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Supporting Students with Anxiety in Their Studies
83-98Views:17Anxiety is a prevalent mental health issue among children and adolescents, which can have a detrimental impact on their personal relationships and academic performance. This study aimed to identify the manifestations of anxiety in educational settings, the effects of anxiety on educational activities, and the types of support that should be provided to students with anxiety. The following research questions guided this study: 1) How is anxiety expressed among 13-14-year-old students when in school? 2)How does anxiety affect the 13-14-year-old students' educational activities? 3) What kind of support should be provided to students with anxiety at school? The participants were 26 students aged 13-14 from various Estonian schools. The data was gathered for analysis via interviews and a questionnaire. A mixed-methods approach was employed. According to the research, children experience anxiety both before and during a test or presentation. It appears that each student expresses fear at school in a different way. Students who learn remotely report feeling less anxious during class activities. This is because they do not have to answer in front of the class or turn on the camera when participating in online lessons. Furthermore, students aged 13-14 prefer to talk to their friends who are also experiencing anxiety than to adults who do not understand their anxiety. Finally, the students' answers revealed that the teacher should ask all the students with equal frequency to present their homework. It is also recommended that anxious students be supported by helping them recall what they have learned and use different methods to assess their knowledge. The students stated that they require a quiet and safe place to be alone at school. There is a need to raise awareness about anxiety symptoms and ways for teachers to support students.
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SUPPORTING A STUTTERING STUDENT AT SCHOOL
91-104Views:320Stuttering is a disability of tempo and rhythm in the speech that students, special education teachers, and speech therapists face in their daily work. Previously, stuttering has been researched from the perspective of speech therapy and speech therapists. This research is however based on the opinions of the youngsters in question. One percent of the population are considered stutterers as per Guitar’s (1998) theory — which would mean that in Estonia, approximately 1,500 students are stutterers. Students spend a large and valuable part of their day and leisure time at school. It is therefore essential that teachers and advisors are aware and competent in providing support to stuttering students as needed. These students do not receive enough support and attention, as stuttering is considered a disability that does not distract teachers from doing their job. It can be assumed that teachers do not change their methods and systems in evaluating a stuttering student. It is nevertheless crucial that the student with the impediment feels safe and good at school and can express their thoughts in speech. The aim of this research is to find out how stuttering students cope in their school environment. The research also focuses on the experiences of teachers and support specialists in order to understand their cooperation when assisting a stuttering student.
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EXPERIENCES AND SUPPORT NEEDS OF CHILDREN WITH BROTHER OR SISTER WITH DISABILITY
69-81Views:426There are many children with special needs whose siblings play an important role in their lives for a longer time than other family members. Longer life expectancy and the deepening of disabilities bring along a higher need of being taken care of. When the parents grow older it is often the siblings who become the caretakers. Meyer & Vadasy (2007) found that if siblings of children with SEN get proper support and information while growing up, the well-being of siblings with special needs also increases. Relationship with a sibling with special needs influences development of adaptability and self-esteem, this influence can be positive or negative (Burke, 2008). The parents of the children with SEN have many ways to receive information or help from the family – doctors, therapists, consultants, teachers, books, etc. The siblings in their turn usually get their information from the parents. (Conway & Meyer, 2008) Family members of different ages need different information. Therefore, there should be research on what kind of experiences do the siblings of the disabled child need, how their needs and well-being are guaranteed, and what kind of support they need. The aim of this study is to describe the experiences of brothers and sisters with siblings with special needs, try to understand their need for support, and find out the need for support groups and camps.