درخت حوزه‌های تخصصی

This study investigates the impact of Iranian EFL learners' motivational goal orientations on their behavioral, cognitive, and emotional engagement in the classroom. Utilizing a mixed-methods design, the research involved 200 intermediate EFL learners from language schools in Iran, who completed the Oxford Quick Placement Test (OQPT), a Goal Orientation Survey, and a Student Engagement Questionnaire. The results show that mastery goal orientations, both approach and avoid, positively predict these engagement dimensions, while performance goal orientations do not significantly affect engagement. The findings highlight the importance of fostering mastery goals to enhance student engagement and improve language learning outcomes. The implications of this study suggest that educators should create a supportive learning environment that emphasizes mastery goals, thereby facilitating deeper engagement and better academic performance among EFL learners. This study investigates the impact of Iranian EFL learners' motivational goal orientations on their behavioral, cognitive, and emotional engagement in the classroom. Utilizing a mixed-methods design, the research involved 200 intermediate EFL learners from language schools in Iran, who completed the Oxford Quick Placement Test (OQPT), a Goal Orientation Survey, and a Student Engagement Questionnaire. The results show that mastery goal orientations, both approach and avoid, positively predict these engagement dimensions, while performance goal orientations do not significantly affect engagement. The findings highlight the importance of fostering mastery goals to enhance student engagement and improve language learning outcomes. The implications of this study suggest that educators should create a supportive learning environment that emphasizes mastery goals, thereby facilitating deeper engagement and better academic performance among EFL learners.

This study aimed to explore the digital literacy needs, challenges, and support preferences of adolescents with intellectual disabilities to inform inclusive educational practices and policy interventions. A qualitative research design was employed using semi-structured focus group interviews with 20 adolescents aged 13–18 years diagnosed with mild to moderate intellectual disabilities in Taiwan. Participants were recruited through purposive sampling from both inclusive mainstream schools and special education centers. Data collection was conducted through four focus groups, each comprising five participants. The interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed thematically using NVivo 14 software. Thematic saturation guided the completion of data collection. Trustworthiness was enhanced through triangulated coding, member checking, and maintaining an audit trail. Analysis revealed four overarching themes: (1) access to digital tools and infrastructure, (2) digital skills and usage patterns, (3) social and emotional factors, and (4) support systems and educational strategies. Participants reported limited and unequal access to digital devices, inadequate school resources, and lack of individualized digital instruction. While many adolescents demonstrated basic digital engagement (e.g., opening apps, watching videos), they struggled with more complex tasks such as evaluating online content or engaging in digital communication. Emotional barriers included fear of making mistakes and social comparison with peers. Support from family members and peers emerged as critical, while participants emphasized a need for gamified, visual, and hands-on digital training tailored to their learning styles. Adolescents with intellectual disabilities experience significant barriers to digital inclusion, stemming from infrastructural, cognitive, emotional, and instructional gaps. Addressing these challenges requires context-sensitive, learner-centered interventions and greater collaboration among educators, families, and policymakers to ensure equitable access to digital literacy education.

The primary aim of this quasi-experimental study was to delve into the contrasting effects of In-text Feedback and Rubric-based Feedback on the writing performance and self-efficacy of Iranian Intermediate English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners. To do so, 120 intermediate female English language learners between the ages of 12 and 16 were recruited based on non-random convenience sampling method from an English language institute to take Oxford Placement Test (OPT) to ensure a homogenized group of participants. Then, 60 participants whose scores fell within one standard deviation below and above the mean OPT score were recruited. The selected participants were randomly assigned to one of three groups: the in-text group, the rubric-based group, and the control group, with each group consisting of 20 students. Each group also took writing pre-test and completed self-efficacy questionnaire before the treatment. Next, the participants engaged in the assigned writing activities which were similar and received relevant feedback types for ten sessions. After the treatment, all groups took writing post-test and completed the self-efficacy questionnaire again. The results revealed that both in-text feedback and rubric-based feedback had a statistically significant effect on the writing performance of the learners. Additionally, there was a significant difference in the effect of in-text feedback versus rubric-based feedback on writing performance. In terms of self-efficacy, both types of feedback showed a statistically significant effect. However, there was no significant difference between the effects of in-text feedback and rubric-based feedback on self-efficacy. The findings of the study carry important implications for various stakeholders involved in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learning, including learners, teachers, language centers, and teacher trainers.

In recent decades, language educators have taken advantage of technological advancements in the language classroom, and L2 learners have voiced their interests, concerns, and preferences about those technological advancements. The current investigation was designed to find out the attitudes of Iranian intermediate IELTS candidates towards using digital multimodal composing (DMC) and massive online open courses (MOOC) in their speaking classes. To achieve this aim, a sample of 60 male and female EFL learners at the intermediate level were selected based on volunteer sampling procedures. Subsequently, the participants were assigned to the two conditions of DMC and MOOC. The two groups were exposed to the same instructional materials, with the difference being that in DMC, the learners had to produce videos during the course and post them on the Flip platform for their peers and teacher to review and comment. They then could use the feedback to make corrections/revisions; in the MOOC condition, the learners signed up for an IELTS course on futurelearn.com and received video presentations, pdf articles, and quizzes, and they were asked to leave comments or react to each other's' comments during the course. Each group received a researcher-made attitude questionnaire at the end of the course and expressed their opinions about the treatment they were exposed to. Not surprisingly, both groups welcomed the use of DMC and MOOC and had positive attitudes towards incorporating such techniques into speaking courses. Based on these findings, this study presents a discussion of certain pedagogical implications.

This study compared the impact of interactive meta-linguistic feedback on the learning and retention of grammatical structures among Iraqi EFL learners. The study used a quasi-experimental design with 62 intermediate-level male students separated into three groups: one receiving interactive meta-linguistic feedback, another receiving traditional meta-linguistic feedback, and a control group that received no feedback. Pre-tests, immediate post-tests, and delayed post-tests were used to assess participants' knowledge of the following grammatical structures: present perfect, present perfect continuous, future, and future perfect. The results showed that interactive meta-linguistic feedback greatly improved both grammatical structure learning and retention when compared to other types of input. This study emphasizes the significance of feedback in language acquisition and proposes that interactive approaches may be more effective in promoting grammatical accuracy among EFL learners. This study compared the impact of interactive meta-linguistic feedback on the learning and retention of grammatical structures among Iraqi EFL learners. The study used a quasi-experimental design with 62 intermediate-level male students separated into three groups: one receiving interactive meta-linguistic feedback, another receiving traditional meta-linguistic feedback, and a control group that received no feedback. Pre-tests, immediate post-tests, and delayed post-tests were used to assess participants' knowledge of the following grammatical structures: present perfect, present perfect continuous, future, and future perfect.

This quasi-experimental study investigated the comparative effects of two instructional approaches – cooperative learning and a hybrid model integrating cooperative and competitive elements – on English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners' writing proficiency. Participants (n = 23) were female EFL learners aged 16 to 45 (Mage = 30.5) selected through convenience sampling and homogenized based on their Preliminary English Test scores. Participants were randomly assigned to one of two experimental groups. Both groups received pre- and post-tests. The experimental groups received instruction using either a cooperative learning approach or a hybrid approach incorporating both cooperative and competitive elements. Repeated Measures ANOVA was employed to analyze the data. Results indicated that the hybrid approach significantly outperformed the cooperative learning approach in enhancing learners' writing complexity, accuracy, and fluency. These findings suggest that integrating competitive elements within a cooperative framework can significantly improve EFL learners' writing proficiency, offering valuable pedagogical implications for educators and materials developers.

Reading comprehension is a fundamental skill for language learners, yet EFL students often encounter obstacles in developing this ability. Grounded in the sociocultural theory, the current study explored the impact of teacher interactional scaffolding and peer collaborative scaffolding on the reading comprehension of Iranian EFL learners in a blended learning context. A mixed-methods approach was employed, incorporating quantitative analysis of pre-and post-reading comprehension tests as well as qualitative examination of semi-structured interviews. The findings revealed that both teacher interactional scaffolding and peer collaborative scaffolding significantly enhanced learners' reading comprehension. However, no statistically significant difference was found between the two scaffolding approaches. Qualitative data analysis uncovered EFL learners' positive attitudes toward both forms of scaffolding, citing the dynamic support, collaborative problem-solving, and development of metacognitive skills as key benefits. The study underscores the pivotal role of scaffolding in facilitating EFL reading comprehension, with teacher interactional and peer collaborative scaffolding serving as complementary pedagogical strategies. Implications of this research include the need for EFL instructors to incorporate a judicious blend of teacher-led and peer-mediated scaffolding techniques to optimize learners' reading comprehension development. Additionally, the study highlights the adaptability of scaffolding approaches to blended learning environments, where the interactions between teachers, peers, and learners may necessitate innovative scaffolding implementations. This research contributes to the growing body of literature on the efficacy of sociocultural learning principles in enhancing EFL reading comprehension.

Abstract This research covers the differences in some of the interactional competence components, such as topic management, turn management, non-verbal behavior, breakdown repair, and interactive listening, among Iraqi elementary and advanced EFL learners. In relation to both the face-to-face and virtual environments, this article tries to divulge how the said competencies of these learners change with task types—opinion exchange and jigsaw tasks—and educational setting. A mixed-methods design was used to collect quantitative and qualitative data through recordings in both learning environments. Statistical comparison showed that there were significant differences between the interactional competence components for elementary and advanced learners across the two environments. Particularly, advanced learners took turns more efficiently and listened interactively more successfully in face-to-face than in virtual settings; elementary learners struggled to manage topics in virtual compared to face-to-face settings. These findings have implications for EFL pedagogy, particularly in the area of improving virtual learning environments for interactional competence development. The discussion addresses some implications related to instructional design, pedagogical practices, and language assessment in EFL contexts. A mixed-methods design was used to collect quantitative and qualitative data through recordings in both learning environments. Statistical comparison showed that there were significant differences between the interactional competence components for elementary and advanced learners across the two environments. Particularly, advanced learners took turns more efficiently and listened interactively more successfully in face-to-face than in virtual settings; elementary learners struggled to manage topics in virtual compared to face-to-face settings. These findings have implications for EFL pedagogy, particularly in the area of improving virtual learning environments for interactional competence development. The discussion addresses some implications related to instructional design, pedagogical practices, and language assessment in EFL contexts.

In spite of numerous extant studies on IELTS test-taking techniques, insufficient research has examined the effect of such techniques on reading performance among IELTS test-takers across proficiency levels. Therefore, this study, adopting an explanatory mixed-methods design, investigated the potential effect of test-taking techniques on IELTS reading scores gained by B1 and B2 level learners. The sample comprised 62 B1-level and 63 B2-level learners. The participants were placed into four groups consisting of two experimental and two control groups. In the two experimental groups, 17 reading test-taking techniques were explicitly taught and practiced. The four groups took reading pretest and posttest before and after the treatment. Ultimately, 15 participants from each experimental group partook in semi-structured interviews. The quantitative analysis showed the significant effect of teaching test-taking techniques on both B1 and B2-level learners' reading performance scores with the B1-level learners outperforming their B2-level counterparts. As for the qualitative data analysis, the results yielded eight themes for B1-level learners and seven themes for B2-level learners. Also, the results indicated that B1-level learners earned a notably higher number theme instances than B2-level learners. The results are discussed and implications for language learning, teaching, and testing are provided.

This study aimed to examine the predictive relationship between self-advocacy, resilience, and adaptive behavior in adults with ADHD. A correlational descriptive research design was used, with a sample of 400 adults with ADHD recruited through online platforms and mental health clinics. Participants completed standardized assessments, including the Adaptive Behavior Assessment System-Third Edition (ABAS-3) for adaptive behavior, the Self-Advocacy Measure for Youth and Adults (SAMYA), and the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC). Data were analyzed using Pearson correlation and multiple linear regression in SPSS-27 to evaluate the relationships between self-advocacy, resilience, and adaptive behavior. Descriptive statistics indicated moderate levels of adaptive behavior (M = 85.32, SD = 9.87), self-advocacy (M = 60.41, SD = 11.56), and resilience (M = 69.87, SD = 14.92). Pearson correlation results revealed significant positive associations between adaptive behavior and both self-advocacy (r = 0.58, p < 0.01) and resilience (r = 0.62, p < 0.01). Multiple linear regression showed that self-advocacy and resilience collectively accounted for 44% of the variance in adaptive behavior (F(2, 397) = 45.82, p < 0.01, R² = 0.44). However, when examined separately, self-advocacy (B = -0.09, p = 0.024) had a significant negative predictive effect, while resilience (B = -0.022, p = 0.502) was not a significant predictor. The findings suggest that while both self-advocacy and resilience are correlated with adaptive behavior, their individual predictive effects differ, with self-advocacy playing a more prominent role. These results highlight the importance of fostering self-advocacy skills in adults with ADHD to enhance adaptive functioning. Further research is needed to explore moderating factors that may influence these relationships.

This study aimed to explore the impact of special education policies on the psychological well-being of exceptional students. This qualitative research employed a phenomenological approach, utilizing semi-structured interviews with 33 exceptional students recruited through online platforms. The study relied on theoretical saturation to determine the final sample size. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis with the support of NVivo software, following an inductive coding process to identify key themes related to emotional and psychological well-being, policy implementation, and future prospects of exceptional students. The results revealed three primary themes: emotional and psychological impacts, the effectiveness of special education policies, and long-term student outcomes. Participants reported experiences of stigmatization, social exclusion, and policy-related stress, which significantly affected their emotional well-being. While some students benefited from individualized education plans and supportive teacher interactions, others faced inconsistencies in policy implementation, leading to increased anxiety and uncertainty. The study also highlighted the crucial role of parental advocacy and teacher preparedness in ensuring the effectiveness of special education policies. Long-term concerns included access to higher education, career readiness, and independent living skills, with many participants expressing uncertainty about future accommodations and opportunities. The study underscores the critical influence of special education policies on the psychological well-being of exceptional students, emphasizing the need for stable, well-implemented policies, improved teacher training, and stronger parental engagement. Addressing inconsistencies in policy application and enhancing emotional support mechanisms within educational settings are essential steps toward fostering the well-being and long-term success of exceptional students.