Special Education and Teaching Commons^™

Parental Attitudes Towards Using Medication To Regulate Behavioral Problems Among Children With Autism Spectrum, Amna Abdulla Alneyadi

Thesis/ Dissertation Defenses

Medication is increasingly being used to manage behaviour among children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, teachers and parents continue to raise concerns about behavioural problems demonstrated by children with ASD. This raises questions about the efficacy of psychotropic medication used in managing behavioural problems among children with ASD. However, there is limited research on stakeholders’ attitudes towards the usage of medication to manage behavioural problems among children with ASD. The purpose of this study was to examine parents’ attitudes towards using medication to manage behavioural problems among children with ASD. The attitude domain of Ajzen’s theory of planned behaviour …

Parental Conceptions On The Causes Of Neurodevelopmental Disorders In The United Arab Emirates, Mariam Mohammed Ali Aljaberi

Thesis/ Dissertation Defenses

When no verified causes are pinned to neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs), individuals construct their own beliefs based on their own context. Some studies aimed at unfolding these beliefs globally, yet a gap remained in examining this in the United Arab Emirates context. This study investigated Emirati parents' causal conceptions of NDDs across health, genetic, environmental, and religious domains between parents of children with disabilities and parents of typically developing children. This study implemented an exploratory sequential mixed methods research design, as the data was collected in two subsequent phases where the qualitative phase's exploratory findings informed the creation of the quantitative …

The Effectiveness Of Equine-Based Therapy In Developing The Social Skills Of Children With Developmental Disabilities In The Uae: Parents’ Perspectives, Fatima Mohammed Alkatheeri

Thesis/ Dissertation Defenses

This thesis explores parents’ perspectives on the effectiveness of equine-based therapy (EBT) in improving social skills among children with developmental disabilities in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Equine-based therapy has gained increasing international attention; however, research in the Gulf region remains limited, especially qualitative studies exploring parents’ lived experiences. The main objective of this thesis is to explore parents’ perceptions of changes in their children’s social development following participation in equine-based therapy and to examine the cultural relevance, benefits, and challenges of EBT implementation within the UAE context. A qualitative descriptive design was used. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 11 …

The Effect Of Living And Non-Living Sensory Inputs (Lnsi) On Cortical Activation And Functional Outcomes In Individuals With Autism Spectrum Disorder: An Experimental Mixed Method Study, Hawraa Mohammad Habeeb

Thesis/ Dissertation Defenses

Sensory processing disorder (SPD) is a common manifestation observed in persons with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), wherein the brain inaccurately interprets sensory information. Teachers often face many sensory issues in the classroom. However, it is commonly known that addressing SPD falls within an occupational therapist's (OT) responsibility. Recent research has found that promoting sensory strategies in educational training is necessary. Hence, the current experimental mixed-methods research aimed to accurately evaluate the efficacy of the sensory intervention and sensory inputs utilized in the Living and Non-Living Sensory Input (LNSI) intervention program on sensory behavior, executive function, nonverbal cognitive abilities, and cortical …

The Impact Of The Space Science Steam Enrichment Program On Grade 11 And 12 Gifted Students' Content Knowledge, Design Thinking, And Problem-Solving Skills In The United Arab Emirates, Nada Ali Mubarak Obaid

Thesis/ Dissertation Defenses

This study examines the impact of a Space Science Enrichment Program grounded in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) education and designed for gifted secondary students in the Elite and Advanced Science Streams of UAE government schools. Informed by problem-based learning, project-based learning, and design thinking frameworks, the program aimed to enhance students' content knowledge, academic achievement, and design thinking and problem-solving skills. Over a two-month period, students participated in blended online and face-to-face theoretical and practical sessions introducing space science topics such as satellite missions and applications, CubeSats, rocket motion, thermal and vibration simulations, 3D modelling, and additive …

The Effectiveness Of Animal-Assisted Interventions On Social And Communication Skills In Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder In The Uae, Shamsa Ali Almarzooqi

Thesis/ Dissertation Defenses

This study aims to assess the effectiveness of animal-assisted interventions (AAI) on the social and communication skills of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The study is organized into four connected phases, each building on the findings of the previous stage. Phase 1 explored parents’ perceptions of how companion pet ownership contributes to their child’s social interaction, communication, emotional well-being, and daily activity routines, using focus groups with mothers of children with ASD. Phase 2 employed a mixed-methods design to observe how students with ASD engage with different animal species (cat, rabbit, and fish/birds) …

Supporting Students’ Progress And Academic Attainment: The Role Of Artificial Intelligence In Inclusive Education In Uae Schools, Ahmed Adel Aggour

Thesis/ Dissertation Defenses

This thesis examines the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in strengthening student progress tracking and advancing inclusive education in United Arab Emirates (UAE) schools. Aligned with UAE Vision 2071 and the AI Strategy 2031, it addresses gaps in traditional systems such as delayed interventions, teacher workload, and lack of real-time feedback. Three research questions guided the study: What challenges do teachers face in tracking student progress? How can AI support effective monitoring? What is its impact on inclusion?

A convergent mixed-methods design was applied. A bilingual (Arabic–English) questionnaire produced 211 responses from educators across the Emirates, complemented by twelve semi-structured …

Evaluating The Implementation And Effectiveness Of The Tiered Support Model For Students With Additional Learning Needs Within Adek’S Inclusion Policy Framework, Siham Mohamed Ahmed

Thesis/ Dissertation Defenses

This study examines the implementation and efficacy of the tiered model of support for students with additional learning needs in the UAE, in line with ADEK’s inclusion policy. The model relies on accurate identification of students, effective teacher intervention, and collaboration with parents to ensure positive learning outcomes. The study aims to evaluate the practical application of this model by assessing the validity and reliability of commonly used identification tools, such as MAP and CAT4, examining teacher preparedness, training, and progress monitoring strategies, and exploring school administrators’ perspectives on the system’s effectiveness. Using a mixed-methods approach combining assessment data analysis, …

Implementation Of High-Leverage Practices In Special Education By Teachers Of Students With Disabilities, Norah Shafe Aldosiry Dr.

International Journal for Research in Education

Using a sample of special education teachers (n=339), this study investigated how current special education teachers implement high-leverage practices with students with disabilities and identify the most- and least-implemented practices. This study also used regression analysis to determine if factors such as years of experience, disability category, school level, and caseload can predict the level of implementation. The study used an instrument containing 22 high-leverage practices that were updated in 2024 by the Council for Exceptional Children and the CEEDAR. The findings show that low-to-medium levels of implementation of the 22 practices. The most frequently implemented practices were establishing an …

Behavioural Intentions And Technological Pedagogical And Content Knowledge Of Teachers Towards Using Artificial Intelligence To Teach Students With Learning Difficulty/Disabilities In The United Arab Emirates, Fatima Zraydi

Thesis/ Dissertation Defenses

The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education offers significant potential for identifying and supporting all students including those with learning difficulties. Although discussions on potential of AI to advance the learning of students is ongoing, AI usage among teachers to support the teaching of students with learning disabilities in non-western context such as the United Arab Emirates, is unresearched. The goal of this study was to explore the synergy between teachers’ behavioural intention and pedagogical content knowledge towards using AI to teach students with learning difficulties. The study was guided by unified theory of acceptance and use of technology …

Exploring The Quality Of Professional Development In Addressing Challenges With Behavior Management Of Special Needs Students In Inclusive Classrooms: An Instrumental Case Study, Reem Abuwatfa

Thesis/ Dissertation Defenses

Inclusive education has become a major educational priority globally and within the United Arab Emirates (UAE), driven by policies promoting the full participation of students with special educational needs (SEN) in inclusive classrooms. This study explores how elementary-level general education teachers perceive the quality of professional development (PD) in addressing their challenges with behavior management of students with SEN in inclusive classrooms. A qualitative case study approach was used, utilizing semi-structured interviews. Three overarching main themes were generated from the interviews, which were further categorized into eight themes and 18 subthemes. The findings indicated that teachers face challenges from the …

Exploring The Quality Of Professional Development In Addressing Challenges With Behavior Management Of Special Needs Students In Inclusive Classrooms: An Instrumental Case Study, Reem Hussein Abuwatfa

Theses

Inclusive education has become a major educational priority globally and within the United Arab Emirates (UAE), driven by policies promoting the full participation of students with special educational needs (SEN) in inclusive classrooms. This study explores how elementary-level general education teachers perceive the quality of professional development (PD) in addressing their challenges with behavior management of students with SEN in inclusive classrooms. A qualitative case study approach was used, utilizing semi-structured interviews. The findings indicated that teachers face challenges from the behavioral issues of SEN students in inclusive classrooms, affecting both typical peers and teachers. Moreover, teachers had mixed perceptions …

Deaf And Hard Of Hearing Students’ Satisfaction In Higher Education At The Uae, Saleha Saleh Alkarbi

Thesis/ Dissertation Defenses

Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing (DHH) students face unique challenges in higher education, particularly regarding accessibility, communication, and academic support. This study examines the levels of satisfaction among DHH students in UAE universities, focusing on key factors such as academic support, accessibility services, teaching methods, and inclusion efforts. Using a mixed-methods approach, the research combines quantitative data from 47 students surveyed and qualitative data from 18 students interviewed. The findings highlight key barriers, including the inconsistent availability of sign language interpreters, limited faculty awareness regarding the needs of Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing (DHH) students, and insufficient academic accommodations. Despite advancements in national policies …

The Effect Of A Stem-Based Enrichment Unit On Gifted Sixth Graders’ Academic Achievement, Problem-Solving Skills, And Attitudes Towards Stem, Aisha Abdulkader Cheikhmous

Thesis/ Dissertation Defenses

This study aimed to examine the effect of a STEM-based enrichment unit on gifted learners’ academic achievement, problem-solving skills, and attitudes towards STEM. The participants were 33 female sixth-grade students attending the Elite Stream at a public school in the United Arab Emirates. To collect the data, the study followed a triangulation mixed-methods research design where the qualitative data was collected from the researcher’s observations during the program implementation. Furthermore, the quantitative data was obtained from a content-based test that focused on problemsolving skills, a survey on students’ attitudes towards STEM, and the End-of-Term summative achievement exam scores in Mathematics, …

Continuous Professional Development (Cpd) For Inclusive Education In Uae Schools: Current Practices And In-Service Teachers’ Preferences, Hafsa Khaled Aishan

Theses

Professional development serves as a driving force in empowering teachers within inclusive education settings. The purpose of this study was to investigate the perspectives of both general and special education teachers about the effectiveness of currently implemented professional development practices. Data were collected using explanatory mixed-methods design, which included a questionnaire and semi-structured interviews. This method was utilized to improve the depth of research through the integration of quantitative and qualitative data. The combination of these two methods strengthens validity, reduces bias, and increases reliability. Non-probabilistic purposive sampling method was employed to collect the data as a total of 115 …

Identifying Research-Based Practices For Increasing Peer Interaction In Children With Hearing Impairment: A Review Of The Literature, Amal Aldawoud

International Journal for Research in Education

Establishing peer interaction is critical for all childhood development, especially for children with hearing impairment (HI), who tend to experience a lot of difficulties in interaction. Practices aiming to promote peer interaction in children with HI need to be informed by evidence from quality research. This paper aims to review and evaluate research studies that focus on interaction between children with HI and their peers (with or without HI) in self-contained and inclusive classrooms. Seven empirical studies published in peer-reviewed journals from 1990 to 2023 were examined and evaluated, using the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC, 2014) quality indicators. Several …

Training Parents To Implement Communication Intervention Package In Naturalistic Context Via Telehealth, Nouf Mohammed Alzrayer

International Journal for Research in Education

This study evaluated the effects of behavioral skills training (BST) in training parents to implement communication intervention packages in naturalistic contexts via telehealth. Three parent-child dyads participated in the study. All participants were diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and their age ranged between four and six years. Parents were trained to teach their children augmented and non-augmented requesting skills in a natural context via internet-based service delivery. The findings of the study revealed that parents were successful in implementing communication intervention packages in teaching communication skills to their children with ASD during snack time.

Keywords: Autism Spectrum Disorder …

The Level Of Special And General Education Teachers’ Knowledge And Practice Of Mnemonic Strategies And Its Impact On Educating Kuwaiti Students With Special Needs, Zaid Al-Shammari

International Journal for Research in Education

This study seeks to assess the level of special and general education teachers’ knowledge and practice of mnemonic strategies, and its impact on educating students with special needs in public education schools in Kuwait; and whether it differs according to the demographic variables. A sample of 161 female teachers from the public elementary education schools selected. A questionnaire of 18 items distributed into three categories (Special and general education teachers’ knowledge of mnemonic strategies, practice of mnemonic strategies, and its impact in improving the education of students with special education needs) was developed. Results showed the level of special and …

Trauma-Informed Teaching In Uae Schools: Investigating Teachers’ Experiences And The Effect Of A Cognitive Behavioral Intervention For Students Affected By Trauma, Hadeel Mohsen Saleh

Dissertations

This study explores UAE teachers’ experiences and knowledge regarding trauma-informed teaching and assesses the effectiveness of a cognitive-behavioral intervention for two elementary school students with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in a general classroom setting. It also examines parents’ perceptions before and after the intervention. The study addresses two primary concerns: 1) the preparedness of UAE teachers to support trauma-affected students in schools, and 2) the efficacy of a targeted cognitive-behavioral intervention aimed at improving students' emotional regulation and behavioral outcomes. Using an exploratory sequential design, qualitative data from seven semi-structured interviews with UAE teachers revealed a significant gap in training …

The Effectiveness Of Applying Evidence-Based Practices Based On The Torres Model And Its Impact On Improving The Teaching Competencies Of Special Education Teachers, Sherif Adel Gaber

International Journal for Research in Education

The use of evidence-based practices (EBPs) in the field of special education requires full awareness from special education teachers of how to choose and successfully apply EBPs, which contribute greatly to improving the learning outcomes of their students and may even contribute more to raising the level of teaching competencies (TCs) in these teachers. The current research aimed to apply EBPs according to the Torres model (TM) and examine their impact on improving TCs. The sample consisted of 64 special education teachers in Al-Ahsa. The research employed a quasi-experimental approach using components developed by the researcher: a card of EBPs …

The Level Of Awareness Of Primary School Teachers About Fluency Skill And Teaching Strategies, Ghaida Nasser Alsharekh, Abdullah Ahmed Alghamdi

International Journal for Research in Education

The current study aimed to reveal the level of primary school teachers' awareness of the skill of reading fluently and the strategies for teaching it, and to reveal the impact of the study variables (teacher's gender, specialization, degree, number of years of experience), and accordingly. A questionnaire consisting of twenty-three statements was designed to measure the level of awareness of stage teachers. Elementary reading skills and teaching strategies: (awareness of reading fluently and its elements, strategies for teaching reading fluently). The researchers applied the tool to 340 primary teachers. The results of the study showed that the level of primary …

The Perceptions Of Teachers Of Students With Autism Regarding Using Applied Behavior Analysis (Aba) To Improve Social Skills In Saudi Arabia, Salman Almughyiri

International Journal for Research in Education

Aims: The purpose of this study was to investigate the perceptions and experiences of teachers of autistic students in Riyadh and Jeddah regarding the use of applied behavior analysis (ABA) to improve social skills. Methodology: I used a qualitative method to analyze phenomena under inquiry from three different data points: surveys (n=51), interviews (n=6), and phenomenologically (n=2). Results: The findings indicated that some of the main factors affecting how teachers view and utilize evidence-based practice (EBP) in their scope of practice are refresher training, skills, knowledge, peer support, and institutional policies. Discussion and conclusion were discussed.

Keywords …

Effects Of A Taekwondo-Inspired Intervention Program On Children With Adhd, Zubaida Fares Shraim

Dissertations

Exercise and physical activity are beneficial for individuals with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The main aim of this study is to investigate the effect of a Taekwondo-inspired intervention program on children with ADHD in the UAE context. The research utilized a mixed methods/quasi-experimental design approach, consisting of two phases. Within the first phase, a promising intensive intervention for children with ADHD has been implemented for five weeks, four sessions weekly. The sample of the first phase consisted of four children aged 8-10 years diagnosed with ADHD. Three assessment instruments were used to collect data in phase one and explore …

School Leadership For The Practice Of Inclusive Education In Elementary Schools In The United Arab Emirates, Aysha Saeed Al Nuaimi

Dissertations

The number of students with disabilities in regular classrooms is increasing. In 2020, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) introduced a new policy with the goal of promoting inclusive education in all public schools. Although the UAE government is committed to the education of children with disabilities, the role of school leaders is vital to the successful implementation of inclusive education in schools. While school leaders have been found to be the main agents in steering inclusive practices, their contribution to practices in schools in the UAE context remains empirically unresearched. The objective of this study was to explore elementary school …

Perspectives Of Special Education Teachers On The Transition Of Students With Special Needs From High School To University, Noor Abdulkader Mamich

Theses

Post-secondary transition is a significant phase in the life of high school students with special needs. Special education teachers play a crucial role in supporting students in this process. This study aims at exploring the perspectives of special education teachers on transitioning high school students with special needs into university. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with four special education teachers in Al Ain city in the United Arab Emirates. The teachers were asked questions on four themes: their skills on postsecondary transition, their post-secondary transition planning, the barriers they face during post-secondary transition, and finally the facilitation of smooth post-secondary transition …

Knowledge And Skills Of Special Education Teachers In Implementing Evidence-Based Practices, Fatmah R. Almutiri, Sultanah F. Alotaibi, Norah A. Albaz, Sarah S. Alfawaz

International Journal for Research in Education

This study aimed at knowing the reality of special education teachers’ knowledge and skills in implementing evidence-based practices, the factors contributing to this knowledge, and its impact on implementing these practices. The mixed-methods sequential explanatory design was used with its two phases: In the quantitative phase, a descriptive survey was used through a questionnaire that was distributed to (311) male and female teachers in the three school levels in Riyadh. Results showed that the teachers’ knowledge of evidence-based practices was medium. However, the results revealed that their implementation skills level of evidence-based practices was low. There were statistically significant differences …

The Role Of School–Community Collaboration In The Inclusive Education (Ie) Practices Concerning Students With Special Educational Needs (Sens) In Public And Private Schools In Abu Dhabi, Hamdah Jibar

Thesis/ Dissertation Defenses

This dissertation investigates the multifaceted role of school–community collaboration in inclusive education (IE) practices for students with special educational needs (SENs) in Abu Dhabi’s public and private schools in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Over the past two decades, the UAE government has intensified its efforts to enhance the realm if special education, aiming to improve SEN students’ social, cognitive, and academic outcomes. National attention for these practices aligns with the broader aspiration to establish an inclusive and equitable society.
The primary objective of this study is to explore the intricacies of school–community collaboration in fostering inclusive education practices. In …

Development Of The Preschool Autism Checklist (Pac) For Teachers, Omniah Gharib Alqahtani

Thesis/ Dissertation Defenses

The study aims to develop a new assessment tool for teachers to identify the early signs of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in preschool children in the UAE. There are limited instruments available to assess Autism in preschool children based on reports from their teachers. The Preschool Autism Checklist (PAC) was developed with special consideration to the Gulf culture. The main objective of this dissertation is to help preschool teachers assess their Emirati students to indicate the cases at risk of ASD. The study investigates previous research on ASD in the UAE and other countries in the Gulf region for more …

The Role Of School–Community Collaboration In The Inclusive Education Practices Concerning Students With Special Educational Needs In Public And Private Schools In Abu Dhabi, Hamdah Jibar

Dissertations

Strong school-community partnership has been found to play a critical role in the implementation of inclusive education. This dissertation investigates the multifaceted role of school–community collaboration in inclusive education (IE) practices for students with special educational needs (SENs) in Abu Dhabi’s public and private schools in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Over the past two decades, the UAE government has intensified its efforts to enhance the realm of special education, aiming to improve Students with SEN’s social, cognitive, and academic outcomes. National attention to these practices aligns with the broader aspiration to establish an inclusive and equitable society. In UAE, …

Examining Abu Dhabi And Dubai Teachers’ Confidence In Using High-Leverage Practices (Hlps) To Meet The Needs Of Students With Special Educational Needs And Disabilities, Amani Ahmed Abdalla

Thesis/ Dissertation Defenses

Research indicates that teacher confidence significantly influences the adoption and successful implementation of research-based and high-leverage practices (HLPs). Indeed, a teacher who is confident in using high-leverage practices can help students excel academically. However, when highleverage practices are not implemented effectively, students with disabilities in inclusive settings do not receive the support they need to reach their fullest potential. Therefore, The purpose of this study was five-fold: a) examine Abu Dhabi and Dubai teachers' confidence level in using the HLPs to meet the needs of pupils of determination (POD), b) examine the effects of the demographic variables on teachers' confidence …