درخت حوزه‌های تخصصی

This study aims to investigate the predictive value of emotional maturity and problem-solving skills on neurobehavioral functioning in adolescents with autism. A cross-sectional design was employed, involving 282 adolescents aged 12-18 diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Participants were assessed using the Behavior Assessment System for Children, Second Edition (BASC-2) for neurobehavioral functioning, the Emotional Maturity Scale (EMS), and the Social Problem-Solving Inventory-Revised (SPSI-R). Pearson correlation analysis and linear regression were conducted using SPSS version 27 to examine the relationships and predictive power of emotional maturity and problem-solving skills on neurobehavioral functioning. Descriptive statistics revealed mean scores of 78.54 (SD = 10.37) for neurobehavioral functioning, 84.29 (SD = 12.51) for emotional maturity, and 81.75 (SD = 11.68) for problem-solving skills. Pearson correlation showed significant positive correlations between neurobehavioral functioning and emotional maturity (r = 0.45, p = 0.001), and problem-solving skills (r = 0.38, p = 0.005). Regression analysis indicated that emotional maturity (B = 0.32, p = 0.001) and problem-solving skills (B = 0.29, p = 0.005) significantly predicted neurobehavioral functioning, explaining 27% of the variance (R² = 0.27). The study demonstrates that higher levels of emotional maturity and problem-solving skills are associated with better neurobehavioral functioning in adolescents with autism. These findings underscore the importance of incorporating emotional and cognitive skill development in interventions to enhance neurobehavioral outcomes for this population. Future research should adopt longitudinal designs to explore these relationships over time and include diverse populations for broader applicability.

The current study used a qualitative methodology to examine how Iranian EFL learners practically applied Metacognitive Reading Strategies (MRs) when reading narrative and expository English texts. The study also investigated the participants' perceptions of the impact of text type on using MRs while reading narrative and expository English passages. The researchers selected 40 intermediate EFL learners studying TEFL at Islamic Azad University and Farhangyan University using purposive sampling as focused participants. The instruments employed included the Oxford Placement Test, semi-structured interviews, and think-aloud protocols. The data analysis involved theme-based analysis. The think-aloud protocol analysis indicated that participants employed multiple strategies when engaging with the expository text compared to the narrative text. The finding suggested that text types affected readers` overall performance. The semi-structured interviews revealed that learner's perceptions of text type played a vital role in reading different text types. The practical implications of the study were also discussed.

This study, drawing on a dual theoretical standpoint constituting ecological systems theory (EST) and self-determination theory (SDT), compared Iranian novice and experienced EFL teachers’ remotivational strategies. The participants, selected based on convenience sampling technique, comprised two equal 32-member groups of novice and experienced EFL teachers teaching different proficiency levels at six language institutes. To gather data, semi-structured interviews were conducted. The results of thematic data analysis indicated that novice and experienced teachers were approximately similar in terms of the emerging theme instances situated within the integrative SDT/EST framework. Nonetheless, novice and experienced teachers were markedly different concerning the number of theme instances for each SDT facet positioned in the EST layers. Moreover, the results of Chi-square test demonstrated significant differences between novice and experienced teachers in terms of the number of themes existing in the SDT/EST frame. The results, enhancing teacher educators’ understanding of the similarities and disparities between novice and experienced teachers’ perceptions of remotivational strategies, can provide teachers and teacher educators with awareness concerning how remotivational strategies are nested across multiple systems while simultaneously being informed by a certain motivation-specific theory.

This study investigated the impact of teacher and peer scaffolding on the speaking performance of Iranian EFL learners. Utilizing a quasi-experimental design, 60 intermediate-level female learners were selected from a population of 75, divided into three groups: teacher scaffolding, peer scaffolding, and a control group. The study employed the Preliminary English Test (PET) and speaking pretest and posttest to ensure homogeneity and measure the participants’ progress in speaking proficiency. The results of a One-way ANOVA indicated significant improvements in speaking performance for both scaffolding groups compared to the control group. However, no significant difference was found between the effects of teacher and peer scaffolding. These findings suggest that both types of scaffolding are equally effective in enhancing L2 speaking skills, supporting the theoretical framework of Vygotsky’s Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD). The study underscores the importance of incorporating scaffolding into language instruction to foster better speaking outcomes.

This study aims to explore the experiences and benefits of inclusive sports programs for students with disabilities, focusing on their physical, social, emotional, and educational development. The objective is to understand how these programs impact participants and identify key themes that illustrate their benefits and challenges. A qualitative research design was employed, utilizing semi-structured interviews to gather data from a diverse group of participants. The sample included 29 individuals: 15 students with disabilities, 6 teachers and coaches, and 8 parents of students with disabilities. Interviews were conducted in person or via video conferencing, recorded, and transcribed for thematic analysis. The data were coded and analyzed to identify recurring themes and patterns, with theoretical saturation guiding the final sample size. The analysis revealed four main themes: physical benefits, social benefits, emotional and psychological benefits, and educational and developmental benefits. Participants reported significant improvements in physical fitness, skill development, and health. Social benefits included enhanced social integration, communication skills, and a sense of belonging. Emotional and psychological benefits encompassed increased emotional well-being, psychological resilience, and reduced anxiety. Educational benefits included better academic performance, life skills, and career skills development. These findings align with previous studies highlighting the multifaceted benefits of inclusive sports programs. Inclusive sports programs significantly enhance the physical, social, emotional, and educational well-being of students with disabilities. The study underscores the importance of designing inclusive programs that accommodate diverse needs, providing adequate training for educators and coaches, and fostering a supportive environment. Future research should aim to include larger and more diverse samples, incorporate quantitative measures, and explore the long-term impacts of these programs to further refine and maximize their benefits.

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 aimed to explore the relationships between moral reasoning, fear of negative evaluation, and social competence in individuals with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). By examining these variables, the study sought to identify key predictors of moral reasoning in this population. A cross-sectional design was employed, involving 364 participants with ADHD, recruited from clinical settings. Participants completed self-report measures, including the Defining Issues Test (DIT) for moral reasoning, the Fear of Negative Evaluation Scale (FNE), and the Social Skills Rating System (SSRS) for social competence. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS-27, with Pearson correlation and multiple linear regression analyses to examine the relationships between the variables. Descriptive statistics revealed mean scores of 38.47 (SD = 7.53) for moral reasoning, 49.28 (SD = 10.34) for fear of negative evaluation, and 75.82 (SD = 12.45) for social competence. Pearson correlation showed a significant negative relationship between fear of negative evaluation and moral reasoning (r = -.42, p < .001), and a significant positive relationship between social competence and moral reasoning (r = .38, p < .001). Multiple linear regression analysis indicated that fear of negative evaluation and social competence together accounted for 34% of the variance in moral reasoning (R² = .34, p < .001). The findings suggest that both fear of negative evaluation and social competence are significant predictors of moral reasoning in individuals with ADHD. Enhancing social skills and reducing social anxiety may positively impact moral reasoning. These insights underscore the importance of targeted interventions to support the social and moral development of individuals with ADHD.