Special Education Programs Research Articles

Феномен "московского олимпиадного чуда": благо или зло для отечественного образования?

The system of Olympiads and creative competitions that has developed in Russia permeates the educational activities of all subjects of the federation, while its core is the All-Russian Olympiad of schoolchildren, held under the patronage of the Ministry of Education of the Russian Federation. At various regional sites, local centers of additional education are created; large sums are invested in modern equipment for schools with Olympiad classes; special educational programs are created at the school–university junction. The Olympiad movement attracts scientific and methodological resources to prepare for creative competitions throughout the country in Russia, while a pronounced rivalry in the ranking of leading regions in the struggle for primacy does not arise due to the unprecedented success of Moscow’s schoolchildren. The statistics of the results of the last decade clearly show the leading role of Moscow Oblast in the Olympiad ranking – both in absolute quantitative indicators and in the stability of performances in many subjects, the capital’s schoolchildren show successful dynamics, which causes the problem of research – comparing the educational achievements of various regions in the field of training for intellectual competitions. However, the leadership of this region gives rise to certain negative consequences for the entire domestic education, and the aim of the study is to reveal such aspects of preparation for intellectual competitions in Moscow. In the study, we rely on the principles of systemic and active approaches, based on the cultural theory of the content of education as the main theoretical framework. The research methods used are both theoretical (analysis of scientific literature on the topic, content analysis of the statistical data set of the Ministry of Education, induction, deduction, categorization) and empirical (interviewing, conversation, survey). As a result of the study, the risks of popularizing the Olympiad movement were identified, among which the growing tendency to change the region of residence and teach schoolchildren in order to access highquality Olympiad training should be highlighted. Our survey of high school students shows readiness for “Olympiad tourism” for the sake of affiliation with more successful teams. We have proposed certain measures that will turn the tide of “leakage” of talented schoolchildren to Moscow’s educational institutions, which in general will be able to favorably affect the development of the Olympiad movement in the country.

ПРЕДИКТОРЫ НАСТАВНИЧЕСКОЙ ДЕЯТЕЛЬНОСТИ СТУДЕНТОВ ПЕДАГОГИЧЕСКИХ ВУЗОВ

Mentoring activity is one of the important factors in the development of professional competence of future teachers. Mentoring skills acquired during their studies at a university significantly expand the opportunities of young people who have chosen the teaching profession. In this regard, an important aspect of educational activities in pedagogical universities is attention to predictors that mark the effectiveness of acquiring mentoring skills among students. The most important predictors of mentoring activity are: psychological, characterizing the individual qualities of students, and professional, including the experience of mastering special additional educational programs, technologies, and practice-oriented acts of interaction in the mentor-mentee system. These predictors are interrelated and together make it possible to predict the success of mentoring activity. The purpose of the article is a theoretical analysis of the predictors of mentoring activity, characterization of the qualities that contribute to the effectiveness of this activity among students, and presentation of the results of the empirical survey. The core of the research activities were psychological and professional predictors of mentoring activities of student youth. The material for the analysis was the personal and professional qualities of students with different experiences of immersion in mentoring during their studies at a pedagogical university. The research data showed that there are differences in the personal and professional qualities of respondents who are consciously focused on mentoring activities, have been trained within the framework of a special additional educational course, actively participated in volunteer activities, etc., and student respondents who do not highly appreciate the value of mentoring for the future profession of a teacher. General qualities: moral and ethical guidelines, altruistic vector of behavior, orientation towards mutually beneficial communication

Predicting Psychological Well-Being Based on Digital Self-Efficacy and Emotional Intelligence in Students

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the prediction of psychological well-being based on digital self-efficacy and emotional intelligence among students at the Islamic Azad University, South Tehran Branch. Methods and Materials: The study type is correlational-descriptive and cross-sectional. The statistical population includes all students of the Islamic Azad University, South Tehran Branch, in the academic year 2023-2024. Sampling was conducted using the convenience method, and 200 individuals were selected based on the Morgan table, considering the possibility of statistical attrition. Data collection tools included standardized questionnaires on psychological well-being, digital self-efficacy, and emotional intelligence. Data were analyzed using Pearson correlation and multiple regression methods. Findings: Results showed that all components of digital self-efficacy and emotional intelligence have a significant relationship with psychological well-being. The highest correlation coefficient was related to the security component in digital self-efficacy (p<0.05, 0.64) and the emotional awareness component in emotional intelligence (p<0.05, 0.69). Multiple regression analysis showed that both independent variables significantly predict psychological well-being. The coefficient of determination (R²) was 0.30 for digital self-efficacy and 0.48 for emotional intelligence, indicating significant variance explained in psychological well-being by these variables. Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, increasing digital self-efficacy and emotional intelligence skills can help improve students' psychological well-being. Universities and educational institutions can help students enhance their abilities and, consequently, achieve better quality of life and mental health by designing and implementing special educational programs in this area.

ОСОБЕННОСТИ АГРЕССИИ ОБУЧАЮЩИХСЯ МЛАДШЕГО ШКОЛЬНОГО ВОЗРАСТА ИЗ СЕМЕЙ РАЗНОГО ТИПА

The article shows the importance of psychological and pedagogical activities for suppression of aggression in elementary school children based on the obtained diagnostic data and taking into account family features. The purpose of the article is a comparative analysis of aggression manifestation in elementary school children from one- and two-parent families. The results of the summative assessment are described. The assessment made it possible to identify the types (verbal, physical, instrumental, altruistic, selfaggression) and levels (high, medium, low) of aggression intrinsic to the children. It has been proven that aggression is more common in children from one-parent families. Boys from one-parent families are more aggressive than boys from two-parent families. There are minor differences in aggression of girls from oneand two-parent families. The need of psychological coaching for children and their families through the implementation of special education programs and arrangement of family clubs has been demonstrated.

ФОРМУВАННЯ СИСТЕМИ ПІДГОТОВКИ ФАХІВЦІВ У СФЕРІ ЗАХИСТУ КРИТИЧНОЇ ІНФРАСТРУКТУРИ: КОМПЕТЕНЦІЇ ВИПУСКНИКІВ ТА ЗМІСТ НАВЧАЛЬНИХ ДИСЦИПЛІН

Background . The Law of Ukraine "On Critical Infrastructure" defines the task of ensuring the security and resilience of critical infrastructure. The practice of implementation of the Law provisions shows the need to introduce a system of education and training of personnel in this area. The observed tendencies of increasing of the range of threats to critical infrastructure, in particular during armed conflict, only emphasize the urgency of raising the level of knowledge and skills of personnel in this area. The purpose of the article is to review potential formats of education and identification of fields of knowledge and specialties within which it is appropriate to reflect issues of critical infrastructure protection in the educational process. Among the important tasks of the article are: a review of research on the problems and the practice of implementation of the educational process in this field, an analysis of legislative and organizational opportunities for the introduction of educational programs, a review of higher education standards and programs, identification of basic competencies of graduates and program results of studies in this area. Methods . There were used methods of theoretical-methodological and comparative analysis for the developing conceptual approaches to the organization of education process on the issues of security and resilience of critical infrastructure. The system-functional analysis of the tasks of the subjects responsible for critical infrastructure protection was used to determine the fields of knowledge and specialties in which it is appropriate to train specialists. Methods of system analysis to form a list of program results of training in this area. Results . The article proposes a methodical approach to determining the necessary competencies, knowledge and skills of the personnel of the subjects of the national system of critical infrastructure protection. The list of specialties in which it is expedient to train specialists by higher education institutions of Ukraine has been defined. A set of competencies and program learning outcomes have been developed, which could serve as basic for developing educational standards and educational programs. A set of educational disciplines is offered that can be a component of the educational process in selected specialties. Conclusions . The article substantiates the legislative conditionality and scientific and practical relevance to establish the system of specialists training in the field of critical infrastructure protection. Though, the training system can cover various forms and methods of training, at the current stage of development of the national critical infrastructure protection system of Ukraine, it is advisable to introduce separate educational programs within the framework of existing educational programs of defined set of specialties. There has been developed the competencies and program outcomes for graduates. A set of educational disciplines that can be a component of the educational process in selected specialties is also proposed. In future, it is necessary to continue research on the development of specific educational programs on the security and resilience of critical infrastructure for various specialties.

중환자실 간호사의 감염관리 수행도 영향요인

The purpose of this study is to identify factors influencing nursing practice for infections control in intensive care units (ICUs). Participants were 201 registered nurses who worked in ICUs of general hospitals. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire from September 10 to October 6, 2023. And were analyzed using the t-test, One-way ANOVA, Pearson correlation coefficients and multiple regression analysis with the SPSS 28.0 program. Through multiple regression analysis, the factors influencing nursing Practice in ICUs were awareness of infection control (β=.76, p＜.001), working unit (NCU) (β=.10, p=.043). The explanation power of these variables was 65.0% (F=46.78, p＜.001). Education to enhance awareness on infection control should be established. There is a need to organize and provide specialized education and training programs for each unit.

Эффективность функционирования особо охраняемых природных территорий Республики Алтай

The purpose of the study is to study the role of specially protected natural territories in ensuring the sustainable development of regions and to identify areas for improving their functioning in order to preserve the national heritage in the form of a unique natural heritage. Research methods. The main provisions and conclusions of the article are based on the results of the use of statistical and analytical research methods. They helped to determine the impact of nature protection areas on the sustainable development of regions, to formulate trends and contradictions in the development of the tourist and recreational complex of specially protected natural territories of the Altai Republic, as well as to identify the need to improve the efficiency of its functioning through an established system of staffing. Research results. In the course of the work carried out, the influence of specially protected natural territories on ensuring sustainable socio-economic development of the regions was proved. It was also revealed that one of the main factors hindering the successful functioning of tourist and recreational complexes of specially protected natural territories of the Altai Republic is a shortage of personnel. Conclusions. The development of the tourist and recreational complex of specially protected natural territories is a promising area of activity of the Altai Republic, due to its geographical location and the presence of historical, cultural and natural values on the territory. However, there are some contradictions in the development of the tourist and recreational complex of specially protected natural territories, which creates a shortage of personnel, but they play a key role in its successful functioning. In this regard, an adequate response of the education system is required. The key lies in the development of specific educational programs that work ahead of the curve and, most importantly, transform the willingness and ability of employees to breakthrough solutions and actions.

PREVALENCE OF PERIODONTAL TISSUE DISEASES IN CHILDREN WITH AUTISM

It is known that among the many factors that cause dental diseases in children, disorders of mental development and disorders of the nervous system, including autism, are important. The study of dental incidence in children with autism is relevant in view of the need to develop and implement effective methods of treatment and prevention of the main dental diseases in these children.
 The aim of the study was to study the prevalence and features of the course of periodontal tissue diseases in children with autism.
 Methods and Material. 38 children with autism and 49 practically healthy children aged 13-18 were ex-amined. Assessment of periodontal tissue condition was carried out on the basis of clinical data. For an objective assessment of periodontal status, the papillary-marginal-alveolar index (PMA) was determined (S. Parma, 1960). The prevalence of periodontal diseases was determined using WHO criteria.
 Results. When analyzing the obtained results, periodontal tissue pathology was diagnosed in children of the main group in 68.42±6.67%, which is 1.4 times more than among children in the control group (48.86±5.89%, p<0.05 ). Basically, chronic catarrhal gingivitis (CCG) was diagnosed, the prevalence of which was 60.72±4.67%. In addition, 14.99±2.46% of the children of the main group had generalized periodontitis of mild severity. It was established that, on average, children with autism have a PMA index of 39.01±3.76%, which corresponds to the average severity of gingivitis. So, among the children of the main group, a mild degree of severity of CCG was diagnosed, on average, in 41.96±3.56%, an average degree in 44.92±7.64% of children with autism, severe in 5.34±2, 33%.
 Conclusions. Summary, children with autism have a high prevalence of periodontal diseases, in particular, chronic catarrhal gingivitis and generalized periodontitis. This requires the creation of special educational programs for children with autism in order to develop algorithms for providing individualized dental care to these children.

ANALISIS KEPERLUAN PEMBANGUNAN KERANGKA LITERASI MEMBACA TEKS BAHASA ARAB BERBANTUKAN TEKNOLOGI AUGMENTASI REALITI (AR) UNTUK MURID BERKEPERLUAN PENDIDIKAN KHAS (MBK) DI MALAYSIA DALAM KALANGAN IBUBAPA

This study aims to obtain feedback and information from parents who have children with special needs for the purpose of developing a literacy framework for reading Arabic texts aided by augmented reality (AR) technology. This needs analysis is important to provide clear information for the development of the literacy framework so that the framework developed meets the needs of the students and can help solve any possible problems that exist. The population for this study comprised of parents who have children attending Special Education Programs (SEPs/PPK), Special Education Integration Programs (SEINs/PPKI), and Inclusive Programs at ages 7 to 12. The SNSs (MBK) in this study were only focused on the category of students who have learning problems (slow learners). This study used a clustered random sampling technique involving five zones in Malaysia. A semi-structured interview protocol was used for data collection purposes. The qualitative data obtained were analyzed thematically using the ATLAS.ti software. There were four data-related themes, namely (1) requirements in the aspect of infrastructure, (2) teachers’ expertise and training, (3) teaching aids, and (4) suitability of augmented reality technology. Data analysis showed that a literacy framework for reading Arabic text aided by augmented reality technology is needed with the four themes previously mentioned. In addition, there were other suggestions from parents that can be used to design and develop this reading literacy framework. The development of a literacy framework for reading Arabic texts aided by augmented reality (AR) technology for SNSs is expected to provide a conducive learning environment for SNSs in Malaysia and further assist authorities in solving the dropout problem of students with special education needs in Malaysian mainstream education.

Building More Flexible Special Education Teachers: UDL Integration in a Dual-Licensure Program

In this article, we describe how our general and special education faculty collaborated to infuse the Universal Design for Learning framework into our special education preparation program, a dual-licensure special education and elementary education (K-6) undergraduate degree program. We describe the curriculum reform processes and outcomes of the UDL curriculum enhancement project, along with specific examples from multiple courses. Additionally, we highlight the need to continuously evaluate such efforts so that areas for improvement can be identified and addressed. For instance, we realized that our teacher candidates still needed more support to transfer what they learned about UDL from their coursework to their planning and practice in student teaching. In sum, we did not just create a plan, implement it, and consider it completed. We recognized a gap in the original plan, made improvements, and re-assessed, just as we would expect our teacher candidates to do when evaluating their own practice.

Management of professional education focusing on the teaching of the Slovak Language as a Foreign Language in the context of emigration processes

Abstract Society in Slovakia is currently determined by upheavals that are linked to global events. Slovak education is most significantly affected by the war in Ukraine. It is connected with the emigration of foreigners to our territory and the subsequent inclusion of pupils with a different language in primary and secondary schools. Based on this extraordinary situation, there is a need to respond to it flexibly and efficiently. Appropriate management mechanisms based on the principles of school management and educational technology are required with a focus on ensuring adequate preparation of Slovak language teachers for teaching pupils whose mother tongue is other than Slovak. Effective tools for solving the situation has not been created by the Slovak education system. The fulfillment of this challenge is the necessary implementation of an analysis of the high-quality educational needs of teachers and the subsequent implementation of its results for the creation of a suitable educational platform, either as part of undergraduate training or further professional education of teaching staff. The presented study is therefore focused on the description of the theoretical foundations of the term professional education of Slovak language and literature teachers with an emphasis on the teaching of the Slovak language as a foreign language. The results of empirical research identifying and analyzing the educational needs of the concerned teaching staff through adequate research methods are included. At the end of the scientific study, the key determinants of the creation of specific educational programs intended for the education of pupils with a mother tongue other than Slovak will be presented.

Specific educational program for adolescent anemia prevention (Progres MIRA) to adolescent girls in remote areas of Bengkulu, Indonesia

Background: Anemia prevalence worldwide ranges from 30-50%, mostly occurring in developing countries, predominantly affecting adolescent groups. In Indonesia, the prevalence of anemia in females aged ≥15 years is 22.7%. Cases in Indonesia include 45% in Denpasar City and 62% in Bengkulu Province. Generally, adolescent girls are vulnerable to anemia due to significant blood loss during menstruation, posing risks of Low Birth Weight (LBW) and stunting during childbirth.Purpose: To determine the effectiveness of Progres MIRA (Specific Education Program for Anemia Prevention in Adolescents) on compliance with iron supplement consumption and hemoglobin levels in adolescent girls on Enggano Island, North Bengkulu Regency in 2023.Method: This study used a quasi-experimental post-test only method with a control group. The Progres MIRA research intervention involved a specific education program for anemia prevention in a special classroom setting. The independent variable was Progres MIRA, the dependent variables were hemoglobin levels and compliance with consuming iron supplement tablets, and external variables included menstrual duration, menstrual cycle, nutrient intake, and economic status.Results: The research findings showed that 82.9% of adolescent girls had a menstrual duration of >6 days, which influenced the amount of iron supplement tablet consumption among them. The menarche age among adolescent girls in the Progres MIRA group was 28.6% at an age <12 years. Compliance levels in treatment related to the menstrual duration variable obtained a ρ-value= 0.01, menarche age obtained a ρ-value= 0.57, malnutrition deficiency index obtained a ρ-value= 0.04, and MUAC obtained a ρ-value= 0.10. This indicates that Progres MIRA effectively increases compliance with iron supplement tablet consumption among adolescent girls.Conclusion: Progres MIRA is effective in improving compliance with iron supplement tablet consumption among adolescent girls. Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) significantly affects compliance with iron supplement tablet consumption among adolescent girls.

Social Work Professional Competencies and Educational Programs Specialized Practice. Theoretical Analysis

The practice of social work starts from the period of university education – bachelor and master educational programs, where students are guided, supervised by experienced professionals to develop the competencies and skills of relating to clients of social work services, step by step. The purpose of this work is to theoretically analyze the relation between specialized education programs during bachelor's and master's studies and the desired competencies of social workers. We will refer to the international literature to understand a global perspective on the practice of social work from the perspective of education in the field. We will focus on the identification of key competencies of social workers, in Romanian and American social work practice and educational system

Concurrent validity of intelligence assessments in children with developmental disabilities in an Asian setting: Comparison of the Kaufman brief intelligence test – Second edition with the Wechsler Intelligence Scales

BackgroundThis study was carried out to compare the concurrent validity of the Kaufman Brief Intelligence Test – Second Edition (KBIT-2) with that of two Wechsler Intelligence Scales (Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children – Fifth Edition (WISC-V) and the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence – Fourth Edition (WPPSI-IV)) in an Asian setting. MethodsA retrospective study reviewed the medical records of 101 children with developmental disorders who were being followed up at a tertiary child development unit. Pearson product moment correlation coefficients were calculated between the KBIT-2 and Wechsler assessment scores. Simple regression analysis was used to calculate standard errors of estimation to assess the accuracy of predicting Wechsler scores using KBIT-2 scores. ResultsA strong positive correlation was observed between KBIT-2's Intelligence Quotient (IQ) Composite and WISC-V's Full-Scale IQ (FSIQ) scores (r = 0.722, p < 0.01). KBIT-2 IQ composite scores showed a moderately strong positive correlation with WPPSI-IV FSIQ scores (r = 0.648, p < 0.01). Simple regression analysis showed that KBIT-2 scores tended to underestimate or overestimate the Wechsler scores, with the highest variability seen in KBIT-2's Non-Verbal IQ and Wechsler's Fluid Reasoning Index scores (error limits: -53.1 to 39.7). ConclusionOur study demonstrates that KBIT-2 has good concurrent validity when compared to other IQ tests such as the Wechsler scales, and it suggests that KBIT-2 is a good screening tool for assessing intelligence in a group of children with developmental disabilities. Further studies are needed to determine whether KBIT-2 can be used for the purpose of diagnostic decision-making or special education program placement.

The relation between biodiversity in literature and social and spatial situation of authors: Reflections on the nature–culture entanglement

Abstract Understanding the nature–culture entanglement by combining the methods of natural sciences and humanities is little approached in neither of the fields. With a specific combination of methods from both digital humanities and ecology, we aimed at identifying several of people's life circumstances that relate to their individual sensitivity towards biodiversity. The circumstances with a strong correlation could be considered and targeted by decision‐makers, for example by developing specific education programmes for making people more eco‐conscious or adjusting relevant regulations. We applied machine learning techniques onto a database including information about the frequency of biodiversity mentioned in creative literature (BiL) from 1705 to 1969 as response variable related to metadata about the corresponding works and their authors as predictors, including localisation, age, gender and literature genre. The algorithm determined the response's dependency on each predictor, which can be interpreted as the intensity of this particular sensitivity parameter for biodiversity, and which we also related to time. We recognised that gender, age, region and settlement size are predictors significantly correlated to BiL. Statistically, these predictors can be viewed as starting points of the eventual individual level of awareness for biodiversity. For example, authors from villages exhibit a higher BiL than those from cities, which we interpret as a signal for the dependence of awareness for biodiversity on spatial distance from nature, which in turn can be addressed in urban development. Our conclusion is that applying a machine learning technique on literary data yields meaningful results, thereby showing potential for further similar investigations and the combination of methods from natural sciences and humanities to achieve so far unattainable insights. With our study, these insights could contribute to ecologically based decision‐making processes. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.

Mathematics Anxiety among Jordanian Pre-Service Elementary Teachers

Mathematics is considered one of the most important topics people are interested in throughout the different learning stages. A lot of people all around the world face different types of difficulties such as anxiety of mathematics. The current study aimed at investigating mathematics anxiety among pre- service Jordanian elementary teachers. The sample consisted of 472 pre-service teachers who were studying in the College of Educational Sciences at Al al-Bayt University, Jordan. Those pre- service teachers were enrolled in three different majors: Elementary Teachers Program, Early Childhood Program, and Special Education Program. The researchers used the Mathematical Anxiety Scale- Short Version developed by Suinn and Winston (2003), which consisted of 29 items with 5- point Likert-type instrument. The results of the study revealed six themes where each included some of the 29 items of the scale. In general, the responses of the participants in the study showed mathematics anxiety in the following issues: Anxiety because of thinking about the exam, anxiety after taking the exam, anxiety in the form of patterns and life situations related to the four basic processes, anxiety from mathematics, concern in the form of questions on the four basic processes, concern in the form of models of life applications on the four basic operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division), and taking a math test or preparing for a math test or homework.

The Relationship Between Level of Education, Cognitive Function and Medication Adherence in Patients with Schizophrenia.

Several studies have explored the relationship between level of education and medication adherence, as well as the relationship between level of education and cognitive function. However, there have been few studies on the relationships between level of education, cognitive function, and medication adherence. This study aimed to explore whether cognitive function has a mediating effect between level of education and medication adherence in patients with schizophrenia. A total of 329 participants were included in this study. Cognitive function was assessed using the Brief Assessment of Cognition in Schizophrenia, and medication adherence using the Medication Adherence Questionnaire. The relationships between the clinical factors and cognitive function that contributed to medication adherence were tested through multivariable linear regression analysis. The mediatingeffect of medication adherence was tested using the bootstrapping approach with the PROCESS macro. Family history, insight and executive function were associated with medication adherence in individuals with schizophrenia, and executive function had a mediating effect between level of education and medication adherence. Adopting specific education programs that promote cognitive development as well as actively intervening in executive function might be conducive to improve medication adherence in patients with schizophrenia.

Strategi Pembinaan Aqidah dan Akhlak pada Anak Disabilitas (Tunagrahita) dI SLB Kota Banda Aceh

Intellectually disabled children are children who have an intelligence level that is below average and has difficulty in adapting their behavior as they grow. SLB TNCC Banda Aceh is a special education program that aims to support the development and expression of the potential of students with special needs, including developing aqidah and morals. Therefore, the role of school principals and teachers is crucial in developing the faith and morals of children, especially tunagrahita children. The aims of the research are: 1) to find out strategies for fostering aqidah and morals in children with disabilities (Tunagrahita) at SLB TNCC Banda Aceh; 2) to find out the supporting and inhibiting factors for strategies for fostering faith and morals in children with disabilities (Tunagrahita) at SLB TNCC Banda Aceh. The research method used in this study is a descriptive-qualitative approach. The research subjects consisted of 7 people, namely: the principal, 2 class teachers and 4 mentally retarded children. Data collection techniques were carried out using observation, interviews, and documentation. The research results found that 1) there are four strategies used by teachers in developing the aqidah and morals of tunagrahita children at SLB TNCC Banda Aceh City, those are through habituation, exemplary strategies, discipline strategies, and through mauidzah (giving advice) strategies. 2) There are several obstacles in the strategy of developing aqidah and morals for mentally retarded children at SLB TNCC Banda Aceh. Tunagrahita children are difficult to talk to because they are not very capable of speaking. Hence, the children prefer to remain silent, and it is also related to the background of the children, who come from a variety of different backgrounds and families, so they often bring behavioral patterns or traditions from the environment before they join the school. The solutions provided are: 1) Holding a meeting with the child's parents; this aims to guide parents on the best way to support their children who have special needs for mental retardation. 2) Implement training and habituation strategies, because with the habituation strategies that are implemented, children continue to repeat or practice the habits they do.&#x0D; Keywords: Development Strategy, Aqidah and Morals, Tunagrahita Children

PRE-SERVICE TEACHERS’ DIGITAL COMPETENCIES: A TRANSFORMATIVE MEDIUM TOWARD LANGUAGE TEACHING

Given the subsequent turn of the epidemic in language education field, this study aimed to investigate the perceptions of pre-service teachers in the English Language Education Department of Atma Jaya Catholic University of Indonesia toward their own digital competencies within their teaching performance. Regarding the use of information and communication technologies (ICT), pre-service teachers are expected to have sufficient high-level digital competencies. In this context, digital competencies are seen as a means to transform language education in the post-pandemic era. In this study, digital competencies refer to five dimensional skills, namely ‘information and data literacy’, ‘communication and collaboration’, ‘digital content creation’, ‘security’, and ‘problem solving’. Fifty-five (55) pre-service teachers who were still enrolled in some particular ICT courses and who performed online teaching participated in the study by completing the Teacher Competency Framework Questionnaire and doing an interview session to assess their digital competencies in the use of ICT within online teaching context. The results showed that the pre-service teachers placed a high value on all five dimensions of digital competence to facilitate their online teaching through the use of ICT, covering both technological and pedagogical functions, making their online teaching delivered more beneficially and effectively. The more acknowledgements toward the role of their digital competencies and required skills of ICT use for pre-service teachers have been increasing due to the switching from offline to online classroom settings as a consequence of COVID-19 pandemic. However, further research into integrated curriculum planning based on the schoolwide ICT curriculum is recommended to promote constructive strategies to support the development of the pre-service teachers’ digital competencies. The much wider digital competencies scope and more specific pre-service teachers ICT educational programs investigation should be adapted in the future research to provide deeper and further analysis toward the pre-service teachers’ self-efficacy about their own digital competencies in online learning context at the same time.

Cervical cancer screening uptake and associated factors among Women Living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus in public hospitals, eastern Ethiopia

BackgroundCervical cancer, the second leading cancer in Ethiopia women, is six times higher among women infected with the Human Immune Virus 1-infected women. Its screening provides protective advantages, and is linked to a decrease in the incidence of invasive cervical cancer and mortality. Although cancer screening has great advantages for early treatment and prevention of further complications, cervical cancer screening uptake is low among women in developing countries. Cervical cancer screening uptake among Women Living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (WLHIV) is not well known in Eastern Ethiopia. Thus, we aimed to assess cervical cancer screening uptake and its associated factors among WLHIV in public hospitals in Harar, eastern Ethiopia.MethodsAn institution-based cross-sectional study was carried out on 412 randomly selected HIV-positive women from March 20 to April 20, 2022. The results of the study were presented descriptively in percentages and analytically in odds ratio. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to determine the presence and degree of association between dependent and independent variables. In the multivariable logistic analysis, a p-value of 0.05, and an adjusted odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval were considered to determine independent predictors for the uptake of cervical cancer screening.ResultsCervical cancer screening uptake among WLHIV was 57.5% (95% CI: 52.5, 62.9%). The uptake of cervical cancer screening was significantly associated with age between 20-29 years (AOR = 7.33; 95% CI: 1.98, 27.1), 40-49 years (AOR = 4.37; 95% CI: 1.48, 12.89), tertiary level of education (AOR = 0.197; 95% CI: 0.041, 0.946), good knowledge (AOR = 3.591; 95% CI: 2.123, 6.073), and monthly income of 2501(45.52 $) and above Ethiopian Birr (AOR = 0.389; 95% CI: 0.158, 0.959).ConclusionsMore than half of the participants had undergone cervical cancer screening. Age, marital status, educational status, monthly income, and awareness of cancer screening uptake were all factors related to cervical cancer screening. To maximize uptake, it is necessary to create specific counseling and education programs that target HIV-positive women.