Educational and Psychological Sciences Series

Elementary Teachers' Perceptions of Dyscalculia in Jordan: Knowledge Gaps, Attitudes, Instructional Confidence, and Perceived Barriers

Farouq Almeqdadi — Fri, 03 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0200

Dyscalculia, a specific learning disability involving persistent difficulties with numerical concepts and mathematical operations despite adequate intelligence and instruction, affects 5–7% of school-aged children—comparable to dyslexia yet receiving far less attention in research and teacher preparation. This under-recognition is especially concerning in elementary education, where foundational math skills develop, but educator awareness remains limited.

This mixed-methods study examined perceptions of dyscalculia among 150 elementary teachers in Jordan who completed surveys, with 20 participating in semi-structured interviews. Results revealed that 68% had limited or no formal training in dyscalculia, and 52% confused dyscalculia with math anxiety. Although 74% held positive attitudes toward inclusion, only 35% felt confident adapting instruction for students with dyscalculia.

The findings underscore the need for targeted professional development to improve knowledge, self-efficacy, and support. Recommendations include integrating dyscalculia-specific modules into teacher training and creating school-based networks for early identification and equitable math education. This research advances understanding of teacher perceptions' role in learning disability outcomes within the Jordanian context.

Mechanisms for applying AI in teaching secondary school students in public schools in Palestine from the perspective of technology teachers

Hussein Jadallah Hamayel — Fri, 03 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0200

Abstract

Objectives: The study aimed to investigate how the employment of AI and its diversified mechanism can enhance the diversified skills of the teachers, planning skills, implementing skills, evaluation skills among the secondary school students in the Palestinian public schools.

Methods: the study depends on the quantitative analysis of the primary data collected via the questionnaire distributed among 300 teachers and through the employment of SPSS and conduct the correlation analysis to test the hypothesis set by the researcher about the nature of the relationship between the variables of the study.

Results: The study revealed high approval ratings for Planning Skills (4.37), Implementation Skills (4.39), and Evaluation Skills (4.38) in AI mechanisms. Challenges included large student numbers and limited Arabic applications. Strong positive correlations were found between all skills and teaching effectiveness in Palestinian public schools.

Conclusion: the implementation of AI in the secondary schools given that the adequate human capabilities and physical infrastructure required will improve and enhance the teaching skills in the schools.

The Ideas and Beliefs Adopted by Parents in Jordanian Families and the Degree of their Influence on the Socialization of University Students

Bayan D. Al-Made, Taiseer M. Al-Khawaldeh — Fri, 03 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0200

Abstract

This study aimed at identifying the ideas and beliefs adopted by parents in the Jordanian families and the influence degree on the socialization of their university students. It also aimed at identifying the differences in influence degree the ideas and beliefs according to the Sex, college and place of residence variables. The study was implemented in the academic year 2025/2026. To achieve the objectives of the study, the researcher constructed a questionnaire. The first part of which dealt in the ideas and beliefs adopted by the parents in the Jordanian families, and included (12) questions. Meanwhile, the second part tackled the influence degree of the ideas and beliefs adopted by the parents on the socialization of the university students, and included (12) items. The validity and reliability of the instrument was verified, and the descriptive survey method was applied.

The study sample consisted of (284) male and female students and the most significant results showed that the influence degree of the ideas and beliefs adopted by the parents in the Jordanian families on the socialization of the university students was medium. The results further showed that there are statistically significant differences attributed to the place of residence, in favor of the village residents. On the other hand, there were no statistically significant differences attributed to the Sex and college variables. In the light of the results, the study recommended the Jordanian families to pay close attention to the contents of the programs and topics they watch on television and Facebook. It also recommended warning the children about the serious issues such as terrorism and student violence.

Keywords: Ideas and beliefs, Socialization, Jordanian families, University students.

psychosomatic symptoms and depression and their relationship to psychological well-being among first-time pregnant wives in Karak Governorate

sami khatatneh, Ahmed A. Abuasad — Fri, 03 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0200

This study aimed to identify the prevalence of psychosomatic symptoms and depression and their relationship to psychological well-being among first-time pregnant women in Karak Governorate. To achieve the study's objectives, a convenience sample of 185 pregnant women attending the obstetrics and gynecology clinics at Karak Governmental Hospital was selected over a six-month period. The sample was divided into two groups based on educational level: those with a bachelor's degree and those with postgraduate studies. A scale was developed to measure psychosomatic symptoms, a depression scale, and a psychological well-being scale. The study found that the prevalence of psychosomatic symptoms and depression among pregnant women was low, while the level of psychological well-being was moderate. Finally, a negative relationship was found between psychosomatic symptoms and depression and psychological well-being. The study also revealed differences in the prevalence of psychosomatic symptoms among pregnant women based on the wife's educational level, with lower levels of education being more prevalent. Based on the results of the study, some recommendations were made, including working to continue reducing psychosomatic symptoms and depression in pregnant women, which will reflect positively on them, their fetus, and their ability to raise their son later in a suitable manner.

Preschool Education Students’ At Toward the Use of Interactive Mobile Applications in Developing Reading and Writing Skills among Kindergarten Children

Musab ALlaimoun, Muntasir Al-Laimoun — Fri, 03 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0200

The study aimed to explore the attitudes of Early Childhood Education (ECE) students toward utilizing interactive mobile applications to develop reading and writing skills in kindergarten children, and to examine the impact of certain independent variables, including high school certificate type, university type, and students’ academic year. The study sample consisted of 228 ECE students from Jordanian universities during the 2025-2026 academic year. To achieve the study objectives, a questionnaire was developed to measure the students’ attitudes. The study employed a descriptive-analytical approach, and the results indicated that students’ attitudes were generally positive, with a clear recognition of the educational benefits of mobile applications and a practical readiness to implement them. No significant differences were observed based on high school certificate type, while some differences emerged between public and private universities. Significant differences were also found between first- and second-year students in favor of the latter, whereas attitudes stabilized in higher academic years. Based on the findings, the researchers recommend providing practical training programs, enhancing technological infrastructure, and integrating interactive activities into curricula to ensure a balance between digital learning and physical and social engagement.

Competency Framework for Public School Leaders in Saudi Arabia based on the Canadian Experience: A Proposed Model

Reem S. Al-Matroudi, Dr. Kaznah Mohammed Alotaibi — Fri, 03 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0200

The study aimed to identify the necessary competencies for leaders of public education schools in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and to understand the content of Ontario, Canada's experience in qualifying and preparing school leaders. Based on this, the study sought to propose a framework that includes the necessary competencies for leaders of public education schools in the Kingdom in light of the Ontario-Canada experience. To achieve the study's objectives, the analytical documentary method was used to build the model, relying on the analysis of the study's literature and a number of selected documents. The study concluded with a proposed framework for the competencies of public education school leaders, consisting of four areas of competencies: strategic leadership, building a positive and collaborative school culture, developing the teaching staff and student learning, and evaluation and accountability. The study recommended adopting a unified reference for the competencies of school leaders to be based upon in the processes of their: appointment, recruitment, preparation, qualification, and training, as well as benefiting from distinguished international experiences in the field of school leader competencies.

Biology Teachers' Awareness of Controversial Bio-Ethical Issues at Secondary Schools of Zarqa Governorate

Razan R. Alwohosh, Jamal H. Abu-alruz — Fri, 03 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0200

The current study aimed to identify the level of awareness of secondary school biology teachers of controversial bioethical issues in Zarqa Governorate schools (and awareness is operationally defined in this study as: knowledge, attitudes and practices of biology teachers of controversial bioethical issues). The study followed the descriptive survey approach, and the study sample consisted of (70) male and female teachers. To achieve the study objectives, a questionnaire was prepared to collect data consisting of (36) paragraphs distributed over three axes: biology teachers' knowledge of controversial bioethical issues, biology teachers' attitudes towards controversial bioethical issues, and teaching practices used by secondary school biology teachers to teach controversial bioethical issues. The study reached a set of results; The most prominent of these was that the level of awareness of secondary school biology teachers of controversial bioethical issues in Zarqa Governorate schools was high. It was also found that there were no statistically significant differences in the level of awareness of secondary school biology teachers of controversial bioethical issues attributable to the variables of gender, academic qualification, and years of experience

The School Principals’ Proactive Leadership and Its Relationship to Achieving Organizational Pride among Teachers in the Northwestern Badia Directorate of Education

Musallam Al-Sharafat Al-Sharafat, Mahmoud Al-Meqdadi, Lutfi M. Al-Masaeed — Fri, 03 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0200

The study aimed to identify the degree of practicing proactive leadership by school principals in the Northwestern Badia Directorate of Education and its relationship to achieving organizational pride among teachers and the impact of the variables of gender, educational qualification, and years of experience, from the teachers’ perceptions. The sample of the study consisted of (456) teachers who were chosen by simple random sampling technique. The correlational descriptive approach was employed, and a questionnaire was used as the data collection instrument. The study concluded with several key findings, most notably were: the degree of proactive leadership practiced by school principals in the Northeast Badia Education Directorate, as perceived by teachers, was moderate, and the degree of organizational pride achieved by teachers was also moderate. The results indicated statistically significant differences attributable to gender and educational qualification in all areas of proactive leadership, as well as in achieving organizational pride. No statistically significant differences were found attributable to years of experience in either proactive leadership or organizational pride. Furthermore, a statistically significant positive correlation was found between the areas of proactive leadership practice and organizational pride achieved by teachers

The Employment of Artificial Intelligence (ChatGPT) in Learning and its Relationship with Professional Ambition among Vocational Education Students (BTEC) in Amman

Abdulrahman S. Abu Al-Sheikh, Ahmad A. Abu As’ad — Fri, 03 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0200

This study aimed to examine the level of use of conversational artificial intelligence (ChatGPT) and professional ambition among vocational education students (BETC), as well as the correlation between them. The descriptive correlational method was employed, and scales for measuring ChatGPT use and professional ambition were developed and verified for validity and reliability. The sample included 400 students selected through simple random sampling. Results showed that students’ use of ChatGPT and their professional ambition were at moderate levels. Moreover, a positive and statistically significant correlation was found between ChatGPT use and professional ambition. Based on these findings, the study recommends integrating conversational AI into vocational educational activities and enhancing partnerships, along with providing the necessary infrastructure to support its implementation.

The Predictive Ability of Social Control Methods in Countering Extremism at Mutah University

Shatha F. A. Al-Majali — Fri, 03 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0200

This study aimed to identify the predictive capacity of social control methods strategies to confront extremism. The descriptive analytical approach was used. The study sample consisted of (467) male and female students, who were selected using a systematic random sample method, including (192) males and (275) females. A study tool was distributed to the sample of the study, and its validity and reliability were verified. The study results showed a high level of availability of social control tools. The study also indicated that the respondents' perceptions of students' toward strategies for confronting extremism were high, and that there was an impact of social control tools in all its dimensions on strategies for confronting extremism in all its dimensions, as they explain (56.2%) of the change in strategies for confronting extremism. The study recommends that the university establish specialized centers, in cooperation with other Jordanian universities, to study the phenomenon of extremism facing students, and offer courses that include social control, which would contribute to creating a warm, safe, and stable environment for all students.

Exploring Relationships between Learner Readiness and Dialogue in Online English Language Courses at Al al-Bayt University

Fri, 03 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0200

Learners’ readiness is necessary for the experiences and actions learners will practice in the online learning to be realized. In social constructivism, dialogue as a series of interactions enhance knowledge acquisition. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the relationships of online learners’ readiness and dialogue. Data were collected from learners’ participation in English language course (101) in academic year 2020-2021second semester. 992 students from 35 online sections made up of the population. The sample, which consisted of four sections with 293 learners and an 89% return rate (261 returned), was selected at random. The data were analyzed using Smart PLS 3.0 to test the hypothesizes influence of Learners’ readiness construct on dialogue in online learning. The results provided confirmation of a five-dimension measurement model for Learners’ readiness and provided confirmation of a three-dimension measurement model for dialogue, moreover, the findings indicate that Readiness (R) positively and significantly affects Dialogue (D): (β = 0.757, t = 16.283, p <.01). This research provides administrators of Al al-Bayt University with feedback regarding the importance of learners’ readiness in online learning to maximize their Dialogue to learn English language courses effectively.

Keywords: Learners’ Readiness, Dialogue, Self-efficacy, Self-directed learning, ability to use computer and internet, Computer and Internet Self-Efficacy, Learner-Content Interaction, Learner-Learner, Learner-Instructor Interaction.