In 2021, researchers Abla Ibrahim and Dr. Mohammad Imran conducted an empirical study to examine how sensory rooms influence motivation and academic performance among students with learning difficulties. The study took place at Faisal Al-Husseini Primary School in Ramallah and was part of the requirements for a doctoral degree in Special Education.

Purpose of the Study

The primary aim of this research was to evaluate whether a sensory room could effectively enhance:

• Motivation to learn
• Academic achievement in core subjects
  among female students facing academic challenges.

Study Design and Methodology

The research involved 30 female students, selected through stratified random sampling, and divided into two equal groups:

• Experimental Group – 15 students who participated in sensory room sessions
• Control Group – 15 students who continued regular classroom activities without sensory room exposure

To measure outcomes:

• A custom-designed motivation scale was administered, consisting of 32 items across four motivational dimensions.
• Academic performance was evaluated using established portfolios in Arabic language and mathematics, validated by the Ministry of Education.

Key Findings

The study demonstrated that:

• The implementation of a sensory room had a significantly positive effect on both motivation and academic achievement among students in the experimental group.
• These positive effects were consistent regardless of the students’ grade levels.

Recommendations

Based on the results, the researchers recommend:

• Integrating sensory rooms as an educational support tool for female students with learning difficulties.
• Expanding the use of sensory-based environments across different learning contexts to support academic development.

You can access the research paper on the following link

Watch the opening ceremony video of the sensory room at the school

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About the Researchers

Dr. Mohammad Omran Saliha

Dr. Saliha holds two doctoral degrees — one in Educational Administration and another in Curriculum and Instruction — both from Columbia University, New York. He has served as Director of the Higher Education Council in the West Bank and Gaza, and has held academic leadership positions, including Head of the Department of Education and Psychology at UNRWA’s University College of Educational Sciences and Dean of Graduate Studies in Educational Sciences. Over his distinguished career, he has supervised over 800 master’s theses and 65 doctoral dissertations.

Abla Mustafa Abid-dien Ibrahim

Abla Ibrahim is a doctoral researcher in Special Education at Arab American University and currently serves as a Special Education Supervisor with the Birzeit Education Directorate. She has extensive teaching experience and has received several honours, including the International Cooperation Foundation’s Distinguished Teacher Award and the Palestine Inspiration Award. She has published research, contributed to international educational collaborations, and worked with the Ministry of Education on national professional standards for resource room teachers.

 

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