Project-based individual mentoring for scientific literacy in children with intellectual disabilities: A single-subject research (SSR) study
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Inclusive education for special needs children in public and vocational schools must be customized to individual needs, including evaluation and guidance by teachers. This study explores the effectiveness of project-based individual mentoring in enhancing the scientific literacy of children with intellectual disabilities. Many children with intellectual disabilities struggle to understand abstract scientific concepts, necessitating an innovative approach. This research used an experimental method with a single-subject research (SSR) design involving fourth grade students at elementary School with mild intellectual disabilities. An A-B-A design was selected to measure behavioral changes before and after the intervention. Project-based support focused on the concept of photosynthesis through activities such as planting green beans and recording their growth. The results show a significant improvement in the scientific literacy of the participants. In addition to understanding photosynthesis, they also experienced increased self confidence and enthusiasm for learning. Data analysis revealed a consistent improvement in scientific literacy scores from the baseline before the intervention to after it. These results show that project-based individual mentoring is effective in supporting inclusive education and developing the scientific literacy of children with intellectual disabilities.
Authors: Ika Maryani, Wiwik Wahidah, Nur Farha Shaafi
Institutions: Universitas Ahmad Dahlan, Universiti of Malaysia Sabah
Language: English
Subfield: Education
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7223251908