Jordanian Schools Research Articles

Middle School Students Attitudes Toward Educational Counseling Services Provided in Jordanian Schools

This study aimed to identify the attitudes of middle school students towards the educational counselling services provided in Jordanian schools and to reveal whether their attitudes towards the counselling services are affected by the variables of gender and place of residence. It also sought to predict middle school students' attitudes toward the counselling services provided in Jordanian schools through the study's psychometric and demographic variables. A total of (820) male and female middle school students in Jordanian schools participated in the study during the second semester of the academic year (2023/2024) and were selected using a random method. The study tool (questionnaire) was applied to measure students' attitudes toward the counselling services provided. The study findings revealed that students' attitudes towards the counselling process ranked highest, followed by their attitudes towards the counsellor (second place) and the counselee (third place). Regarding the study samples' overall performance on the study tool, they exhibit a typically positive attitude towards the educational counselling services offered in Jordanian schools. Furthermore, it was found that there were statistically significant differences between the averages of the participants' attitudes towards the educational counselling services provided in Jordanian schools attributable to the variable of the place of residence favouring the category of those residing in (the village). No significant statistical gender differences between the averages of the participants' attitudes towards the educational counselling services provided in Jordanian schools were observed. Finally, based on the results of this study and the literature reviewed, the researcher proposed a set of practical procedures to be applied. Received: 14 July 2024 / Accepted: 27 October 2024 / Published: 05 November 2024

Inclusive Teaching and Learning Practices That Promote and Protect Reading and Science Literacy for Palestinian Children

Despite adversities arising from the Palestinian experience, studies have shown that Palestinian students can demonstrate educational resilience. However, a gap in knowledge exists about inclusive teaching and learning strategies that contribute to Palestinian students’ educational resilience. This research uses mixed-effects regression modelling to examine reading and science literacy outcomes of 1279 Palestinian students in UNRWA schools in Jordan. The findings revealed two promotive factors (student online reading and teacher–student relations) and two protective factors (student enjoyment of reading and student control strategies) for reading, and two protective factors (student awareness of environmental matters and student epistemological beliefs about science) for science. Knowledge about the promotive and protective factors has important implications for reading and science educators working with Palestinian children.

Attitudes of Jordanian school students toward dictionaries

This study aims to explore the attitude of English as a Foreign Language Learners (EFLL) in Jordanian schools about the use of different dictionary types - including paper-based, electronic monolingual, or electronic bilingual dictionaries. It also examines the challenges students face while using their dictionaries. To this end, a questionnaire was distributed among sixty-four students studying at the middle school level. The findings indicated a preference for electronic and bilingual dictionaries over monolingual paper dictionaries among most students. Based on their responses, the students predominantly use dictionaries to search for pronunciations (34.37 %) and various meanings of a word (polysemy and homonymy) (18.75 %). Preparation for speaking activities is primarily why they search for pronunciations. However, the search for abbreviations and parts of speech and other grammatical information is less frequent. Lastly, the students showed a preference for the use of more pictures and visual aids offered in pictorial dictionaries.

Evaluating the Role of Teachers’ Feedback in Secondary School Students’ Academic Achievement: An Empirical Evidence from Jordan

The academic achievement of secondary school students in Jordan is evaluated based on the use of feedback-based teaching. The learners are stimulated to correct their areas of weakness through constructive feedback. Therefore, this study presents an investigation of the impact of feedback-based teaching on student’s academic achievement. To achieve that, the study involved a total 160 students were involved in the study from 4 randomly selected private schools in Jordan, Irbid Governorate, two English classes were selected randomly from each school. The students were divided into a control group and an experimental one. The control group received regular instruction while the experimental group was taught using feedback-based teaching, where feedback was provided by the teachers in different forms. Consequently, the analysis denotes that frequent and diverse feedback is highly constructive and improves students' achievement compared to feedback that is unstructured. It is clear that feedback has to be effectively structured to ensure that it achieves its objectives in improving students’ academic achievement.

Effect of Cyberbullying and Sexting on Adolescents in Jordan; Exploratory Research

Objective: Bullying of school-aged children is not new and has been well-established as a common and serious problem in society. The aim of the current study is to explore the nature of cyberbullying in a sample of Jordanian adolescents. Method: The study used the quantitative approach and opted for the Delphi Technique, an online survey of adolescents, and an interview-based research approach following with the reviewing of the responses in order to identify the trends and nature of cyberbullying in a sample of Jordanian adolescents. The population sample consists of adolescents from two private schools in Jordan in the Middle East. The combined Adolescents sample of both schools totals approximately 6,000 students. Results: The results of this study reveal that significant numbers of adolescents are sending or receiving sexually explicit photos. The results also suggested that prevalence rates are high in four main categories of cyberbullying. Also, there is a difference in gender and educational level as females are subjected to more incidences of cyberbullying, and 4th grades students have a more significant value of cyberbullying involvement. Conclusion: It is essential to activate the role of the media and education systems in training youths about the risks of cyberbullying to improve adolescent feelings about the value of treating others well and engaging in objective cultural dialogue with them, as well as the strategies for avoiding it.

The Level of Awareness of Male and Female Directors of Special Education Schools in Jordan about Twenty-First Century Skills from their Own Point of View

The Level of Awareness of Male and Female Directors of Special Education Schools in Jordan about Twenty-First Century Skills from their Own Point of View

The Effect of Using Gamification to Improve EFL Students' Academic Performance

This paper aims to determine whether there is evidence that gamified instruction can be effective in improving EFL students' academic achievement. The aim of the research is to establish how effective gamification is as a method against more traditional types of education and what areas of the English language—for example, reading comprehension, grammar, and vocabulary—are most effectively promoted via the integration of gamification into the classroom environment. The sample included 120 fourth graders from public schools in Jordan, where 60 children were to form the gamified instruction group and another 60 to form the standard instruction group. Pretests and posttests of English language skills using standardized tools measured students at two different times: before and after the instructional interventions. These tests are the main instruments utilized for data collection and analysis. Independent t-test, one-way ANOVA, and one-way MANOVA tests were performed to test the variation and holistic impact of the instructional methods on different components of language learning. The experimental findings support that the gamified instruction group scored significantly higher than the regular instruction group at post-intervention. More specifically, the students of the game-based group scored an average of 74.44 (SD= 7.93) on the posttest, compared to 69.31 (SD = 6.14) for those of the control group.The result for the T-test yields t = 4.05 and p < 0.001, hence showing that the gamified group had significantly better results. The classroom gamification usage made noteworthy gains in students' vocabulary, grammar, and reading comprehension abilities. One-way ANOVA results were vocabulary, F = 22.65, p < 0.001; grammar, F = 15.78, p < 0.001; and reading comprehension, F = 18.93, p < 0.001. MANOVA supported this finding that the Wilks' Lambda value was 0.62, with an F-value of 20.45 and a p-value less than 0.001, indicating that gamified training was of benefit overall in enhancing English language competence. The results of this research come with a very exciting revelation, such as gamified instruction being an excellent means of teaching English as a foreign language since it enhances students' interest and performance in class.

The Effect of Using Gamification to Improve EFL Students' Academic Performance

This paper aims to determine whether there is evidence that gamified instruction can be effective in improving EFL students' academic achievement. The aim of the research is to establish how effective gamification is as a method against more traditional types of education and what areas of the English language—for example, reading comprehension, grammar, and vocabulary—are most effectively promoted via the integration of gamification into the classroom environment. The sample included 120 fourth graders from public schools in Jordan, where 60 children were to form the gamified instruction group and another 60 to form the standard instruction group. Pretests and posttests of English language skills using standardized tools measured students at two different times: before and after the instructional interventions. These tests are the main instruments utilized for data collection and analysis. Independent t-test, one-way ANOVA, and one-way MANOVA tests were performed to test the variation and holistic impact of the instructional methods on different components of language learning. The experimental findings support that the gamified instruction group scored significantly higher than the regular instruction group at post-intervention. More specifically, the students of the game-based group scored an average of 74.44 (SD= 7.93) on the posttest, compared to 69.31 (SD = 6.14) for those of the control group.The result for the T-test yields t = 4.05 and p < 0.001, hence showing that the gamified group had significantly better results. The classroom gamification usage made noteworthy gains in students' vocabulary, grammar, and reading comprehension abilities. One-way ANOVA results were vocabulary, F = 22.65, p < 0.001; grammar, F = 15.78, p < 0.001; and reading comprehension, F = 18.93, p < 0.001. MANOVA supported this finding that the Wilks' Lambda value was 0.62, with an F-value of 20.45 and a p-value less than 0.001, indicating that gamified training was of benefit overall in enhancing English language competence. The results of this research come with a very exciting revelation, such as gamified instruction being an excellent means of teaching English as a foreign language since it enhances students' interest and performance in class.

The Mediating Role of Normative Beliefs about Aggression on the Relationship between Violent Digital Games and Students’ Aggressive Behaviour

Many adolescents are exposed to violent content in digital games due to their widespread use. Aggression among students is becoming more common throughout the world, including in Jordan. In light of this, the study explored how exposure to violent digital games influences students' aggression. Normative beliefs about aggression (NBAA) are also discussed based on the prediction that this variable mediates the relationships between violent digital games and aggressive behaviour (AB). A cross-sectional study design with 347 randomly selected individuals from Jordanian schools was analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences to examine the relationships between variables. The results showed that NBAA and digital games were directly related to AB, and NBAA partially mediated the relationships between violent digital games and AB. This study concluded that violent content in digital games increased aggression. Furthermore, insights were provided into the mechanism behind the impacts of violent digital games on adolescent aggression and suggestions were offered to mitigate aggression.

Maternal Insights into Bullying Types and Effective Interventions for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Jordanian Schools

Maternal Insights into Bullying Types and Effective Interventions for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Jordanian Schools

Teaching Mathematics To Students With Visual Impairment In Inclusive Education Schools In Jordan

The students with visual disabilities is considered part of Jordanian society, and the Jordanian Constitution guaranteed that they are provided with all rights, including education. The study aimed to investigate the teaching of mathematics to students with visual disabilities in inclusive schools in Jordan. The researcher used the qualitative approach by conducting an interview with a mathematics teacher with long experience in teaching mathematics in inclusive schools. The results of the interview showed that there are ways and methods for teaching the content of mathematics curricula to students. People with visual impairment, and there is a positive impact and benefits of integrating students with visual impairment into inclusive schools, although there are some challenges facing students and mathematics teachers.

The Role of Art Education Teachers in Developing Artistic Appreciation and Creative Skills Among Students in Public Schools in Jordan

The study aimed to clarify the role of art education teachers in developing artistic appreciation and creative skills. The study relied on the descriptive and analytical approach, and the research population was represented by all art education teachers in the Qasaba of Irbid. The study sample numbered (214) male and female teachers, and two scales were prepared to collect data. Of the study members, the results of the study showed that the level of contribution of art education teachers in developing artistic taste was at a moderate degree, and the level of their contribution in developing creative skills was at a moderate degree. The study also revealed that there were no statistically significant differences at the significance level (0.05) in Responses of study individuals to the study measures according to the variable of gender and type of school.

Oral health status, behavior, and practices among hearing impaired children attending a specialized school in Jordan.

To assess the oral health status and related factors among hearing impaired schoolchildren. A cross-sectional study among 115 hearing impaired schoolchildren enrolled at the School of the Deaf in Jordan. The World Health Organization (WHO) methodology and criteria were applied to collect data on caries, gingival bleeding. The WHO classification modified by Andreasen etal. was used to record traumatic dental injuries (TDIs). Sociodemographic data, oral health practices, and oral health related quality of life information were collected using a structured questionnaire. The prevalence of caries among the study sample was 84.3%, the dominating component was untreated dental caries. Mean decayed, missing, filled primary teeth (dmft) was 8 in the primary dentition and 3.62 in the mixed dentition, mean Decayed, Missing, Filled permanent Teeth (DMFT) was 1.38 in the mixed dentition and 2.87 in the permanent. The overall mean of gingival bleeding percentage among the whole study sample was 70.38%. the prevalence of TDIs was of 11.3% and mostly caused by falls. The prevalence of dental caries and caries experience, rate of gingival bleeding and dental trauma in children with hearing impaired individuals are high compared to figures observed in studies conducted among Jordanian schoolchildren with normal hearing. Dental diseases impact the quality of life of these individuals.

Assessing the Use of Creative Writing Strategies in English Language Teaching in Jordan: Challenges and Teacher-Proposed Solutions from their Point of View

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the degree English Language Teachers (ELTs) in Jordan apply creative writing strategies to teach writing. It also aimed to explore the challenges that face teachers when they apply the strategies, and their suggestions to overcome them. Methods: This study employed a mixed-methods approach, collecting quantitative data through a structured questionnaire involving 200 teachers from 48 government and private schools in Jordan. Qualitative data were also gathered through classroom observation notes and interviews with 20 participating teachers from the questionnaire. Results: The analyses revealed significant differences in teachers' usage of creative writing techniques based on their teaching experience. Specialized English language teachers with less than three years of experience showed a greater preference for these methods compared to those with longer teaching experience. However, academic qualifications, whether bachelor's or master's/doctorate degrees, did not significantly impact the usage of these strategies. Conclusions: The study highlights the necessity of implementing targeted training programs to enhance the usage of creative writing strategies among English language teachers. Additionally, it encourages further research to better understand the motivations and effects of using these strategies on improving English language teaching.

The effect of mobile image recognition-based augmented reality application on students’ acquisition of science processing skills and motivations to learn science

ABSTRACT With the development of mobile phone applications with innovative features, the application of mobile recognition technology, such as a mobile image recognition-based (AR) application, is becoming increasingly widespread. Mobile Image Recognition-Based AR connect nearby objects or other physical targets with digital information. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of using an image recognition-based AR application on students’ acquisition of science process skills and their motivation toward science learning. The study involved 56 students enrolled in two sections of tenth-grade female students in a private school in Jordan. Each section was randomly assigned to either the control group or the experimental group. The experimental group studied a unit from the biology textbook with image-based recognition content. In contrast, the control group studied the same unit using the conventional teaching method based on the traditional textbook content. The researchers administered a science both groups a science process skills test and a motivation toward learning science scale. Results showed that participants who used a mobile image recognition application to learn science had higher acquisition of all science skills and a higher motivation toward learning science than those who used the conventional learning method.

Validity Evidence of the HOPE Teacher Rating Scale-Arabic Version for Identifying Gifted Refugee Students

Exceptionally talented refugee students are often underrepresented in allocating to gifted programs because of inadequate identification methods in Arab countries. This study investigates the Arabic version of the Having Opportunities Promotes Excellence (HOPE) Scale for identifying gifted refugee students. Students ( n = 13,598) from refugee camp schools in Jordan were surveyed in the 2020/2021 academic year. Elementary, middle, and high school teachers ( n = 423) completed the translated Arabic version of the HOPE Scale, measuring 11 items on the academic and social construct of giftedness. Confirmatory factor analysis indicated an excellent fit; however, multigroup confirmatory factor analysis results revealed that the scale needed more invariance across groups. The results suggest that although the HOPE Scale-Arabic version has sufficient validation evidence, careful consideration is required when applying it to different subgroups of refugee students. Constructs of cultural relevance may need to be added to better assess the item’s validity.

Comparison between two phonological awareness tasks in Arabic

Phonological Awareness (PA) in deep orthographies like English can be used to predict reading abilities in later grades. PA is a sensitive measure in identifying Arabic speaking children who struggle to read. The main objective of the present study was to compare two matched versions of a sound blending task to determine whether any of the two created versions (i.e., one with short vowels and the other without short vowels) of this task could yield a more accurate measure of PA in children speaking Jordanian Arabic. Data was collected from 20 randomly selected schools in Jordan. A randomly selected sample of 200 participants in grade 4 who were randomly divided into two groups (100 students each) and were tested on word blending, elision, word recognition, and oral reading fluency. Each group of participants was tested using a different version of the word blending task, while the other tasks used to test the two groups were the same. The major finding of the study revealed a significant difference between the two versions of the blending task in favor of the assumption that using a task without short vowels can produce inflated scores (i.e., the blending task without short vowels yielded higher scores); such scores demonstrated weak correlation with the reading measures. The implications of the current study support the presentation of blending tasks with all the constituent segments of the word including short vowels (i.e., presenting the word with consonants, long vowels, and short vowels), which can better contribute to gauging children's PA abilities.

Effect of a family-based lifestyle intervention on weight reduction among Jordanian children with obesity aged 6-9 years.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of a family-based lifestyle intervention on reducing body weight among Jordanian children with obesity aged 6-9 years old. The pretest-posttest control group design was conducted among 162 children (75 in the intervention group and 87 in the control group) with obesity aged 6-9 years old at four primary schools in Jordan during the period from March 2021 to July 2021. The results found that, after the intervention, there was a statistically significant change in the F scores in the control group vs. in the intervention group (M = 37.07, SD = 2.77; M = 33.48, SD = 2.73; t (160) = 8.29, P < 0.001), where the mean BMI percentile was reduced by 2.05 in the intervention group. A significant difference was demonstrated in the median BMI percentile in the intervention and control groups post-intervention (P < 0.001). A significant difference was also noticed between the average weekly reported dietary habits and the physical activities of both the control group and the intervention group post-intervention. The findings support the effect of family-based lifestyle interventions. Healthcare providers should adopt such interventions for children living with obesity. Future study is required to evaluate the long-term effectiveness of this intervention on weight reduction.

Empowering education through digital transformation: Confronting educational wastage in basic education schools in Jordan

Activating digital transformation in basic education holds the potential to effectively address educational wastage by leveraging innovative technologies and strategies to optimize teaching and learning processes, enhance student engagement and outcomes and mitigate inefficiencies in educational practices. The objective of this research was to explore the feasibility of implementing digital transformation as a solution to address educational wastage in basic education schools within the Irbid Governorate. The study adopted a descriptive and analytical methodology employing a random sampling technique to select a sample of 270 principals and teachers from elementary education schools in Irbid Governorate. Data collection was facilitated through the utilization of a questionnaire as the research instrument. The validity and reliability of the instrument underwent a meticulous examination and validation process through a series of rigorous steps. The findings revealed several obstacles hindering the activation of digital transformation in basic education including the absence of integrated digital systems that function cohesively, limited utilization of modern techniques, technologies and teaching methods and insufficient teacher proficiency in technology usage and training. The study recommends overcoming these challenges by transitioning the school environment into a digital ecosystem, supporting the professional growth of teachers in scientific, educational and technical domains, establishing systems and regulations to enhance the school environment and improving teaching methods and learning strategies.

The Relationship between Responsibility and Academic Achievement among Secondary School Students in International Pioneers Academy Schools in Jordan

The study aimed to measure the relationship between responsibility in choice theory and academic achievement among secondary school students in Al-Rowad International Schools in Jordan. To achieve the goal of the study, the researchers used the descriptive, correlational approach and used the measure of responsibility and the measure of academic achievement. The study sample consisted of (50) male and female students. The sample was selected from secondary school classes randomly. The results of the study revealed that there is a direct relationship between responsibility and perceived academic achievement among high school students in Al-Rowad schools in Jordan, where the value of the correlation coefficient reached (0.808), which is a statistically significant value at the significance level (0.05). The study came out with several recommendations, the most prominent of which are: developing Activating guidance programs based on choice theory to improve responsible behavior to raise the level of achievement.