درخت حوزه‌های تخصصی

This study aimed to explore the parenting strategies, support systems, and coping mechanisms employed by single parents of children with developmental delays. A qualitative research design was adopted, involving semi-structured interviews with 23 single parents of children aged 2 to 12 years with diagnosed developmental delays. Participants were recruited through local support groups, online forums, and pediatric clinics. The data collection continued until theoretical saturation was achieved. Thematic analysis, following Braun and Clarke's framework, was used to identify key themes and subthemes within the data. The study identified three main themes: parenting strategies, support systems, and coping mechanisms. Key parenting strategies included routine establishment, positive reinforcement, adaptive techniques, communication strategies, and behavior management. Support systems encompassed family support, professional support, community resources, and financial assistance. Coping mechanisms highlighted were emotional resilience, social networks, personal time management, seeking knowledge, advocacy and empowerment, spirituality, and adaptability. Participants emphasized the importance of structured routines and positive reinforcement in managing their children's needs, while family and professional support were crucial in alleviating caregiving burdens. Effective coping mechanisms were essential for managing stress and maintaining well-being. Single parents of children with developmental delays employ a variety of effective strategies and support systems to navigate their unique challenges. Emotional resilience and social support networks play a critical role in their ability to cope with the demands of caregiving. These findings underscore the need for tailored interventions and resources to support single-parent families, highlighting the importance of flexible services, community resources, and advocacy efforts. Further research should focus on larger, more diverse samples and explore the impact of technological tools in supporting these parents.

The tripartite V3SK model, integrating values, skills, and knowledge, has been explored in various educational contexts but remains underutilized in English language teaching. This study aimed to investigate the effect of the V3SK model on Iranian high school students’ grammar achievement using an explanatory mixed-methods design. Participants included 43 high school teachers and 452 pre-intermediate level students, selected based on standardized placement tests. Teachers were randomly divided into groups of experimental (N = 22) and control (N = 21). The experimental group participated in 15 training sessions focused on the V3SK model dimensions. Subsequently, students from both groups completed a researcher-designed grammar pretest and received 20 sessions of instruction over three months, followed by a posttest. Quantitative data were analyzed using Mann-Whitney U tests, revealing significantly higher grammar achievement in the experimental group. Qualitative thematic analysis of interviews with 15 experimental group teachers identified 11 themes that explain the model's contributions, including enhanced motivation, innovative teaching, and differentiated instruction. These findings underscore the V3SK model's potential for improving grammar instruction in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) settings, offering valuable insights for teacher education and curriculum development.

The study on second language (L2) argumentative writing has explored various surfaces and dimensions of learner behavior and presentation, although fewer studies have studied effective pedagogical strategies to boost students’ argumentative skills. The current study mentions the gap by exploring the effect of explicit argumentative instruction on the writing abilities of 30 Iranian IELTS candidates, according to CEFR ranging from B1 to B2, in an English Language Institute in Karaj - Iran in both Persian and English, the former their native language and the latter their foreign language . As a set of authentic IELTS Task 2 prompts were used and taken from the language learners, the study analyzed 180 argumentative essays, both in English and Persian, written by the participants prior, while and after instruction. The outcomes had shown noteworthy enhancement in the students’ English argumentative performance, with the recurrent use of argumentation key elements such as ‘claim’, ‘data’, and the ‘counterarguments’. Though, less emphasis was put on advanced argumentative structures such as ‘counterclaims’ and ‘rebuttals’. The results suggest that structured pedagogy in teaching argumentation can positively influence learners’ proficiency in both first language (L1) and second language (L2) writing. The insinuations for teaching argumentative writing in multilingual contexts will be further discussed.

Automated Writing Evaluation (AWE) systems are used to evaluate measurable characteristics of written texts, thereby creating a scoring model based on a compilation of essays. While considerable research has focused on the feedback provided by AWE systems, there is a conspicuous absence of studies examining these tools specifically in the Iranian context. Therefore, this research aimed to investigate the consistency of scores obtained from automated systems and human raters. Furthermore, it sought to explore the perceptions of EFL learners regarding the application of AWE in their writing practices. To facilitate this investigation, 30 male and female IELTS students participated, each writing two essays: one selected from topics provided by the AWE system and the other derived from Cambridge Official IELTS past papers. The essays were assessed by both My Access and three human raters. For the topics designated for the AWE system, a significant and robust positive correlation was identified between the ratings assigned by human raters and the machine. A similar significant and strong positive correlation was also found for the second essay, which did not utilize pre-defined topics. The results of two linear regression analyses demonstrated that the scores produced by the machine could significantly predict human scores for both pre-defined and non-pre-defined topics. Additionally, the findings indicated that My Access Home Edition is perceived to significantly enhance students' accuracy and autonomy, although it does not contribute to improved interaction. This study presents important implications for writing instructors and the field of second language education.

The present study aimed to explore the strategies and challenges faced by Iranian teachers in classroom management. The importance of this study lied in its potential contribution to effective approaches in classroom management, professional growth of teachers, and research knowledge. To serve that end, it utilized a qualitative research design, employing semi-structured interview and open-ended questionnaire to gather data from a sample of Iranian teachers. The findings revealed that Iranian teachers were required to use different strategies to put their knowledge resources and practices of classroom management into the real context of classroom with high effectiveness. The study also indicated several challenges faced by Iranian teachers, such as students’ misbehavior, class communication, fulfillment of learner expectations, time management, care for and attention to learners, giving and receiving feedback, interactions with students’ families, flexibility, accountability and commitment, lesson planning, group work planning, and professional ethics. It can be concluded that teachers’ classroom management literacy is fed by different knowledge resources. Moreover, classroom management literacy is not formed overnight, but it is the product of various knowledge domains. More importantly, classroom management is not an easy task for Iranian teachers. These findings have significant implications for Iranian teachers, teacher educators and curriculum planners.

This study was an attempt to enlighten the wave of teaching English reading comprehension in Iranian EFL classrooms. Thus, the current study aimed to explore the effect of using the mapping note-taking method on the reading comprehension ability of Iranian intermediate EFL learners, as well as gender differences. To do so, a quantitative design was tested in a quasi-experimental study. To collect data, two intact classes consisting of 15 learners in each class of a language institute in Shiraz were selected through convenience sampling. The instruments used to collect data were two parallel tests: a pre-test and a post-test. The data collection procedures lasted approximately three months, comprising 22 sessions. Besides, the data were analyzed through the use of the 26th version of SPSS software, and by running descriptive statistics, tests of homogeneity of variances (Levene’s test), tests of normality, and T-tests (Independent Samples T-test and Paired-Sample T-test). The results revealed that the learners who were exposed to the mapping note-taking method (experimental group) differed significantly from the control group who were taught through the conventional method, taking notes just in the learners’ own way, and writing the words and their meaning without using any specific method of note-taking. In other words, the learners who were in the experimental group outperformed those in the control group concerning their reading comprehension ability, but the learners’ gender made no difference.

This study aims to explore the psychological impact of virtual learning on students with special educational needs (SEN). This qualitative study utilized semi-structured interviews with 24 students with SEN recruited through online platforms. Theoretical saturation was reached, and data were analyzed using NVivo software following a thematic analysis approach. The interviews explored students’ experiences with virtual learning, including emotional responses, cognitive struggles, and social adaptation. Themes were identified through an iterative coding process, ensuring reliability and depth in capturing the psychological effects of digital education on this population. The results indicate that virtual learning has led to heightened emotional distress, including anxiety, stress, and reduced motivation, largely due to isolation and the absence of structured classroom environments. Participants reported significant cognitive challenges, such as attention difficulties, cognitive overload from digital tools, and struggles with learning retention. Socially, students experienced decreased peer interaction, communication barriers, and difficulty adapting to digital learning norms. However, some students developed coping mechanisms such as parental support and self-regulation strategies. The findings align with previous research highlighting the adverse effects of digital learning on students with disabilities, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions. The psychological impact of virtual learning on students with SEN is profound, affecting their emotional well-being, cognitive engagement, and social adaptation. While some students benefit from digital learning’s flexibility, most require additional support to mitigate stress, cognitive overload, and social isolation. Educators and policymakers must prioritize inclusive digital education strategies, enhance accessibility, and provide structured support systems to improve learning experiences for students with SEN.

The aim of this research was to devise a framework for fostering critical thinking skills among students within high school environments in Kermanshah. Employing a practical approach, the study adopted qualitative methods to attain its objectives. Participants consisted of experts, practitioners, and researchers familiar with the subject area. Utilizing purposive sampling, 23 individuals were selected based on theoretical saturation principles. Through a combination of document analysis and semi-structured interviews, data were meticulously analyzed using coding techniques, with Grounded Theory emerging as the primary method for theory generation. Results underscored the pivotal role of cultivating thinking management in the pedagogy of critical thinking within high school contexts. Moreover, findings highlighted the significance of facilitators' and students' professional competencies and personality traits, thoughtful planning, and familial influences as key determinants. Contextual factors impacting thinking management education encompassed supportive frameworks for managerial development, emotional dynamics within the classroom, strategies for teacher engagement, and adherence to authoritative guidelines.

This research aimed to determine the effectiveness of flipped classrooms in improving online learning self-efficacy and academic engagement among teacher trainees at Farhangian University. The study used a semi-experimental method with a pretest-posttest design and a control group. The statistical population consisted of all Farhangian University students during the 2023-2024 academic year. Using available sampling method, two groups of 36 teacher trainees were selected from the Shahid Modarres Campus of Farhangian University in Sanandaj. One group was randomly designated as the experimental group and the other as the control group. The experimental group participated in flipped classroom sessions, while the control group received traditional teaching methods. Data collection tools included the Online Learning Self-Efficacy Scale (OLSES) by Zimmerman & Kulikowich (2016) with a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.88, and the Academic Engagement Questionnaire by Fredricks et al. (2004) with a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.86. Both the face validity and content validity of the questionnaires were evaluated by a panel of experts and confirmed. The data were analyzed using SPSS (version 22), employing both descriptive and inferential statistical techniques, including multivariate and univariate analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), at a significance level of α=0.05. The results indicated significant differences between the experimental and control groups in terms of all three dimensions of Online Learning Self-Efficacy: online learning, time management, and technology use. Furthermore, the experimental group showed significantly higher levels of behavioral and motivational engagement compared to the control group, while no statistically significant difference was found in cognitive engagement between the two groups. It is thus recommended that sufficient opportunities and resources be provided for Farhangian University instructors to implement this approach effectively and maximize the use of modern technologies

The objective of this study was to explore the professional development needs of educators in special education. This qualitative research employed a phenomenological approach to understand the lived experiences of 17 special education teachers. Participants were selected based on their diverse experiences and willingness to participate. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, lasting between 45 to 60 minutes, either face-to-face or via video conferencing. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using thematic analysis to identify key themes and subthemes related to the professional development needs of special education teachers. The data collection continued until theoretical saturation was reached. The study identified four main themes regarding professional development needs: Teaching Strategies, Emotional and Social Support, Professional Knowledge, and Collaboration and Advocacy. Under Teaching Strategies, educators highlighted the importance of individualized instruction, effective classroom management, differentiated learning approaches, technology integration, and collaboration with support staff. Emotional and Social Support needs included social skills training, emotional regulation, building relationships, fostering inclusion, crisis intervention, family engagement, and self-care for educators. Professional Knowledge emphasized understanding special education law and policy, disability awareness, evidence-based practices, assessment techniques, ongoing professional development, and curriculum adaptation. Collaboration and Advocacy focused on interdisciplinary teams, student advocacy, community partnerships, professional learning communities, and policy development. The findings underscore the multifaceted professional development needs of special education teachers, highlighting the necessity for tailored training programs that address specific instructional, emotional, social, and collaborative aspects.