Research in Education and Rehabilitation

FELLOWSHIP GRADUATES' PERSPECTIVES OF MENTORED PRACTICE IN OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY

2025-12-29T11:02:55+00:00

This study aimed to improve mentored practice by exploring graduates’ perspectives on their mentorship experiences. A qualitative approach was used, incorporating a survey and optional follow-up interviews. Of the nine respondents, seven were occupational therapists who completed an AOTA-accredited fellowship program. These participants, aged 20 to 40, had diverse educational backgrounds, including master’s, doctorate, and PhD candidates, and held advanced certifications. Three participants engaged in follow-up interviews. Five themes emerged: (1) the mentoring relationship, (2) impact on skill and knowledge development, (3) role of mentors in clinician growth, (4) effective mentoring techniques, and (5) suggestions for improving professional development.

SOCIODEMOGRAPHIC FACTORS AND QUALITY OF LIFE OF MOTHERS OF CHILDREN WITH CEREBRAL PALSY: IMPACT ON CHILDREN’S PSYCHOSOCIAL HEALTH

2025-12-29T11:06:16+00:00

The aim of this retrospective study was to examine the association between the quality of life of mothers of children with cerebral palsy and various sociodemographic characteristics, as well as to analyze the relationship between mothers’ subjective assessments of their quality of life and the psychosocial functioning of their children. The sample consisted of 61 mothers and their children diagnosed with cerebral palsy. Data were collected using the PedsQL™ 2.0 Family Impact Module and the PedsQL™ 4.0 Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory, both completed by the mothers. Socioeconomic status was assessed using the Hollingshead Index. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics and nonparametric tests, including Spearman’s correlation, and were conducted using IBM SPSS Statistics 25. The results indicated that sociodemographic factors had a limited impact on mothers’ quality of life, whereas the psychosocial functioning of the child significantly influenced the mothers’ daily lives. These findings highlight the need for comprehensive support that addresses the emotional and social dimensions of children's health in order to improve the overall well-being of their mothers.

PRESENCE OF AUTISTIC TRAITS AND SOCIAL SUPPORT AMONG INDIVIDUALS IN STEM AND NON-STEM OCCUPATIONS

2025-12-29T11:10:18+00:00

Autistic traits and social support are important factors influencing social functioning and well-being. The aim of this study was to examine the presence of autistic traits and analyze perceived social support across three domains—family, friends, and community—among individuals engaged in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics – STEM and non-STEM occupations. A total of 206 participants of varying age and gender were surveyed. Data were collected using standardized scales measuring autistic traits and social support, and statistical analyses included nonparametric tests and correlation analyses. Results indicated that individuals in STEM fields exhibited higher levels of autistic traits compared to those in non-STEM fields. Among participants outside STEM occupations, males demonstrated significantly higher autistic traits than females. A significant negative correlation was found between autistic traits and perceived social support, indicating that higher levels of autistic traits were associated with lower perceived support. Additionally, in the STEM subgroup, increased time spent on social media was linked to decreased perceived social support from family and friends, while overall perceived social support showed a slight increase with more social media use, suggesting complex interactions within digital social environments. These findings highlight the variability in social support experiences related to autistic traits and occupational contexts, emphasizing the need for tailored interventions and further research on the impact of digital media on social relationships.

TRANSFORMATION OF EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP IN THE MODERN ERA: A REVIEW BASED ON QS ALI IMRON 159

2025-12-29T11:12:25+00:00

The leadership crisis in Islamic educational institutions today not only reflects weak managerial capacity but also marks the erosion of spiritual values that are the foundation of Qur'anic leadership. This study aims to construct a paradigm of transformative educational leadership based on the values of the Qur'an, especially QS Ali Imran verse 159, which emphasizes the principles of gentleness, deliberation, and firmness of tawakkul as pillars of prophetic leadership. The method used is library research with a thematic interpretation approach (mawḍu'i), compiling verses of the Qur'an and the views of classical and contemporary commentators to interpret their relevance to the context of modern educational leadership. The results show that leadership from the perspective of the Qur'an requires not only the ability to manage institutions, but also moral integrity, social sensitivity, and spiritual wisdom. QS Ali Imran: 159 teaches a leadership model that is characterized by empathy, communication, and collaboration, far from the authoritarian model that often dominates educational institutions. The principles of fa'fu 'anhum, wasṭaghfir lahum, and shawirhum fil amr are not merely ethical guidelines, but strategic formulas for building participatory leadership in an era of disruption. Thus, the transformation of educational leadership according to the Qur'an is not merely a structural change, but a paradigmatic shift toward leadership that is rahmatan lil-'alamin: adaptive to modernity, yet rooted in divine values. This model is expected to produce educational leaders who are knowledgeable and scientifically practiced, and who become role models of civilization in facing the global challenges of 21st-century education.

EFFECT OF PERIODIC TABLE PUZZLE GAME ON SENIOR SCHOOL CHEMISTRY STUDENT ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE

2025-12-29T11:17:25+00:00

This study investigated the effects of periodic table puzzle game on secondary school students’ academic performance in Chemistry, focusing on the topic of the periodic table. A quasi-experimental 2x2x3 factorial design involving pre-test and post-test control groups was employed. A total of 105 SS2 students from co-educational public schools in Ilorin, Kwara State, were selected using purposive and stratified sampling techniques. The experimental group was taught using a periodic table puzzle game, while the control group received conventional instruction. Data were collected using a validated 50-item Chemistry Achievement Test (CAPT), with a reliability coefficient of 0.81 using Kuder-Richardson Formula 20 (KR-20). Pre-test and post-test scores were analysed using descriptive statistics for research questions and ANCOVA for hypotheses testing. The findings revealed that students taught using periodic table puzzle game learning performed significantly better than those taught with traditional methods (F(1,102) = 18.497, p < .05). There was no significant gender difference in performance, but a significant difference was observed among high, medium, and low scorers (F(2,102) = 5.767, p < .05). No significant interaction effect was found between gender and achievement level. The study concluded that periodic table puzzle game is effective in enhancing students’ academic performance in Chemistry across varying ability levels.

APPLICATION OF CHILD-CENTERED PLAY THERAPY: A RESEARCH REVIEW

2025-12-29T11:23:31+00:00

Play represents a key aspect of a child's overall development, with particular importance in the domains of emotional expression and social interaction. Since children often cannot verbally articulate their feelings, play therapy emerges as a natural and effective way to understand and resolve emotional conflicts. Child-Centered Play Therapy (CCPT), a nondirective approach, allows the child to independently choose toys and direct the course of play, while the therapist provides support without direct guidance. The aim of this paper is to highlight the significance and effectiveness of the CCPT method in working with children facing various emotional, behavioral, and developmental difficulties, through a review and analysis of contemporary literature. The literature review was conducted using relevant scientific sources according to precisely defined criteria. Ten of the most influential empirical studies on the application of CCPT in different contexts and populations were selected. Based on the analysis of the chosen studies, it can be concluded that CCPT has significant positive effects on children with behavioral disorders, learning difficulties, socialization problems, and emotional attachment issues, as well as children on the autism spectrum. The therapy proved effective in various cultural and educational contexts, and it is particularly successful when family members are actively involved in the treatment process. At the end of the paper, recommendations are provided for further research and practical application of CCPT in various developmental and clinical settings.

TECHNOLOGY ADOPTION AND PERFORMANCE OF FEMALE TRADERS IN THE INFORMAL SECTOR IN OYO STATE, NIGERIA

2025-12-29T11:35:48+00:00

The world has gone global and every aspect of human life is influenced by technology. Adopting technology can be way to improve business performance among women who dominate the informal sector. However, how well technology has been embraced by these women in this sector cannot be explained given the low level of business performance. There were six research questions raised to guide the study which was conducted using survey design. The population of the study consisted of all women in the informal sector in Oyo State, Nigeria out of which 240 women were sampled using multistage sampling technique. The instrument used for data collection was questionnaire which was analyzed using descriptive statistics (frequency and percentage) as well as inferential statistics (logistic regression). The finding of the study indicated that 66.7% of the women do not have internet enabled device while those who have, 35% used the device for communication while 22% use their device for financial transactions. There was a significant effect of technological adoption on the performance of the businesses owned by the women. The inability to adopt technology was due to several identified factors. It was concluded that adopting technology can drive the performance of female traders in the informal sector in Oyo State. Adequate awareness and training was recommended by trade groups and the government to enable the women embrace technology for improved business performance in the State.

THE INFLUENCE OF SOCIAL NETWORKS ON THE PREVALENCE OF BEHAVIORAL DISORDERS IN CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE

2025-12-29T11:38:34+00:00

This scientific research paper examines the connection between the use of social networks and the presence of internalized and externalized behavioral disorders in children and adolescents. By using multiple regression analysis, the effects of addiction to the Internet and social networks, time spent on the Internet and the frequency of using social networks on the problems of children and young people were investigated. The results show that predictors related to the use of social networks explain 12% of the variance of internalized behavioral disorders and 10% of externalized ones. Based on the obtained results, it can be concluded that the abuse of the Internet and social networks has a significant impact on the appearance of anxiety, depression, aggressiveness and impulsivity. The work points to the need for preventive measures and education of children, parents and teachers about the responsible use of digital technologies.

A REVIEW OF PREVIOUS RESEARCH ON THE MARITAL AND FAMILY SITUATION OF OLDER ADULTS WITH VISUAL IMPAIRMENT

2025-12-29T11:41:38+00:00

Visual impairment in later life presents numerous challenges that go beyond the physical dimension and significantly affect the emotional, social, and family functioning of older adults. This review paper analyzes findings from relevant studies addressing the relationship between visual impairment and the quality of marital and family relationships. Special attention is given to the role of the partner as a source of support, the presence of loneliness, and the coping strategies that older individuals develop in order to maintain the stability of marital and family relationships while living with visual impairment. Research indicates that vision loss in old age changes the dynamics of marital and family relationships, where the quality of interpersonal bonds, a sense of personal involvement, and the availability of social support become key to preserving emotional stability and life satisfaction. The loss of vision often requires a redistribution of family roles and can create additional emotional and practical burdens for both the person with the impairment and their partner or family members. Marital and family relationships can thus serve as a source of strength and security, but also of stress if adequate support and mutual understanding are lacking. It is concluded that support for visually impaired older adults should include emotional and family-related aspects of daily life, with the goal of strengthening partner relationships, family inclusion, and a sense of belonging.

VISUAL-SPATIAL PERCEPTION AND VISUAL-MOTOR COORDINATION IN STUDENTS WITH HEARING IMPAIRMENTS

2025-12-29T11:44:08+00:00

This paper defines the concepts of visual-spatial perception, visual-motor coordination, and hearing impairment. The aim of the study was to examine the characteristics of visual-spatial perception and visual-motor coordination in students with hearing impairments in comparison to their hearing peers. The research also explored whether these abilities vary depending on the degree of hearing loss and aimed to identify the factors that influence them.

The Diagnostic Kit for Assessing Speech, Language, Reading, and Writing Abilities in Children – Diagnostic Material for Identifying Specific Difficulties in Reading and Writing (Bjelica-Posokhova, 2001) was used, with a focus on variables related to visual-spatial perception and visual-motor coordination. Descriptive statistics, optimal scaling regression, and linear regression analyses were used for data processing.

The findings indicate that hearing students achieved statistically significantly better outcomes in both visual-spatial perception and visual-motor coordination compared to students with hearing impairments. Age, degree of hearing loss, educational conditions, and gender did not influence visual-spatial perception in students with hearing impairments. However, educational conditions and the degree of hearing loss did influence visual-motor coordination, while gender and age did not. Understanding how hearing impairment affects visual-spatial perception and visual-motor coordination is essential for the education and rehabilitation of children with hearing loss. These children may experience different developmental patterns in visual-motor and visual-spatial abilities, which can impact their daily functioning and academic performance. Rehabilitation and educational strategies should aim to integrate all sensory inputs to foster the development of adequate visual-spatial and visual-motor skills.

INTEGRATING ASTA BRATA VALUES IN INDONESIAN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PRINCIPAL LEADERSHIP: A QUALITATIVE CASE STUDY

2025-12-29T11:48:45+00:00

The academic inquiry has paid significant attention to leadership style, which profoundly impacts an organization’s development and progress. Scholars claim that this is of paramount importance for an organization to succeed. This study examines elementary school principals’ approach to practicing Asta Brata leadership values as they perceive them. This study was conducted using a qualitative approach with a case study design. The subjects of the study were 22 participants, who were elementary school principals and who were later set for thematic analysis. The data analysis indicates that the Bali elementary school principals operate under the leadership style principles derived from Asta Brata, which include inclusiveness, harmony, moral responsibility, and professional integrity. The findings help principals with educational leadership intersect with Asta Brata and local wisdom in understanding elementary school administrators’ leadership practices and decisions. This study advances notions of responsibility and practicality of leadership by drawing attention to leadership theory and practice and incorporating deep-seated cultural heritage to enable effective and ethical leadership in education.

THE INFLUENCE OF STRABISMUS ANGLE SIZE ON THE STATE OF STEREOSCOPIC VISUAL ACUITY

2025-12-29T11:55:43+00:00

The aim of the research is to examine the influence of the size of the strabismus angle on the state of stereoscopic visual acuity. The study included 240 participants, aged from 3 to 18 years, all examined in the orthoptic-pleoptic unit of the Eye Disease Clinic at the University Clinical Center Tuzla. The participants were divided into three age subgroups: 3 to 6 years, 7 to 14 years, and 15 to 18 years. The participants were equalized by number, age, and sex. For data analysis, the software package SPSS 17.0 for Windows was used, applying descriptive statistics, the Mann–Whitney test, p-value, and the χ² test. After data processing, and considering the results obtained through the research, it can be concluded that the size of the strabismus angle influences the state of stereoscopic visual acuity, with statistical significance recorded in all examined age groups. The research results indicate the importance of timely treatment, as well as the need for early detection, that is, early systematic examinations of preschool-aged children and the prevention of amblyopia.

ASSESSMENT OF BILINGUALISM IN SPEECH THERAPY PRACTICE: DIAGNOSTIC TECHNIQUES, LIMITATIONS AND PROFESSIONAL READINESS OF SPEECH THERAPISTS IN BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA

2025-12-30T11:32:30+00:00

The aim of this research was to examine the current state of speech therapy work in the context of bilingualism in Bosnia and Herzegovina, with a special emphasis on diagnostic techniques, assessment measures for bilingual speakers, and the preparedness of speech therapists for such assessments. The research was conducted through a survey entitled "The State of Speech Therapy Practice in the Context of Bilingualism in Bosnia and Herzegovina", which was answered by 61 speech therapists from Bosnia and Herzegovina. The results show that speech therapists most often rely on interviews with family members to collect information about the language abilities of bilingual individuals, while informal assessment of both languages is the dominant assessment measure. The most common problem in working with bilingual speakers is the lack of developmental norms and standardized assessment measures for other languages. The results obtained indicate the need for further professional development of speech therapists, as well as the necessity of improving diagnostic approaches and treatments in order to characterize speech therapy practice in this specific context.

MATERIAL FRAMEWORKS AND INTERVENTIONS ENHANCING READING SKILLS IN STUDENTS WITH LEARNING DISABILITIES: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

2025-12-30T11:35:16+00:00

This systematic literature review examines the characteristics of effective frameworks and intervention strategies designed to enhance reading skills among students with learning disabilities. Drawing on eight empirical studies published between 2015 and 2025, the review identifies four core framework features: structured design, technology integration, foundational skill development, and culturally responsive approaches. Guided by the PRISMA 2020 protocol, the analysis highlights mediating factors—teacher mediation, implementation fidelity, and contextual adaptation—as critical to intervention success. Equity-related considerations, including early identification, inclusive practices, and resource access, are shown to reduce marginalization and foster engagement. Reported outcomes include improvements in decoding, fluency, comprehension, motivation, and learner confidence. The findings underscore the importance of adaptable, context-sensitive frameworks that integrate academic and affective dimensions of literacy. Effective interventions combine multi-tiered instructional models, technology-enhanced scaffolds, and culturally relevant materials to promote inclusive and sustainable literacy development. The review concludes with recommendations for future research, emphasizing the need for comparative and longitudinal studies, deeper exploration of contextual adaptations, and enhanced teacher training to support equitable literacy instruction.

SPEED OF ACCOMMODATIVE RESPONSE IN RELATION TO AGE AND REFRACTIVE STATUS

2025-12-30T12:04:51+00:00

The simplest explanation of accommodation is the ability of eye to focus on objects which are close the same way as in the distance. The speed at which the eye attains this is one more aspect of human sight. Importance of speed of accommodation, the way of investigation, differences in rapidity of accommodation speed to age and differences in speed of accommodation related to condition of refraction are pointed out in this work. We also strive to introduce the results of a certain research and give our opinion about it. The analysis shows that younger individuals have faster accommodation than older ones, and that myopes have slower accommodation speed compared to emmetropes and hyperopes.

ASSESSMENT OF HEARING LOSS RISK DUE TO OCCUPATIONAL AND NON-OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE TO NOISE

2025-12-30T12:07:56+00:00

Loud noise in the workplace is a common occurrence in the labor market. Prolonged exposure to excessive noise can lead to hearing loss and the development of occupational disease. The aim of this study was to examine the impact of occupational noise exposure on the occurrence of hearing loss among workers exposed to hazardous noise levels in the workplace and to determine the extent to which non-occupational noise exposure contributes to overall exposure and the development of occupational hearing loss. Hearing assessment was performed using subjective audiological testing pure-tone audiometry, on a sample of 72 participants. The results revealed a significant risk of hearing loss among workers exposed to workplace noise (χ²=72.688, df=10, p=0.000<0.001). It was found that the degree of hearing loss increased with the duration of work in noisy environments (t=14.449, df=70, p<0.001). No statistically significant association was found between non-occupational noise exposure and changes in the degree of hearing loss, indicating that noise outside the workplace does not represent a significant predictor of the occurrence or progression of hearing loss.

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN PARENTAL INFORMATION-SEEKING ABOUT CHILD HEALTH AND DEVELOPMENT

2025-12-30T12:10:33+00:00

The aim of this study was to examine the extent to which parents use artificial intelligence (AI) as a source of information about child health and development, as well as to analyze the influence of age and educational level on the frequency of AI use. A cross-sectional study was conducted on a sample of 400 parents using a structured electronic questionnaire. The study analyzed the frequency of AI use, trust in AI and experts, and the association between demographic characteristics and the use of digital information sources. Overall, 52.5% of parents reported using AI tools to obtain information about child development. Younger parents and those with higher levels of education used these tools significantly more often. Parents with higher education had a fourteen-fold higher likelihood of using AI compared to respondents with only primary education. Most parents expressed moderate to high trust in AI, but at the same time, 83.8% believed that AI cannot replace professionals. The findings indicate that AI is becoming an important source of information among parents, particularly among younger and highly educated individuals. Based on the obtained results regarding parents’ attitudes toward AI technologies, these tools have potential as a supplementary resource for initial information seeking; however, professional judgment remains irreplaceable. The data provided by parents also highlight the need for the development of medically validated and regulated AI tools, as well as education on their safe and responsible use.

SELF-CONCEPTS AND STUDENTS’ ATTITUDE AS CORRELATES OF ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STUDENTS PERFORMANCE IN SCIENCE LEARNING

2025-12-30T12:15:53+00:00

This study examined the self-concept and students’ attitude as correlates of their performance in elementary science learning in Ikere Ekiti, Nigeria. The design was correlational research type. The population size for the study was all public 2,440 elementary school students from Ikere Local Government Area of Ekiti, Nigeria. The sample size for the study was 244 elementary school students from the entire population. Five hypotheses were raised to guide the study. The instruments used to elicit the relevant data were: A twenty item instrument questionnaire called Elementary Science Attitudinal Scale (ESAS) and a twenty item instrument questionnaire called Self- Concept towards Elementary Science (SCES)” designed by the researcher and the 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd terms examination scores of students were obtained as the students’ academic performance. The reliability coefficients of 0.80 and 0.83 for ESAS and SCES respectively were obtained. The data collected were analyzed using multiple regression analysis. The hypotheses were tested at 0.05 level of significance. The results revealed that: there is significant relationship between students’ attitude, self-concept and their academic performance. A significant difference between male and female students’ attitude, self-concept and their academic performance in elementary science was also found in favour of female. Based on the findings of the study, it was concluded among others that female students had higher self-concept and a better attitude than male students, and that there is a strong correlation between students' attitudes and self-concept and how well they performed academically in science classes.

THE IMPACT OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY ON THE QUALITY OF LIFE OF PEOPLE WITH VISUAL IMPAIRMENT

2025-12-30T12:17:59+00:00

The aim of this review paper was to investigate the impact of the application of artificial intelligence and assistive technology on the quality of life of people with visual impairments. The paper systematically reviewed research from electronic databases: PubMed, Google Scholar and ResearchGate, in the period from 2015 to 2025. The criteria for including the research were: only research with a specific sample was considered, that visually impaired people, i.e. blind or partially sighted people were included, that the people used assistive technology before or during the research, that the papers had undergone peer review. 60 studies were included in the triage procedure. 6 studies were included in the final analysis, which met the inclusion criteria. The results of the analyzed studies showed that the use of artificial intelligence and assistive technology significantly contributes to improving mobility, orientation and safety for users. The paper also points to certain limitations in the aforementioned studies, including smaller samples, lack of user education and lower digital literacy, which future research and analyses should take into account.

IDENTIFICATION OF BIOLOGICAL RISK FACTORS IN STUDENTS WITH SOCIAL COMMUNICATION DISORDER

2025-12-30T12:19:51+00:00

Social communication plays a crucial role in children’s social, emotional, and academic functioning, while difficulties in this domain may result in long-term developmental consequences. Increasing attention in contemporary research has been directed toward the role of biological risk factors in the development of social communication disorder, particularly those present during the prenatal, perinatal, and early postnatal periods. The study initially included 200 primary school students of both sexes, within which participants with social communication disorder were identified and constituted the experimental group. The aim of this study was to determine the presence and frequency of biological risk factors in children with social communication disorder, to examine differences between children with and without social communication disorder in relation to selected biological indicators, and to explore their association with the occurrence of the disorder. The research was conducted on a sample of 60 primary school students aged 7 to 11 years, including 30 children with social communication disorder and 30 children without the disorder. The criterion for forming the experimental and control groups was performance on a standardized test for the assessment of social communication. Data on biological risk factors were collected using a specially designed questionnaire completed by parents, encompassing prenatal, perinatal, and postnatal variables. Data analysis was performed using descriptive and inferential statistical methods, with the level of statistical significance set at p < 0.05. The results showed that social communication disorder was statistically significantly more prevalent among boys. Children with social communication disorder were more frequently born prematurely, had lower Apgar scores, deviations in birth weight, shorter duration of breastfeeding, and a higher frequency of prenatal complications and maternal medication use during pregnancy. No statistically significant differences between groups were found with regard to mode of delivery, postnatal hospitalization, or the presence of diagnosed illnesses. The obtained findings confirm the significant role of biological risk factors in the development of social communication disorder and highlight the need for early identification of children exposed to biological risks, as well as the planning of timely and targeted early intervention.

RAPID AUTOMATIZED NAMING IN PRIMARY SCHOOL CHILDREN

2025-12-30T13:50:50+00:00

The aim of the present study was to examine rapid automatized naming (RAN) abilities in primary school students and to construct percentile norms for the applied tasks. A total of 480 students participated in the study. The assessment included RAN tasks with objects, numbers, letters, and colors. Results showed that with increasing chronological age, naming speed improved. Percentile norms for the applied tasks are presented separately for each grade, from the second to fifth.