Effectiveness of Using a Peer Learning Strategy to Reduce the Severity of Repetitive Stereotypical Behavior in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

The study investigates the effectiveness of using a peer learning strategy to reduce the intensity of repetitive stereotypical behavior in children with autism spectrum disorder, and to identify the extent to which the effectiveness of the program continues after the end of the application through a follow-up assessment. The study was applied in Jordan, and the semi-experimental approach was used on the study sample that was selected by the intentional method consisting of (10) children with autism spectrum disorder, their ages ranging from (5-7) years. The researchers developed the scale of stereotypical behavior based on theoretical literature and previous studies, in addition to developing a program based on the use of peer learning strategy to reduce repetitive stereotypical behavior in children with autism spectrum disorder. The results showed that there were significant differences between the average scores of children (experimental sample) on the dimensions of repetitive stereotyped behavior (sensory, motor, verbal, emotional, stereotyped, total score) in the pre and post-measurements in favor of post-measurement Moreover, there were no significant differences between the averages of the childrens (experimental sample) on the dimensions of stereotyped repetitive behavior (sensory, motor, verbal, emotional, stereotyped, total grade) in the post- measurement. The study recommended the importance of using a peer learning strategy to develop desirable behaviors in children with autism spectrum disorder

Proposed Mechanisms for Enhancing Social Capital Management in Arab Universities

The paper develops proposed mechanisms to enhance social capital management in Arab universities. The descriptive approach is used to achieve the research objectives. The research sample consists of 611 faculty members from Arab universities randomly selected to answer the questionnaire on the reality of social capital in Arab universities. The research instrument consists of two questionnaires consisting of 48 items to measure social capital management mechanisms in Arab universities. The findings indicate that the degree of reality of social capital in Arab universities is medium with a mean of (3.47). The results also show that their approval regarding the suggested proposals is high, with a mean score of (4.87). Given the previous findings, the research recommends that the university should establish stable partnership networks with national and international universities in common areas, strengthen horizontal organization to empower faculties and scientific departments, have a common vision to generate a collective agreement among all beneficiaries to develop university work, consolidating teamwork skills and values, and provide contacts who carry important information for the professional life of faculty members