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Eurasian Society of Educational Research
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College House, 2nd Floor 17 King Edwards Road, Ruislip, London, HA4 7AE, UK

'Special education' Search Results

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Dimensionalizing has been discussed in the Grounded Theory Methodology (GTM) literature primarily as a component that informs the later stages of GTM coding (Strauss) or as a property and variety of human thinking (Schatzman). In this context, dimensional analysis is understood as an approach to concept formation, focusing on identifying the properties and empirical instances of a concept. Through this process, the scope conditions of a theory are clarified and explicitly defined. However, this perspective often overlooks how dimensionalizing contributes not only to concept formation but also to theory building. Specifically, the transition from dimensional analysis to theory development is seldom articulated. This article addresses this gap by using interview data from the substantive field of disability studies — specifically, parents raising a person with a disability (PwD). We demonstrate how dimensional analysis can be effectively applied at the conclusion of open coding, rather than solely at the final stages of GTM analysis, and how it can serve as a methodological tool for connecting categories, rather than for identifying the core category.

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10.12973/ijem.11.2.143
Pages: 143-158
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Diversity of Students and Their Needs: What do Teachers Face in Their Professional Development?

educational needs diversity equity inclusive education teacher professional development

Ana Torres-Soto Abraham , Bernárdez-Gómez , Mª Luisa García Hernández , Martína Ares-Ferreirós


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In recent decades, the work of teachers has been carried out in classrooms characterised by a high degree of diversity, necessitating the provision of pedagogical responses that promote the inclusion of students. This article is derived from the research, development and innovation (R+D+I) project 'Intergenerational Professional Development in Education Implications for the Professional Initiation of Teachers (DePrInED) and aims to analyse how teachers at compulsory education recognise, characterise and conceptualise the diversity and needs of students. A mixed methodological approach was employed, with information collected through focus groups and interviews with a total sample of 147 teachers from different educational levels (young, senior and retired). Thematic analysis, combined with a comparative analysis, was employed to analyse the data using ATLAS.ti software. The main categories analysed dealt with students' needs and their own diversity. The study's primary findings suggest that, in comparison to their retired counterparts, both young and veteran teachers make greater reference to the diversity and needs of students, and emphasise the scarcity of resources and support to effectively address the diversity of students in the classroom. Experienced teachers are found to make more frequent references to diversity and students' needs, while retired teachers make these references less often. This finding assumes particular significance in light of the paucity of studies that adopt a generational perspective to analyse how teachers perceive diversity.

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10.12973/ijem.11.2.159
Pages: 159-172
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This study examines the transition challenges faced by students with learning disabilities (LD) from primary to secondary school, focusing on emotional, behavioral, and social aspects. Using a sample of 168 special education teachers, the study employs the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ-Hel) to assess emotional symptoms, conduct problems, hyperactivity/inattention, peer relationship difficulties, and prosocial behavior before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Statistical analyses, including t-tests and repeated measures ANOVA, reveal significant increases in emotional and behavioral challenges post-pandemic. Effect sizes (Cohen’s d) indicate moderate to strong impacts in key areas, with emotional symptoms (η² = .06) and hyperactivity/inattention (η² = .05) exhibiting notable changes. The findings highlight the necessity for targeted interventions, such as teacher training on emotional regulation strategies and structured transition programs. Implications for educators and policymakers include the implementation of inclusive practices and specialized transition support structures to mitigate these challenges and enhance the overall well-being of students with LD.

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10.12973/ijem.11.2.189
Pages: 189-201
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There are studies in the learning management literature examining the measure of system usage, but few explore how users apply the software tools to achieve specific work tasks, which in turn leads to perceived benefits. In the context of distance education, this study focuses on how Learning Management Systems (LMS) are fully used by faculty for their instructional needs. It extends existing research on LMS adoption by investigating how faculty members or instructors use the LMS tools for effective class teaching to achieve educational outcomes. Four usage patterns were identified: communication, content management, assessment, and class management. A model is presented to examine how these usage patterns interplay to achieve the perceived benefits. Data were collected from 544 instructors using LMS, such as Blackboard Learn, etc. Structural equation modeling using LISREL was employed to assess the research model. The results suggest that the usage for communication, content, and assessment activities positively impacts the usage for class management. In turn, the usage for class management influences the net benefits perceived by the instructors, and the usage for content also impacts perceived net benefits directly. These results provide practical guidelines for LMS developers’ design improvements and institutions’ policies, such as training instructors to fully utilize LMS features to achieve the maximum benefits of distance education.

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10.12973/ijem.11.2.217
Pages: 217-231
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Developing efficient and reliable tools for assessing early mathematical skills remains a critical priority in educational research. This study aimed to develop and validate a brief version of the Prueba Uruguaya de Matemática (Uruguayan Mathematics Test, PUMa), a digital tool to assess mathematical abilities in children aged 5 to 6. The original test included 144 items covering both symbolic (66%) and non-symbolic (34%) tasks, such as approximate number system, counting, numerical ordering (forward and backward), math fluency, composition and decomposition of numbers, and transcoding auditory-verbal stimuli into Arabic-visual symbols. Unlike most existing tools that require individual administration by trained professionals and lack cultural adaptation for Latin American contexts, PUMa is self-administered, culturally grounded, and suitable for large-scale assessments using tablets. Using a sample of 443 participants and applying parametric and non-parametric models within the framework of Item Response Theory (IRT), along with correlations with TEMA-3, preliminary evidence was generated showing that the brief version retained precision and validity. The resulting shortened tests included 69 and 73 items for the parametric and non-parametric versions, yielding a balanced representation of symbolic (56%) and non-symbolic (44%) tasks. Despite item reduction, ability scores remained highly correlated between original and brief versions (r > .90), and both brief versions demonstrated strong internal consistency (α = .94). PUMa improves upon existing assessments by combining cultural relevance, group-based digital administration, and real-time data collection, offering a scalable solution for early identification and intervention. These features support personalized educational strategies that foster cognitive and academic development from the earliest stages.

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10.12973/ijem.11.2.245
Pages: 245-266
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Student dropouts led to a squandering of the education budget. The education system and society are significantly affected, particularly in terms of potential development. To ensure vocational students graduate and secure satisfactory employment in line with the field of study. Implementing a comprehensive system that encompasses promoting, supporting, preventing, and resolving various student issues is essential. This system includes close, meticulous care and support, timely and appropriate interventions, enhancement of life skills, guidance, and holistic student development. This research found that the risk factors in the teaching and learning process account for 90.78 percent of the reasons scholarship students drop out of the education system; there are instances of absenteeism, inappropriate behavior, and a dislike for the teacher and the subject they are teaching. Additionally, the care and support system for vocational students at risk of dropping out consists of four components: Component 1: living care; Component 2: dropout protection; Component 3: counseling and advising; and Component 4: transfer to support. The empirical evaluation of the care and support system for students concluded that the overall assessment was highly suitable. The information should be utilized for planning and policymaking in educational institutions.

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10.12973/ijem.11.3.283
Pages: 283-296
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Differentiated Instruction in Multigrade Classrooms: Bridging Theory and Practice

differentiated instruction multigrade teaching performance appraisal tool

Jaime B. Bunga , Maria Luisa R. Olano , Manuel R. Morga


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This qualitative study explored the implementation of Differentiated Instruction (DI) in Philippine multigrade classrooms with the aim of understanding teachers’ experiences, strategies, and challenges, as well as developing a performance appraisal tool. Guided by its specific objectives, the research examined how teachers plan, deliver, and manage differentiated lessons while addressing the diverse learning needs of students across multiple grade levels. Findings revealed that effective DI is rooted in intentional instructional planning, including learner profiling, curriculum mapping, and flexible pacing. Instructional delivery was enriched through the use of thematic and multimodal strategies, ability-based groupings, and contextually relevant teaching aids, although technological access and training remained persistent barriers. Classroom management practices emphasized inclusive routines, peer collaboration, and adaptive learning spaces. Teachers also highlighted the importance of assessment tools and reflective teaching practices in continuously improving instruction. In response to these findings, the study developed the Multigrade Differentiated Instruction Performance Appraisal Tool (MDI-PAT), which synthesizes theoretical frameworks with authentic classroom practices. The MDI-PAT serves as both a self-assessment and professional development guide for multigrade educators, promoting ongoing improvement in DI competencies. The study concludes that enhancing teacher capacities in planning, delivery, assessment, classroom management, and reflective practice is essential for fostering inclusive and effective learning environments in multigrade contexts. The insights and tools presented provide a practical framework for educational stakeholders seeking to enhance multigrade instruction in resource-constrained settings.

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10.12973/ijem.11.3.377
Pages: 377-390
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The personalization of learning and teaching processes represents an advanced approach to education that adapts content, pace, and teaching methods to the individual needs and preferences of students. This approach relies on analyzing diverse student characteristics, such as their knowledge level, progress, learning style, and interests. Achieving these goals is significantly supported by the use of information and communication technology, which facilitates and enhances the implementation of personalization in technology-enhanced learning (TEL). The primary objective of personalization is to increase student engagement, motivation, and support in achieving learning outcomes through individualized learning paths, real-time progress tracking, and feedback. This systematic literature review examines existing personalization approaches in secondary and higher education, supported by technology. The study investigates their effectiveness and provides recommendations for future research. Results reveal that personalized teaching methods—primarily through recommender systems, adaptive learning platforms, and algorithm-driven models—are effective in tailoring educational experiences by leveraging diverse student data, such as demographics, prior achievements, learning styles, and digital engagement. The review shows a predominant focus on higher education, particularly in subjects related to computer science and digital technologies. Quantitative evaluations complemented by qualitative insights, consistently indicate that personalization enhances content mastery, motivation, and overall satisfaction, with no significant negative effects identified.

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10.12973/ijem.11.3.359
Pages: 359-375
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Teachers’ self-efficacy in classroom management is essential to their professional identity and teaching quality. While contextual factors shape these beliefs, the role of pre-service teachers’ perceptions of teacher education courses in influencing self-efficacy through their classroom management beliefs remains underexplored. This study expands self-efficacy theory by proposing an integrated model in which beliefs serve as both a mediator and a moderator between course perceptions and classroom management self-efficacy, particularly in inclusive classrooms. It builds on previous evidence that pre-service teachers’ beliefs about proactive strategies partially mediate the relationship between their course perceptions and capability beliefs in proactive management practices. This leads to the proposal of a moderated mediation model to explore a more nuanced relationship by investigating whether pre-service teachers’ punishment-oriented classroom management beliefs alter the strength and direction of this partial mediation effect. Data collected online from 480 pre-service teachers enrolled in State University and National Colleges of Education in Sri Lanka, which were used in the previous study, were analyzed using SmartPLS4 structural equation modeling. The findings indicate that punishment-based beliefs negatively moderated the indirect partial effect of pre-service teachers’ perceptions of classroom management training on their self-efficacy for inclusive classroom management, mediated by preventative beliefs. This positive indirect effect was significant only when reactive punishment-based beliefs were at low to moderate levels. These findings suggest that an overreliance on reactive strategies diminishes the beneficial influence of teacher education on self-efficacy in implementing preventive measures for inclusive classroom management. The results emphasize the importance of fostering proactive beliefs through targeted training within initial teacher education programs, supported by dedicated engagement from teacher educators and policymakers.  

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10.12973/ijem.11.3.403
Pages: 403-421
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