'special needs' Search Results
Professional Competences in the Context of Inclusive Education: A Model Design
inclusive education modelling pre-service social educators professional competences...
The most crucial factor influencing inclusive education is the preparation of educators for their professional activities. The aim of this study was to create and present a model for developing the professional competences of pre-service social educators in the context of inclusive education. The model reflected its main components: aim, objectives, methodological approaches, principles, technologies, study conditions, forms of training and stages of implementation (preliminary, main and final). The model introduced for professional activity in the conditions of inclusive education in the university's study process has the following characteristics: expediency, integrity, internal unity and consistency. The distinctiveness of the presented model lies in the possible application of taught subjects, such as the Inclusion in the Educational Environment module developed by the authors, educational internships and research work of students (RWS). Furthermore, the model is functional, based on a systemic and student-centred approaches and the principle of continuity of learning, i.e., lifelong learning (LLL).
Challenges in Managing Bilingual Schools: A Solution Through Higher Education for Prospective Leaders
bilingual education management education prospective leader...
This qualitative study is part of a feasibility study conducted by State University of Malang (SUM), Indonesia, to determine stakeholder needs for a study program specializing in managing bilingual education. The study participants included one SUM lecturer who held a managerial position in the division of SUM laboratory schools and twelve teachers/leaders of bilingual schools in some cities in East Java and South Sulawesi. Data were collected using an online questionnaire and in-depth interviews with two selected participants. The results indicate issues related to teachers' English competencies, materials development, and integrating an internationally-oriented curriculum into the national curriculum. Teachers' low English competencies prevented them from conducting teaching and learning bilingually and developing instructional materials in appropriate English. In addition, the combination of national and international curricula was identified as the biggest challenge for bilingual schools. The teachers/leaders were never trained to manage the bilingual program. They learned based on their experiences, and it took years to figure out how to manage bilingual programs successfully. Therefore, the establishment of a new program of study is needed.
Inculcating Ethical and Moral Values amongst the E-Learners: Proposing a Model for E-Learning Platforms
online education e-learning e-learning platform ethical values moral values learning management system...
Under the influence of neo-liberalism and marketization, education is increasingly becoming more content-focused than character one. Ignoring the fact that money, science, and technology may take a person to the moon, these are ethical and moral values that take him/her to the even loftier heights of humanity. Recent COVID-19-driven focus on information and communication technology (ICT) and digital learning have further added to these woes by focusing more on human-machine interaction than human-human ones. Traditional models for inculcating these values through education which heavily rely on the physical presence of teachers do not seem to work in these circumstances. This demands a model for inculcating these values in learning management systems/ e-learning platforms. This study contributes in this regard by first identifying key players and factors, and then proposing a model for it. Using the Delphi model, it gathers opinions from 59 experts in two rounds. Academic institutions, society and online community members, teachers, and e-contents were identified as key factors and players. It suggests a holistic approach-based model through which all of them play their role and collaborate through an e-learning platform. That platform can be used to disseminate information, create awareness, monitor, and report the e-learners. It uses pull and push strategies to help the e-learners to develop those values.
The Efficiency of Tailored Systems for Language Education: An App Based on Scientific Evidence and for Student-Centered Approach
immigration mobile-assisted language learning refugees second language technology-based education...
In the vulnerable and unstable contexts that characterize populations in mobility between countries, especially immigrants and refugees, the second language learning has assumed new traits of difficulty. To help the new generation of learners, mainly with origin in forced immigration, the mobile-assisted learning helps motivation for language learning and reduces anxiety related to language acquisition. Attending to this challenge educational scenario, this review study presents a literature systematic analysis and a concrete technology tool that advocates the student-centered approach. A mobile pedagogical plan was developed for the learning of European Portuguese as a Second Language and as a Foreign Language. A critical review of 38 studies was conducted to understand how the mobile-assisted learning responds to the inclusion and education, especially concerning minorities. Based on previous empirical data with 108 immigrants, we understand the type of tasks that new immigrants have more difficulty learning in Portuguese. It was developed as a mobile app for Android, IOS, computers and tablets: the GoGenius app. In mobile format, individuals can access fourteen themed units with a symmetrical game architecture. These games focused the tasks and themes with priority for new language learners who recently arrived in a hosting country. These units involve a consistent number of working hours that intentionally intend to complement to the contact hours that the subjects have in classroom contexts or in unstable communication contexts (daily communication). This technology project aims to match “tailored” psychological and technological resources. Flipped classroom approach showed how mobile-assisted learning reinforces the educational goals worldwide, specifically for language learning. However, mobile tools should be well structured and centered on students’ needs, especially with migration backgrounds.
Factors Affecting the Learning of Second - Generation Migrant Children in Greek Primary School
immigrants intercultural education learning difficulties second- generation...
An issue that has preoccupied young researchers and educators is the interaction of the fields of special and intercultural education as well as the factors that lead to the coexistences of them. The purpose of this study is to examine the factors that hinder the learning process of second-generation immigrant students in Greek primary schools. The ages of the children we will refer to are 7-8 years old due to the school achievements in reading and writing that are mastered up to this age point. This study is part of a larger study, which consists of qualitative and quantitative data from two research tools: interviews and questionnaires from teachers and guardians. The results were divided into categories. One of the main ones that stand in the way of children's learning is psychological and social factors, according to 91.8% of the participants in the questionnaire. In addition, it is worth noting that 82.6% argued that the reason students have learning difficulties is due to biological reasons. In conclusion, there is a correlation between learning difficulties and intercultural education that should be studied. The latter can play a pivot role to the assistance of the diverse categories of students' needs.
The Training of Greek Primary Education Teachers in Learning Difficulties
learning difficulties need analysis primary education teacher training...
Most Greek primary teachers, not having enough training in learning difficulties, cannot effectively help these students, nor easily include them in the school context. An exploratory methodological approach has been used and an ad hoc questionnaire with four dimensions and 44 items has been designed. In this work we focus on dimension IV: Teacher training. 205 Greek primary school teachers have participated. One of the main results has been that most of the participants consider training in learning difficulties to be important and believe that the lack of training greatly affects the inclusion of students with learning difficulties. Equally important is that the majority of participants consider that training affects their attitudes. It was also found that Greek teachers do not believe they have enough training in learning difficulties, due to lack of time, the cost of training as well as the absence of frequent training activities in this field.
The Effectiveness of The Educare Program in Improving Pro-Social Attitudes to Prevent Bullying in Inclusive Schools
bullying prevention educare program inclusive school pro-social attitude...
The fundamental challenge in implementing inclusive schools is related to accepting students with special needs by other students. Lack of acceptance and respect for differences often trigger acts of bullying. There are insufficient studies describing that the perpetrator of bullying in school is a student with special needs. This study aims to measure the effectiveness of the educare program in improving students' pro-social attitudes to prevent bullying in inclusive schools. The Educare Program consisted of four lesson plan themes and became a treatment instrument. Single subject research (SSR) was used for the research method, implementing the baseline-intervention-maintenance (AB+M) phase with multiple baselines across subjects. Three students, including a student with a disability and a low pro-social attitude, were the subjects of this study. The data were collected through observation and analyzed through graphical visual inspection focusing on trend, level, latency, and percentage of all non-overlapping data (PAND). The results of the study presented in polygon graphs and PAND showed that the Educare Program is very effective in increasing students' pro-social attitudes. Almost all scores of pro-social attitudes obtained through trend with PAND reached 96.11%.
Teaching Practices to Support the Transition of Students With Intellectual Disabilities to Adulthood
adulthood intellectual disability teachers teaching practices transition services...
There is a great need to provide transition planning and enhance the success of individuals with intellectual disabilities in employment and independent living through appropriate practices. This study aims to explore the essential components of effective transition services that teachers should include in their instruction of students with intellectual disabilities. A descriptive quantitative research design was utilized, and data were collected through an online survey from 102 teachers of students with intellectual disabilities. The findings indicated that participants sometimes included most of the five essential components of effective transition service components in their teaching. No statistically significant differences were found in participants’ responses based on school type, years of teaching experience, or qualifications. However, statistically significant differences were found between male and female participants in responses to two of the main components, namely, student-focused planning and interagency collaboration, with male participants reporting higher mean scores than female participants. The study’s implications for practice and future research are also discussed.
Sohanjana Antibullying Intervention: Culturally and Socially Targeted Intervention for Teachers in Pakistan to Take Actions Against Bullying
aggression prevention antibullying intervention pakistan’s educational institutions social and cultural adaptation teachers’ professional development...
Several studies have demonstrated that bullying and cyberbullying are prevalent in Pakistani educational institutions, negatively affecting students' physical and mental health. Literature has revealed that it has not always been successful to prevent bullying in Pakistani educational institutions by adapting or adopting antibullying interventions from other countries. Sohanjana Antibullying Intervention is the first contextualized antibullying intervention designed specifically for Pakistani teachers. Assisting teachers in identifying bullying and victimization issues prevalent in educational institutions, intervening quickly to assist pupils, and creating a conducive school environment are the main goals of this program. A description of the Sohanjana intervention program, its modules, and its design is presented in the current study. After a comprehensive literature review on bullying in Pakistan, and conducting a baseline survey for need assessment, the program’s content and activities have been developed. In this 32-hour professional development program, teachers are trained on eight different themes over the course of eight modules. In the present paper, the design, the theoretical background, details of the different modules and preliminary evaluation data of the Sohanjana intervention program are presented. A pilot study of the intervention so far has produced successful results and gathered positive feedback from participants. As a result of the feedback, several recommendations and suggestions are discussed in the study.
Self-Efficacy and Attitudes Toward Computers of General and Special Education Teachers in Greece During the COVID-19 Period
ict general education special education teachers...
During COVID-19 in Athens, Greece, 535 general education and 170 special education teachers were tested for computer use self-efficacy, ICT competence, and computer attitudes. Demographic and occupational factors impacted computer attitudes and computer use self-efficacy. The GCAS and GCSES showed that general and special education teachers liked computers. Teachers were computer-savvy and confident. Computer attitudes boosted computer use self-efficacy. Computer self-efficacy is strongly linked with computer attitudes, subscales of confidence and affection and moderately linked with cognitions about computers. Age, position, and ICT training substantially influenced computer attitudes and computer use self-efficacy. ICT-trained teachers had improved their attitudes and computer use self-efficacy. Computer self-efficacy and attitudes about computers did not change for special education teachers, but computer confidence increased. Except for those under 25, younger teachers demonstrated higher computer self-efficacy than older ones.
Advertising Management of Early Childhood Education Institution: Challenges, Opportunities, and Development
advertising management early childhood education education promotion management technology...
Advertising or promotion management analyses, plans, and monitors programs to create target market exchanges and achieve institutional goals. Early childhood education (ECE) is an educational institution needing advertising management. This study examines the implementation of ECE advertising management in terms of challenges, opportunities, and developments. This study showed two major areas: 1) practitioners were more innovative and creative in using technology to develop advertising management, and 2) the educational institution got better recognition from society, especially parents. This study uses the literature study method, assisted by the publish perish application, to find reference sources related to educational advertising management for ECE. The study showed that the ability of schools and teachers to provide services based on consumers’ demands influenced the implementation of organisational advertising management challenges. Meanwhile, advertising management developments were sometimes affected by the actions of the advertising media. Social media informed consumers about the institution without spending more money and effort.
Demystifying the Relationship Between Confidence and Critical Thinking in Mathematics among Preservice Teachers in West Philippines
educational research innate characteristics mathematics education prospective teachers thinking skills...
Mathematical confidence and critical thinking are essential in preparing preservice teachers. Thus, this study explored the perceived confidence and critical thinking levels in mathematics of elementary and secondary preservice teachers. A descriptive-correlational-comparative research design was employed, with a sample of 107 randomly selected preservice teachers enrolled in the Bachelor in Elementary and Secondary Education programs of a state university in West Philippines. The study used arithmetic mean, standard deviation, Spearman’s rank-order correlation, and independent samples t-test to analyze and draw conclusions from the data. The findings revealed that the preservice teachers have high confidence and critical thinking skills. Their program significantly correlates with their perceived critical thinking and confidence level. Besides, the preservice teachers’ confidence levels and perceived critical thinking skills significantly correlate. Further analysis found significant confidence and critical thinking differences favoring the secondary over the elementary preservice teachers. These findings provide insights that would benefit mathematics educators in providing priority programs to enhance the preparation of future math teachers.
Learning for Children With Special Needs: The Effect of Visionary Leadership and Organizational Commitment on Teachers’ Performance
learning for children with special needs organizational commitment teacher performance visionary leadership...
Inclusive teaching development has provided opportunities for children to study it with special needs to study in the school. Although some parents prefer to enroll their children in schools specifically designed for those with special needs, inclusive learning allows these individuals to participate in the learning process alongside their peers with disabilities. Through inclusive teaching, teachers aim to help children develop their social skills. This research aimed to analyze the influence of visionary leadership and organizational commitment on teacher performance under the visionary leadership of school principals in the implementation of inclusive schools in Malang City. The utilized research methodology was a mixed sequential exploratory, involving data collection through interviews, observations, documentation, and questionnaires. Qualitative data analysis employed content analysis, while quantitative data underwent multiple linear regression inferential statistical analysis. The findings indicated that visionary leadership and organizational commitment influence the instructional efficacy of teachers when working with children having special educational requirements. Therefore, the recommendation to school principals persistently enhances their leadership competencies and reinforces their dedication to cultivating a vibrant teaching environment that promotes inclusive educational advancements.
The Degree of Application of Language Activities in Autistic Children and Their Relationship in Improving Verbal Expression Skills in Special Education Centers in Jordan
autistic children language activities special education centers verbal expression skills...
The study sought to determine the degree to which autistic children used language activities and their relevance to increasing verbal expression abilities in Jordanian special education institutions. The descriptive-analytical technique was used in the investigation. The two dimensions were utilized to represent the instrument through a set of 27 statements. The participants included 200 instructors from special education centers in Amman, Jordan's capital. The study's findings revealed a high level of application of linguistic activities among autistic children in Jordanian special education programs. Their ability to express themselves verbally improved significantly as well. The findings also revealed a statistically significant positive link between the extents to which autistic children applied language exercises and the improvement of verbal expression abilities in special education institutions.
Art Teaching: Inclusive Factor and Attention to Diversity
artistic creation art education cultural diversity inclusive education...
The current research aims to analyze art teaching as an inclusive factor and pays attention to diversity in excluded populations to meet the needs of students in the pandemic context. In regard to methodology, we used the naturalistic paradigm, a qualitative approach, and an inductive method with a phenomenological and hermeneutical design. The data collection techniques we used were semi-structured interviews with teachers of the Regular Basic Education in Peru. The findings show that through the mediation of diverse artistic languages and the implementation of different didactic strategies, it is possible to achieve an interaction free from exclusion barriers, driven by good teaching practices that enable the inclusion and attention to the diversity of students, providing them with opportunities to develop capacities and skills to establish better coexistence. We concluded that art education comprises a lasting learning process that guarantees a healthy environment for peaceful coexistence, which today, inclusive teachers, parents, and students should keep in mind.
The Evolution of Research on School Attendance: A Bibliometric Review of Scholarly Output
bibliometrics school absenteeism school attendance school attendance problems school refusal...
School attendance problems are of great research interest, which is reflected in the increase of scientific publications. This increase hinders the adequate follow-up and updating of the scientific community on the subject. The aim of the present bibliometric study lies in the review of the scientific literature published on school attendance problems during 2014-2021. A bibliographic search and analysis of scientific articles was performed, obtaining a definitive sample of 700 documents. Results were extracted and analyzed for the following indicators: temporal productivity, productivity by authors, co-authorship index, productivity by journals, use of topics, research areas addressed and types of samples used. The number of publications indicates a progressive increase of interest on the subject, which has not corresponded to the creation of a specific journal on the subject. There is also evidence of the need for consensus on the topics to be used; the preference for knowing the factors associated with school attendance problems over other areas of research; and the generalized use of community samples as opposed to more specific ones. In conclusion, the characteristics researched on school attendance problems are presented; knowledge that will facilitate the establishment of intervention processes applicable to different contexts and realities.
The Practicability of Quality Assurance Mechanisms in Promoting Tanzanian Universities’ Compliance
practicability quality assurance mechanisms university compliance...
Compliance with any policies, laws and regulations, including university compliance with quality assurance mechanisms globally, depends on the practicability of those mechanisms. Like other countries, Tanzania has quality assurance mechanisms that require universities to comply. However, the existing audit reports have shown non-compliance cases to such mechanisms. This study sought to explore the practicability of the existing quality assurance mechanisms in promoting universities’ compliance in Tanzania. The documentary reviews, interviews, and focus group discussions were used to collect data from the 4 universities and 46 students, academics, and quality assurance directors and officers as a sample size selected purposively. The data were analysed through content analysis. The findings revealed that the existing quality assurance mechanisms are generally practicable; however, there are quality assurance requirements with practicability challenges due to contextual factors. Such requirements include senior academics in administrative duties, academics’ promotion, academics’ recruitment, inclusive and participatory teaching approaches, requirements with extra financial costs, examination scripts’ marking, and invigilation restrictions. This study concludes that the practicability challenges of some quality assurance mechanisms are one reason for non-compliance cases at some Tanzanian universities. It recommends that key stakeholders be involved in establishing mechanisms, and all contextual factors must be addressed to enhance practicability.
Exploring the Factors of Firm-Provided Continuing Education and Training: A Systematic Literature Review
employer-provided training job-related training lifelong learning training investments vocational training...
Given the insufficient involvement of business investments in adult education, this study focused on the factors that motivate managers and entrepreneurs to invest in continuing education. For this purpose, we conducted a systematic literature review of studies referenced in Scopus and Web of Science since 2015. The factors for training were classified into four levels: personal, organizational, industry-related, and national. The results indicated that the inside firm-related determinants are the most studied and essential. A consensus emerged in the relevant literature on the positive impact of a supportive workplace culture, a learning orientation, formalized human resource development practices, and employee voice. The long-term orientation of managers and the perception of employees’ flexibility and adaptability to change also play a role. The study highlights the increasing pressure from regulations and market competition, as well as the (in)capability of universities to provide training tailored to the specific needs of companies. Although institutional factors appeared to predominate, economic considerations also influence training decisions; the latter means that the two underlying theories – institutional theory and human capital theory – complement each other when explaining employers' incentives to invest in training.
Special Education Teachers’ Perceived Work Stress, Burnout Symptoms, Towards Adoption of Transformational Teaching in Inclusive Schools: A Cross-Country Study Between Indonesia and Thailand
burnout symptoms inclusive education special education teacher transformational teaching work stress...
During the implementation of the inclusive education policy in several countries in Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the psychological health of special education teachers should be considered as a key success factor. This study explored special education teachers’ perceived work stress (PWS), bio-psychological burn-out symptoms (BPS), and transformational teaching (TFT) in inclusive education in Indonesia and Thailand. There were 177 Indonesian and 199 Thai teachers completing a series of questionnaires that included BPS, PWS, and TFT. The results showed that BPS and PWS were high, whereas BPS and TFT were significantly different across nations. No gender differences were found among both Indonesian and Thai teachers. Moreover, TFT could be significantly predicted by positive age and negative work stress, which explained 8% of the variance among Indonesian teachers (R2 = .08, F(4, 172) = 4.18, p < .01) and by positive age and negative burnout symptoms, which explained 6% of the variance among Thai teachers (R2 = .06, F(4, 186) = 3.18, p < .05). Furthermore, inclusive education policymakers and stakeholders should be aware of psychological health improvement including burnout symptoms and work stress, which negatively invade the role of TFT among special education teachers in both countries.
Implementing the Quality of Life and Potential of Social Farming
intellectual disabilities personal outcome scale quality of life social farming...
The present study explores the Quality of Life (QoL) of young people with intellectual disabilities engaged in a social farming initiative, known as ‘‘Tuttincampo: Social Farming and Inclusivity’’. The project stands as an innovative approach to improving social inclusion and providing vocational education and training. The initiative seeks to offer a viable alternative to traditional rehabilitation day centers by establishing a network of both public and private institutions. To explore the QoL of the young people we analyze data from the Personal Outcome Scale (POS), a tool that investigates the perception of QoL through self-assessment and hetero-assessment. Data were collected at the beginning and at the end of the social agriculture project. The results obtained confirm the importance of planning pedagogical actions to support social inclusion and vocational training for people with intellectual disabilities, highlighting, as well, the potential of social farming as a new “space” to achieve a higher level of QoL.