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Item The role of speech therapy in improving communication skills of preschoolers with speech delay(UMT, Lahore, 2025) FATIMA JAVAIDThe present study was conducted to examine the role of speech therapy in improving communication skills of preschoolers with speech delay and to explore parental perceptions regarding its effectiveness. The research employed a quantitative descriptive design and gathered data from 55 parents whose children were enrolled in selected speech therapy centers in Lahore, Pakistan. A structured questionnaire was used as the main research instrument, consisting of demographic questions and twenty-five items measured on a three-point Likert scale (1 = No, 2 = To Some Extent, 3 = Yes). The findings revealed that speech therapy significantly enhances multiple aspects of children’s communication, including pronunciation, vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension. Parents reported that their children showed improved sentence formation, clearer articulation, and better understanding of verbal instructions. Moreover, therapy was found to increase children’s confidence, attention span, and willingness to communicate, leading to positive behavioral and emotional changes. These results are consistent with previous studies by Law, Garrett, and Nye (2004) and Roberts and Kaiser (2015), which emphasized the long-term benefits of early intervention in speech and language development. The study also highlighted that parental involvement and therapist cooperation are critical factors influencing therapy outcomes. Parents who actively practiced speech exercises at home and maintained communication with therapists observed faster and more stable improvement in their children. While most parents were satisfied with the professionalism of therapy centers, challenges such as affordability, accessibility, and limited school-therapy coordination were identified. Despite these barriers, the overall parental satisfaction rate remained high, reflecting strong confidence in the therapy process. It is concluded that speech therapy plays an essential role in enhancing the linguistic, social, and emotional growth of preschoolers with speech delay. The study recommends increasing awareness about early intervention, expanding affordable therapy services, and strengthening collaboration between parents, teachers, and therapists to ensure long-term communication success among children in Pakistan.Item Characteristics of effective teacher(UMT, Lahore, 2025) FATIMA IKHLAQThis research investigates the fundamental traits of successful teaching in higher learning institutions based on the integration of Intellectual Intelligence (IQ), Emotional Intelligence (EQ), and Technical Skills (TQ). Teacher effectiveness in Pakistan is commonly determined through academic qualifications and experience, while competencies that are critical emotionally and technologically are under-researched. Employing a qualitative descriptive study design, 20 university lecturers were interviewed using open-ended questionnaires and analysed thematically. The results point out that effective teachers exhibit intellectual flexibility, critical thinking, and knowledge of the subject matter (IQ); empathy, self-control and universal design of classroom practices (EQ); and digital literacy, pedagogical innovativeness and problem- solving in technology-enhanced learning environments (TQ). Of most significance, the study uncovers that the most effective teachers merge these three areas of competency comprehensively, creating better student engagement, motivation and academic achievement. The research highlights the necessity of redefining teacher effectiveness in Pakistan by integrating the triadic model of IQ, EQ and TQ in teacher training courses, professional development activities and university reforms.Item A qualitative exploration of reflection in action to enhance professional skills and lesson planning abilities of prospective teachers(UMT, Lahore, 2025) MAIRA ASGHARThe qualitative study explores the core of reflection-in-action to improve professional skills and lesson planning competency in Pakistan. The research is grounded on the premise that traditional modes of teaching very often undermine reflective inquiry and seeks to discover how prospective teachers integrate reflection into their teaching practicum. The specific objectives of the study were to (i) explore the practices of prospective teachers about reflection-in-action, (ii) examine the role of reflection-in-action in identifying and meeting professional challenges, and (iii) examine their evaluation of effectiveness. Furthermore, interviews and classroom observations of prospective teachers were selected through convenience sampling, which was utilized in data collection. However, analysis reveals that reflection-in-action improves adaptability in lesson planning, assists in confronting challenges associated with conventional rote-learning approaches, enhances self-efficacy, recognizes the significance of effective communication skills, and helps bridge the gap between theory and practice. Therefore, the findings of this research intend to provide practical recommendations for teacher educators and policymakers to inculcate an effective, reflective teaching culture for improving students' learning in Pakistan.Item Development and validation of SOPs for the provision of special education services for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities in special education institutions of punjab(UMT, Lahore, 2025) Nida GulThis study aimed to develop and validate Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the provision of special education services to students with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) in Special Education Institutions of Punjab, Pakistan. The research addressed the lack of standardized guidelines in these institutions, which has led to inconsistent practices in admission, assessment, placement, and the development, implementation, and review of Individualized Education Plans (IEPs). A qualitative descriptive design was employed, involving semi-structured interviews with special education personnel, including principals, teachers, psychologists, and therapists. Data were supplemented by reviewing SOP manuals from developed countries and official documents from the Department of Special Education, Punjab. The findings revealed significant variations in procedures across institutions, highlighting the need for a unified framework. The developed SOP Manual comprises nine key sections: Admission Criteria, Referral, Initial Assessment, Placement, IEP Team Members and Responsibilities, Development of IEP, Provision of Special Education Services, Implementation of IEP, and Review of IEP. Each section provides step-by-step guidelines to ensure consistency, transparency, and quality in service delivery. The Manual was validated through expert feedback and trial implementation in select institutions. The study concludes that standardized SOPs are essential for equitable and effective special education services. Recommendations include conducting orientation programs for staff, experimental validation of the Manual, fostering a supportive workplace environment, and expanding SOPs to cover other disabilities. This research contributes to improving educational outcomes for children with IDD in Punjab by promoting uniformity and accountability in special education practices.Item Prospective teacher’s opinions about their preparedness for teaching(UMT, Lahore, 2025) SYEDA NIDA ALIThe study focuses on the preparedness of prospective teachers in Pakistan. Teacher’s preparedness means for having the right knowledge, skills and attitudes which helps the students to learn effectively. The study is the Qualitative research which interprets the prospective teacher’s opinions about their preparedness in teaching. In Pakistan teacher training is the important factor for improving the education quality but many teachers do not feel prepared for teaching after training. This research aims to identify how prospective teachers see their own preparedness and how the training program affects their confidence and skills. This research aims to identify the gaps in the teacher training programs which influence the teacher preparedness by examining the opinions of these teachers helping in making the teacher training better for future.Item Teaching strategies, to motivate students and their learning behavior(UMT, Lahore, 2025) Rida Ali; Namra Hussainstudy examines the impact of various teaching strategies on students’ learning behavior and motivation. It draws on well-known theories, such as Constructivism (Vygotsky, 2019), Behaviorism (Skinner, 2019), and Self-Determination Theory (Deci & Ryan, 2019). Our research focuses on student-centered approaches, such as group activities, Active learning, and personalized lessons. These methods can improve participation, self-control, and Resolve. They also influence motivation by either encouraging curiosity and interest or building reliance on rewards and recognition (Deci & Ryan, 2019). Instead of collecting new data, our study reviews existing research to explain how teaching methods shape learning behavior and motivation. The aim is to provide teachers and policymakers with clear ideas for creating classrooms that support independence, engagement, and deeper understanding. By understanding these connections, educators can design classrooms where students feel motivated, active, and responsible for their own learning, which makes school a more meaningful and lasting experience for students (Fullan, 2016).Item Analyzing the equity issues in primary science education(UMT, Lahore, 2025) RIMSHA FAROOQ; AROOJ WASEEMThis research is a systematic review of equity issues in primary science education. Papers published in peer reviewed reputed journals published between 2014-2025 were analyzed and included in this systematic review. The purpose of the review was to find out the typical features of the studies that have conducted and to consider the equity issues encounter in primary science education from different context. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) approach was applied to choose and analyze articles. After VOS analysis and manual screening 13 research studies were found relevant. These studies were analyzed based on methodology, participants, area of issues and the nature of equity issues discussed. The review revealed common issues to include gender inequalities, language barriers, curriculum and assessment and absence of inclusive pedagogies. Furthermore, the research concludes that both systemic reforms and teacher preparation programs are critical to resolve these issues and enhance equity in primary science classrooms.Item The role of diet in managing behavioral outcomes among children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD)(UMT, Lahore, 2025) UM E HABIBAThis Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition characterized by persistent difficulties in communication, social interaction, and restricted or repetitive behaviors. In addition to these core features, many children with ASD experience gastrointestinal (GI) problems, food selectivity, and nutritional deficiencies, which may exacerbate behavioral challenges. While behavioral and pharmacological therapies remain central to ASD management, dietary interventions are increasingly being explored as complementary strategies. Emerging evidence suggests that therapeutic diets such as gluten-free/casein-free (GFCF), ketogenic diets, and micronutrient supplementation may positively influence behavioral outcomes and GI symptoms by modulating the gut-brain axis (Pérez Cabral et al., 2024; Fang et al., 2025). This study investigated the role of diet in managing behavioral symptoms among children with ASD in Pakistan. Data were collected from 80 parents of children diagnosed with ASD through structured questionnaires. Demographic characteristics, type of ASD diagnosis, parental education, and dietary practices were analyzed. Descriptive statistics, including frequency distributions, means, and standard deviations, were used to examine dietary trends and their associations with behavioral outcomes. Findings revealed that children following specialized diets, particularly GFCF, exhibited lower mean behavioral problem scores compared to those on regular diets. This supports the growing recognition of diet as a modifiable factor influencing ASD symptomatology.Item Investigating stress level of parents of children with autism spectrum disorder(UMT, Lahore, 2025) ZUNAIRA; ROSHANA RAMEENThis study aimed to assess the stress levels experienced by parents of children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The research focused on identifying emotional, social, and financial challenges that these parents face, as well as the coping mechanisms they employ in their daily lives. Data were collected from a sample of 60 parents through a self-administered 43-item questionnaire based on a five-point Likert scale. SPSS software was used for statistical analysis, with results expressed in frequencies and percentages. The findings revealed that the majority of respondents were mothers aged between 30–35 years and primarily housewives. Most children were diagnosed with ASD between ages 3 and 4 and were undergoing therapy. Parents reported high levels of emotional exhaustion, mental fatigue, and worry about their child’s future. Financial strain due to therapy costs, lack of personal time, and social isolation were commonly reported stressors. Despite these challenges, most parents demonstrated resilience by participating in training sessions, maintaining regular contact with therapists and educators, and celebrating their child’s progress. However, dissatisfaction with professional support and limited access to quality treatment were notable concerns. The study concluded that parents of children with ASD face significant stress, yet actively strive to provide a supportive and structured environment. It recommends improved support systems, public awareness campaigns, and financial assistance programs to reduce parental stress and enhance family well-being.