges and barriers, and strategies for overcoming barriers. Therapists reported using a variety of nonverbal techniques such as gestures, facial expressions, eye contact, body language, and physical proximity. These techniques were perceived as highly effective in enhancing understanding, emotional connection, behavioral improvements, and self-expression in children with autism. However, challenges such as therapist-child compatibility, resource limitations, environmental factors, and inconsistent parental involvement were noted. Strategies to overcome these challenges included continuous training, collaborative approaches, adaptive techniques, creating supportive environments, and leveraging technology. Nonverbal communication techniques are essential in psychotherapy for children with autism, significantly enhancing therapeutic outcomes. Despite challenges, these techniques, when tailored to individual needs and supported by continuous training and collaboration, can greatly benefit children with autism. Future research should focus on larger and more diverse samples, quantitative measures of effectiveness, and the role of cultural sensitivity in nonverbal communication strategies.