Assistant Professor
2013, PhD Education, University of Nottingham, UK
2008, MA Educational Research Methods, University of Nottingham, UK
2003, MA Clinical Linguistic Research, University of Reading, UK
2002, BA Psychology, The American College of Greece
Bio
Dr. Efthymia Efthymiou, a professional in special education and Assistant Professor at Zayed University in the UAE focuses her research on inclusive teaching practices, classroom discourse, and creating supportive educational environments for all students, including those with special needs. She strives to understand the perspectives of various stakeholders, fostering inclusive systems. Her work examines the impact of physical and psychological environments on inclusion, emphasizing technology-based teaching to address digital disparities. Beyond research, Dr. Efthymia conducts workshops for UAE federal schoolteachers, aiming to equip them with tools for inclusive learning environments. Her recent publications discuss the challenges faced by teachers and students with special needs during the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing the digital divide. She advocates for equitable educational participation, considering unique student needs. Dr. Efthymia’s dedication to inclusive education, addressing educational disparities, and advocating for equal opportunities reflects her commitment to creating more equitable educational environments.
Office
Abu Dhabi - Khalifa City, MF3-1-006
Phone:
+971 2 599 3563
Email:
efthymia.efthymiou@zu.ac.aeTeaching Areas
special education; classroom discourse; inclusive education; inclusive pedagogies
Research and Professional Activities
Efthymiou, E. (2023). Regulating Discourse: How Children With and Without SEND Internalize the Evaluative Framework of Adults. SAGE Open, 13(4). https://doi.org/10.1177/21582440231216249
AlMuhairy, O., Efthymiou, E., ElHoweris, H., Alshathly, M., & Sartawi, A. (2023) Development of the Emirati Child Adaptation Scale (ECAS) for Assessing the Behavioral Adaptation Skills of Children with and without Disabilities in the UAE. Education Sciences. 13(4):406. https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci13040406
Meda, L., Efthymiou, E., AlHammadi, M., Williams, C. & Fteiha, M. (2023). Conceptualizing and Reimagining the Future of Inclusive Education in the UAE. Open Education Studies, 5(1), 20220205. https://doi.org/10.1515/edu-2022-0205
Efthymiou, E. (Ed., 2023) Inclusive phygital learning approaches and strategies for students with special needs. Pennsylvania: IGI Global. https://doi.org/10.4018/978-1-6684-8504-0
Efthymiou, E. (2024). Embracing Neurodiversity: Fostering Empowerment and Redefining Autism Support. In S. Jamanis & D. Vogler-Elias (Eds.), Autism, Neurodiversity, and Equity in Professional Preparation Programs (pp. 180-202). IGI Global. https://doi.org/10.4018/979-8-3693-0163-0.ch008
