Article info

Keywords

• learning difficulties.
• structural cognitive strategy
• people with special needs
• self-cognitive beliefs
• academic achievement motivation

Abstract

Quasi-experimental study aimed to investigate the effect of Active Learning based on Structural Cognitive Maps strategy in developing cognitive beliefs, self-motivation and academic achievement among the students with special needs in Al Kharj, Saudi Arabia. The performance of the two groups of students was compared to each other, one in which students received learning based on a strategy of structural cognitive maps, and other students received the learning based on the traditional teaching strategies. The data was collected through pre and post-tests the self-cognitive beliefs and the motivation of academic achievement. The results showed the presence of statistically significant differences at the level of (α ≤ 0.05) between the mean scores of students of the experimental group and controlled group students grades of the post measure in both the academic achievement motivation, and the measure of self-cognitive and beliefs in favor of the experimental group. The study concludes with recommendations for institutions of care for people with special needs to ensure the structural cognitive maps strategy in the curricula of teaching people with special needs.