Challenges

The purpose of current study is to explore the critical challenges of e-learning in higher education institutions. The data for this research were collected through a qualitative approach using a descriptive phenomenological method and semi-structured interview tool, then the findings were analyzed by Colaizzi's (1978) 7-step method. The research field included 12 academic experts in E-learning at the University of Tehran through purposeful Sampling. The validity of qualitative data, based on the four criteria of Lincoln and Goba (1985) including; credibility, transferability, dependability, and confirmability and also reliability by re-coding and two coders have been examined and confirmed. The results of the analysis led to exploring142 main concepts, then in the form of 10 critical challenges related to the most components of the educational system including; learner, teacher, technology, financial and information resources, ethical considerations, university culture, classroom leadership, support system, learning effectiveness, and satisfaction of internal stakeholders. Finally, using a systematic approach, the mentioned challenges have been classified into three main dimensions of learning-teaching system such as; input, process, and output.

Aim: This qualitative study investigates the challenges faced by women with a history of parental divorce in their marriages. It aims to uncover the emotional, psychological, and relational difficulties stemming from parental divorce and their impact on marital dynamics. Method: Utilizing conventional content analysis, this study conducted semi-structured interviews with sixteen women from Qom Province during winter and summer of 2024 year, who had experienced parental divorce and are in their first marriages. Participants were selected through purposive sampling. Data collection involved recording and transcribing interviews, followed by coding and thematic analysis to identify recurring themes. Findings: The findings indicated six main categories: 1. Unresolved Past Painful Emotions, 2. Marital hurdles of Being a Child of Divorce, 3. Persistent Psychological Insecurity, 4. Deficiency in Skills Due to the Absence of Successful Life Models, 5. The Enduring Echoes of Parental Divorce, and 6. Growth After Experiencing the Trauma of Parental Divorce. Conclusion: Parental divorce profoundly impacts individuals' emotional and psychological well-being, influencing various aspects of their marital lives. The study highlights the need for targeted interventions to address these challenges, emphasizing mental health support and life skills training. Future research should explore gender differences, partner perspectives, and cross-cultural variations to develop comprehensive strategies for improving the marital experiences of individuals with a history of parental divorce.

The e-learning integration has emerged as an alternative strategy, significantly improving teaching and learning experiences in higher education worldwide. However, it has also presented different challenges and opportunities for teachers and students. This comparative, cross-cultural study explored the perspectives of German vs. Iranian EFL teachers on e-learning integration in higher education. The data were collected utilising a mixed-methods design and based on convenient sampling through two questionnaires on challenges and opportunities, semi-structured interviews, and observations from 26 German EFL teachers and 92 Iranian EFL teachers. The study focused on the Technology Acceptance Model and the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology. The questionnaire findings revealed that both groups recognised significant challenges and opportunities in e-learning. German teachers appreciated organisational improvements and evaluative innovations, whereas Iranians valued stress reduction and access to materials. Both groups faced technological and administrative challenges, with Iranians reporting more severe difficulties, highlighting the need for tailored support and resources to enhance online education. Interviews indicated a preference for face-to-face instruction among Germans, with greater resistance to online formats compared to Iranians. Younger teachers in both contexts showed more positive attitudes towards e-learning, with a consensus on the future of blended learning. The observations also supported the findings. Results indicated significant differences and similarities between the two contexts, highlighting technological, academic, pedagogical, and cultural factors influencing e-learning integration. The study findings could offer practical implications for policymakers and material developers, emphasising the need for custom-made e-learning strategies for different educational contexts. This cross-cultural comparison could suggest insights for teachers interested in integrating e-learning into their teaching.

In recent years, the completion of the value chain and increased exportation of petrochemical products have been utilized to offset oil and gas export losses. As a result, this may have created various challenges and complexities within the oil and gas industry. The study aims to identify key challenges confronting Iran's petrochemical industry, with a particular focus on regulatory issues. It seeks to distinguish and prioritize the most critical regulatory factors necessary for establishing an effective regulatory framework in the petrochemical sector. For this study, data was collected through several interviews and questionnaire with Iran's petrochemical experts. With the collected data, the Delphi method was utilized to help identify the most critical challenges. The impact and significance of each challenge were determined through statistical analysis. The research findings indicate that the most important challenges are the weakness of laws to attract foreign and domestic investors, the lack of trust and lack of integration in this industry from upstream to downstream sector, respectively. Also, based on the research results, it show that it is essential for Iran's petrochemical industry to have two regulatory agencies. The "Competition Council" and the "Securities and Exchange High Council" as regulators of the physical and financial markets are considered, however, for them to regulate effectively the overall structure of these councils must first be dramatically reformed. The important effective regulating factors which should be emphasized by the regulator in Iran's petrochemical industry were indicated and ranked as allocation, responsiveness, financial independence, legal independence and political independence.

Objective: The purpose of this study is to examine how psychological problems—such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety disorders, insomnia, and sleep issues—affect distance learning. Based on the experiences of experts and educators, this study will identify problems and potential solutions.Methodology: The study takes a qualitative approach, gathering and analyzing data using a phenomenological method. Twenty Ardabil primary school teachers and fourteen specialists from around Iran were among the participants, who were chosen via purposive selection until theoretical saturation was reached. In-depth, semi-structured interviews were used to collect data, and they were done both remotely and in person. Themes from the instructors' replies were found and categorized, and their frequency and percentage were then presented. The coding approach developed by Strauss and Corbin (2008) was used to examine the replies from the professionals. Triangulation, member checking, parallel data verification, and researcher self-review were used to guarantee the correctness and reliability of the interviews.Findings: The findings revealed that teachers encountered significant psychological challenges in the context of distance learning. To address these challenges, several strategies were proposed. Subsequently, specialists were consulted regarding the identified challenges, and solutions such as establishing a structured study routine, managing rest and sleep schedules, enhancing social interactions, providing psychological support services, training in stress management techniques, introducing flexible scheduling, prioritizing physical health, delegating tasks effectively, using visual aids, incorporating regular short breaks, reducing screen time, practicing breathing and relaxation exercises, applying cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and preventing avoidance behaviors were suggested. A more detailed presentation of these solutions is provided in the findings section.Conclusion: Education stakeholders are advised to implement the suggested strategies from teachers and specialists to identify and address the psychological challenges associated with distance learning effectively.

Gifted children, recognized for their exceptional intellectual abilities and advanced cognitive skills, often face unique challenges and opportunities in their social development. This letter aims to shed light on these complexities, exploring the factors that influence the social skills of gifted children and suggesting strategies for supporting their social growth. Continued research is vital to understand better the social development of gifted children and the effectiveness of various interventions. Studies focusing on diverse populations and contexts can provide insights into how different factors influence social outcomes. By building a robust evidence base, educators, parents, and policymakers can develop more effective strategies to support the social development of gifted children. The social development of gifted children is a multifaceted issue that requires a nuanced understanding of their unique challenges and opportunities. While gifted children may face difficulties in peer acceptance and social-emotional adjustment, they also possess advanced social skills and problem-solving abilities that can be harnessed to promote positive social interactions. Educators and parents play a crucial role in providing the support and interventions needed to nurture these skills. By adopting an equity-focused approach and implementing innovative strategies, we can ensure that gifted children thrive both socially and academically.

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.

Neurodiversity, a concept that embraces variations in human brain function and cognitive processes, is increasingly recognized as a valuable aspect of workforce diversity. Embracing neurodiversity in the workplace can lead to numerous benefits, including enhanced creativity, innovation, and problem-solving capabilities. However, integrating neurodivergent individuals into the workplace also presents several challenges that need to be addressed through thoughtful policies and practices. This letter explores the opportunities and challenges associated with promoting neurodiversity in the workplace and highlights strategies to foster an inclusive environment for all employees. Promoting neurodiversity in the workplace presents both significant opportunities and challenges. By embracing the unique strengths of neurodivergent individuals, organizations can foster innovation, gain a competitive advantage, and create a more inclusive and dynamic work environment. However, achieving these benefits requires addressing the challenges of workplace accommodations, social barriers, and the balance between disclosure and privacy. Through inclusive hiring practices, continuous training, effective leadership, technological support, and strong community networks, organizations can successfully integrate neurodiversity and unlock its full potential.

Blended learning is a pedagogical approach that combines face-to-face instruction with online activities and has garnered significant interest in recent years. Despite the potential benefits of blended learning, it faces several critical issues that may dampen stakeholders' enthusiasm within universities. Consequently, the current study explores the key challenges of blended learning in higher education institutions. The data for this research were collected through a qualitative approach, using a descriptive phenomenological method and semi-structured interviews with experts in the field. The findings were then analyzed using Colaizzi’s (1978) seven-step method. During our research, interviews were conducted with 14 experts in the field through purposeful sampling. From these comprehensive discussions, a total of 112 significant statements were identified. These statements were then meticulously categorized into ten initial themes, providing a structured overview of the data. Further analysis allowed us to distill the challenges associated with the blended learning approach in higher education into three critical factors. The validity of the qualitative data, based on the four criteria of Lincoln and Guba (1985)—credibility, transferability, dependability, and confirmability—was examined through re-coding by two independent coders and confirmed. The findings reveal that the challenges associated with implementing blended learning in higher education can be categorized into personal, organizational, and support-related factors. Each of these dimensions encompasses various critical elements. Notably, these research outcomes hold significant potential for facilitating the successful adoption of a pragmatic blended teaching and learning approach within higher education.