درخت حوزه‌های تخصصی

Abstract This research covers the differences in some of the interactional competence components, such as topic management, turn management, non-verbal behavior, breakdown repair, and interactive listening, among Iraqi elementary and advanced EFL learners. In relation to both the face-to-face and virtual environments, this article tries to divulge how the said competencies of these learners change with task types—opinion exchange and jigsaw tasks—and educational setting. A mixed-methods design was used to collect quantitative and qualitative data through recordings in both learning environments. Statistical comparison showed that there were significant differences between the interactional competence components for elementary and advanced learners across the two environments. Particularly, advanced learners took turns more efficiently and listened interactively more successfully in face-to-face than in virtual settings; elementary learners struggled to manage topics in virtual compared to face-to-face settings. These findings have implications for EFL pedagogy, particularly in the area of improving virtual learning environments for interactional competence development. The discussion addresses some implications related to instructional design, pedagogical practices, and language assessment in EFL contexts. A mixed-methods design was used to collect quantitative and qualitative data through recordings in both learning environments. Statistical comparison showed that there were significant differences between the interactional competence components for elementary and advanced learners across the two environments. Particularly, advanced learners took turns more efficiently and listened interactively more successfully in face-to-face than in virtual settings; elementary learners struggled to manage topics in virtual compared to face-to-face settings. These findings have implications for EFL pedagogy, particularly in the area of improving virtual learning environments for interactional competence development. The discussion addresses some implications related to instructional design, pedagogical practices, and language assessment in EFL contexts.

This study investigates the impact of Iranian EFL learners' motivational goal orientations on their behavioral, cognitive, and emotional engagement in the classroom. Utilizing a mixed-methods design, the research involved 200 intermediate EFL learners from language schools in Iran, who completed the Oxford Quick Placement Test (OQPT), a Goal Orientation Survey, and a Student Engagement Questionnaire. The results show that mastery goal orientations, both approach and avoid, positively predict these engagement dimensions, while performance goal orientations do not significantly affect engagement. The findings highlight the importance of fostering mastery goals to enhance student engagement and improve language learning outcomes. The implications of this study suggest that educators should create a supportive learning environment that emphasizes mastery goals, thereby facilitating deeper engagement and better academic performance among EFL learners. This study investigates the impact of Iranian EFL learners' motivational goal orientations on their behavioral, cognitive, and emotional engagement in the classroom. Utilizing a mixed-methods design, the research involved 200 intermediate EFL learners from language schools in Iran, who completed the Oxford Quick Placement Test (OQPT), a Goal Orientation Survey, and a Student Engagement Questionnaire. The results show that mastery goal orientations, both approach and avoid, positively predict these engagement dimensions, while performance goal orientations do not significantly affect engagement. The findings highlight the importance of fostering mastery goals to enhance student engagement and improve language learning outcomes. The implications of this study suggest that educators should create a supportive learning environment that emphasizes mastery goals, thereby facilitating deeper engagement and better academic performance among EFL learners.

This study aimed to examine the predictive relationship between self-advocacy, resilience, and adaptive behavior in adults with ADHD. A correlational descriptive research design was used, with a sample of 400 adults with ADHD recruited through online platforms and mental health clinics. Participants completed standardized assessments, including the Adaptive Behavior Assessment System-Third Edition (ABAS-3) for adaptive behavior, the Self-Advocacy Measure for Youth and Adults (SAMYA), and the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC). Data were analyzed using Pearson correlation and multiple linear regression in SPSS-27 to evaluate the relationships between self-advocacy, resilience, and adaptive behavior. Descriptive statistics indicated moderate levels of adaptive behavior (M = 85.32, SD = 9.87), self-advocacy (M = 60.41, SD = 11.56), and resilience (M = 69.87, SD = 14.92). Pearson correlation results revealed significant positive associations between adaptive behavior and both self-advocacy (r = 0.58, p < 0.01) and resilience (r = 0.62, p < 0.01). Multiple linear regression showed that self-advocacy and resilience collectively accounted for 44% of the variance in adaptive behavior (F(2, 397) = 45.82, p < 0.01, R² = 0.44). However, when examined separately, self-advocacy (B = -0.09, p = 0.024) had a significant negative predictive effect, while resilience (B = -0.022, p = 0.502) was not a significant predictor. The findings suggest that while both self-advocacy and resilience are correlated with adaptive behavior, their individual predictive effects differ, with self-advocacy playing a more prominent role. These results highlight the importance of fostering self-advocacy skills in adults with ADHD to enhance adaptive functioning. Further research is needed to explore moderating factors that may influence these relationships.

This study aimed to explore the impact of special education policies on the psychological well-being of exceptional students. This qualitative research employed a phenomenological approach, utilizing semi-structured interviews with 33 exceptional students recruited through online platforms. The study relied on theoretical saturation to determine the final sample size. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis with the support of NVivo software, following an inductive coding process to identify key themes related to emotional and psychological well-being, policy implementation, and future prospects of exceptional students. The results revealed three primary themes: emotional and psychological impacts, the effectiveness of special education policies, and long-term student outcomes. Participants reported experiences of stigmatization, social exclusion, and policy-related stress, which significantly affected their emotional well-being. While some students benefited from individualized education plans and supportive teacher interactions, others faced inconsistencies in policy implementation, leading to increased anxiety and uncertainty. The study also highlighted the crucial role of parental advocacy and teacher preparedness in ensuring the effectiveness of special education policies. Long-term concerns included access to higher education, career readiness, and independent living skills, with many participants expressing uncertainty about future accommodations and opportunities. The study underscores the critical influence of special education policies on the psychological well-being of exceptional students, emphasizing the need for stable, well-implemented policies, improved teacher training, and stronger parental engagement. Addressing inconsistencies in policy application and enhancing emotional support mechanisms within educational settings are essential steps toward fostering the well-being and long-term success of exceptional students.

With the advent of advanced technology, a substantial proportion of reading takes place online. Reading engagement is an important factor which makes considerable contributions to reading comprehension. However, there is no valid and reliable measure for assessing learners' online reading engagement. Accordingly, this study constructed and validated a scale to gauge LORE. Initially, 20 EFL learners and 20 teachers were interviewed and based on the results of thematic analysis and extant components in the literature, an initial draft of the LORE was prepared. This draft became subject to expert opinion in a panel of three PhD holders in TEFL. Afterwards, the scale was distributed to 335 learners. The results of exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and Cronbach's Alpha yielded satisfactory psychometric properties for the 21-item scale consisting of six factors including affective, behavioral, cognitive, linguistic, agentic, and social dimensions. The analysis of aggregate means revealed that learners were highly engaged in behavioral and affective aspects, moderately engaged in the cognitive and agentic facets, but they had low levels of engagement in linguistic and social dimensions. Based on the results, the scale can be safely used to measure EFL learners' online reading engagement. Moreover, it is recommended that EFL teachers take measures to foster learners' linguistic and social engagement.