The Effect of a Program based on Active Learning Strategies on the Reading Skills of Students with Learning Disabilities in East Jerusalem Schools

Abstract

The researcher aimed to examine the effect of a program based on active learning strategies on the reading skills of students with learning difficulties in schools in East Jerusalem. To achieve this objective، a quasi-experimental design was employed. The study population consisted of all students with learning difficulties in Al-Faqih School (located in East Jerusalem) in the second، third، and fourth grades during the second semester of the 2024/2025 academic year. The current study sample included 12 students with learning difficulties from grades two، three، and four، who were intentionally selected from Al-Faqih Elementary School in East Jerusalem. The study results، after analyzing the data using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS)، revealed statistically significant differences between the control and experimental groups in all the targeted skills following the implementation of the educational program based on active learning strategies. The findings demonstrated a clear positive effect of the program on improving reading skills among students with learning difficulties. Additionally، the results showed that students in the experimental group achieved significantly better performance in the post-tests compared to those in the control group. The program was found to be effective in enhancing individual reading skills، and no statistically significant differences were found based on gender or grade level، indicating the effectiveness of the program across various student groups. The researcher recommended the adoption of educational programs based on active learning strategies for teaching students with learning difficulties، while ensuring that the activities are adapted to suit individual differences. It is also advised to provide specialized training for teachers on how to implement such programs. Future studies are encouraged to evaluate the impact of the program on other skills such as reading comprehension and written understanding.