Dirasat: Educational Sciences

Psychometric Properties of the Arabic Version of the Mindfulness in Teaching Scale

Farouq Almeqdadi, Saleh Swalem Al-Shurafat, Ernest Afari, Myint Swe Khine — Fri, 15 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0100

Objectives: Interest in Mindfulness in several professions including teaching has increased. To develop the techniques and methods based on mindfulness, several research papers were carried on this topic in teaching according to a comprehensive definition that takes into account awareness, memory and retention to describe a variety of teaching practices, processes and features.

Methods: The original version of the Mindfulness in Teaching Scale (MTS) was in English. The researchers translated it into Arabic and administered it to a sample of 554 Jordanian teachers. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) supported a two-factor structure (teacher intrapersonal mindfulness and teacher interpersonal mindfulness) as proposed by the scale’s authors.

Results: The results have demonstrated that the Arabic version of the mindfulness in teaching scale consisting of 14 items and two subscales is valid and reliable for teachers in Arabic speaking countries. The means, standard deviations, skewness, and kurtosis of the MTS-A items were obtained. Mean and standard deviation values ranged from 1.58 to 3.65 and 0.841 to 1.21, respectively, indicating a narrow dispersion in participant responses around the mean.

Conclusions: The primary goal was to assess the MTS-A's validity and reliability among teachers in Jordan. With 9 items representing teachers' intrapersonal mindfulness and 5 items indicating teachers' interpersonal mindfulness, the 14-item two-factor CFA demonstrated that the model fit the data well. The findings show that the Arabic mindfulness in teaching scale, which consists of 14 questions and two subscales, is valid and trustworthy for use by instructors in Arabic-speaking regions.

The Effectiveness of a Training Program Based on Positive Emotions Theory in Developing the Psychological Capital: An Experimental Study on Secondary School Teachers in Ouargla City-

Rabiaa Bencheikh, Mansour Benzahi — Fri, 15 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0100

Objectives: The study aimed to uncover the level of psychological capital among secondary school teachers in the state of Ouargla and to assess the effectiveness of a training program based on Fredrickson's theory of positive emotions in developing their psychological capital.

Methods: To achieve the study's objectives, two data-collection tools were used. The first tool was the Psychological Capital Questionnaire developed by Luthans and colleagues (2007) after being adapted to the context. The second tool was a training program based on the theory of positive emotions for developing psychological capital, created by the researchers. By adopting a quasi-experimental design, the study was conducted on a sample of (40) male and female teachers of English and French in secondary education in Ouargla. The participants were divided into an experimental group and a control group using a non-randomized two-group pretest-posttest design.

Results: The results indicated that the level of psychological capital among secondary school teachers in Ouargla was low. Statistically significant differences in psychological capital were found between the two groups (control and experimental) in the post-test measurement, favoring the experimental group. This suggests that the training program based on Fredrickson's theory of positive emotions was effective in developing the psychological capital of secondary school teachers.

Conclusions: The study recommends the importance of focusing on personal development resources and utilizing the theoretical framework of positive emotions theory to achieve this goal.

The Most Common Undesired Behaviors from Preschool Teachers’ Perspective in Yanbu Governante

Samar Jameel Zaini — Fri, 15 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0100

Objectives: The study aimed to identify the most common undesirable behaviors in kindergarten children from the point of view of kindergarten teachers in Yanbu Governorate, Saudi Arabia. In addition to knowing the effect of teachers' years of experience, academic specialization, and attending training courses in behavior management on teachers’ assessment of common undesirable behaviors.

Methods: A comparative descriptive approach was used, where the researcher developed a scale for undesirable behaviors in kindergarten children, consisting of (61) items, and applied it to a sample of (203) female teachers.

Results: The results showed that the most common undesirable behaviors are hyperactivity and impulsivity, inattention, and self-stimulation. A statistically significant difference regarding the degree of prevalence of undesirable behaviors attributed to the variable of academic specialization in favor of teachers specializing in the field of early childhood education, and according to the variable years of experience towards teachers whose experience is less than five years, and according to the variable of attending training courses in favor of teachers who attended training in behavior management.

Conclusions: The most common undesirable behaviors are hyperactive and impulsive behaviors, poor attention, and self-stimulation. Therefore, the study recommends focusing on training kindergarten teachers to deal with hyperactive and impulsive behaviors, designing activities that attract children’s attention, in addition to providing training on effective classroom management, and the characteristics of children’s development to help teachers distinguish between undesirable behaviors and the child’s natural developmental characteristics.

Investigating the Reliability of Self-regulated Learning Strategies Scale Considering Missing Values and Imputation Methods

taghreed hijazi — Fri, 15 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0100

Objectives: This study aims to investigate the stability coefficients (alpha for Cronbach and omega for McDonald) for the Self-Regulated Organizational Learning Strategies Scale using the methods of maximum likelihood and multiple imputation. This exploration was conducted in scenarios where there were no missing values and in cases where missing values were present at different proportions, with subsequent treatment using both maximum expectation and multiple imputation techniques.

Methods: To achieve the study's objectives, a scale of Self-Regulated Organizational Learning Strategies consisting of 77 items was administered to a randomly selected sample of 980 undergraduate students from various disciplines at Yarmouk University. Data were subjected to complete random missingness at rates of 5%, 15%, and 30%. The missing values were then inputted using both maximum expectation and multiple imputation techniques. Stability coefficients (alpha for Cronbach and omega for McDonald) were calculated for the scale in each research scenario.

Results: The study's results indicated that the values of alpha and omega coefficients obtained using the maximum expectation method were higher than those obtained with the multiple imputation method, across various rates of missingness (5%, 15%, 30%).

Conclusions: The study recommends paying more attention to missing data in the design and analysis of studies, understanding the reasons behind data loss, avoiding arbitrary selection of methods for handling missing data, using multiple imputation methods for data comparison, and considering the use of omega for McDonald's coefficient as an alternative to Cronbach's alpha.

An Evaluation of the Role of Field Training Supervisors in the Faculty of Sports Sciences in the Development of the Competencies of the Student Teacher

Salem Al Qarra, Khalaf waleed Diabat, Lina Ali, jad mazahreh — Fri, 15 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0100

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the main roles of field training coaches in developing the competencies of student teacher in the Faculty of Sports Sciences.

Methods: To achieve its objectives, the study was conducted based on practical and description methods in order to fit the nature of the study. The study sample consisted of college students who were enrolled in the Field Training Course in the Faculty of Sports Sciences at the University of Jordan with a total number of 78 student. A questionnaire was also designed to be used as a compatible tool with current goals of the study. The questionnaire comprised 21categories divided into three sections: planning, executing and evaluating.

Results: The study results showed that the role played by field training supervisors in developing the competencies of student teacher, from students’ perspective, was average in both planning and evaluating sections, and it was considerably high in executing. The study also showed no statistical difference in the results among male and female students or students belonging to both public and private schools pertaining to roles affiliated with the field training supervisors in the Faculty of Sports Sciences in developing the competencies of student teacher from students’ perspective.

Conclusions: The study recommends holding workshops, lectures and hosting experts in educational supervision to provide students with the necessary and needed knowledge and experiences.

The Degree of Application of Quality Standards for Inclusive Education/ New Jersey Coalition for Inclusive Education (NJCIE) in Inclusive Education Schools in Jordan

Ibrahim Bani Khaled, Omar Al-Adamat — Fri, 15 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0100

Objective: The current study aimed to examine the degree of applicability of the standards of the New Jersey Alliance for Inclusive Education (NJCIE) in public and private schools applying inclusive education programs in Jordan from the point of view of teachers.

Methods: The study used an analytical descriptive method. A study scale was also built according to the standards and indicators of NJCIE. The study sample consisted of (125) male and female teachers who are working in these schools, and who were purposively selected.

Results: The results of the study indicated that the total degree of application of the Standards of Quality Standards for Inclusive Education / NJCIE in inclusive education schools in Jordan was medium, and it was higher for the field of school climate with a high degree, and the lowest for the field of professional practices with a medium degree. The results also showed that there were no statistically significant differences in the level of application of quality standards for inclusive education / NJCIE in inclusive education schools in Jordan due to gender (teacher) or school type (public / private).

Conclusions: The study recommended that the responsible authorities adopt clear and specific criteria and develop an accountability and follow-up system to control the quality of services provided in inclusive schools. It also recommended conducting more studies on centers and schools while determining the type of disability considering different variables and perspectives.

Psychometric Characteristics of the Positive Leadership Scale in the Palestinian Environment

Fatmeh Ali Obedat , Nabil Jondi — Fri, 15 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0100

Objectives: This study aims to extract the psychometric characteristics of the Positive Leadership Assessment Scale (PLAS) and identify its factor structure, as well as to validate it in the Palestinian context.

Methods: The descriptive approach was adopted through exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis, and it was possible to verify the construct validity by calculating the item-total correlation coefficient. In addition, the reliability was assessed using Cronbach's alpha and test-retest reliability. A non-homogeneous stratified sample of (312) male and female principals was selected from the principals of schools in the West Bank, Gaza Strip, the occupied territories, and Jerusalem in Palestine, at the beginning of the second semester of the academic year (2022-2023).

Results: The confirmatory factor analysis, following the Varimax rotation method, resulted in four factors (dimensions) that the scale saturated: First, in the foremost position, was the factor of Positive Communication. Second, in the second position, was the factor of Providing Positive Meanings. Third, in the third position, was the factor of Positive Climate and Relationships. Finally, in the fourth and last position, was the factor of Positive Strategies.

Conclusions: Having the standardized scale possessing psychometric properties enables its utilization in future studies.

The Reality of the Prevailing Organizational Culture in the Palestinian Public Schools in Jerusalem from the Teachers' Point of View

Souhail Tamimi — Fri, 15 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0100

Objectives: This study aimed to identify the reality of the prevailing organizational culture in the Palestinian public schools in Jerusalem.

Methods: The analytical descriptive approach was utilized in the study, and a questionnaire of (20) items was created as a tool for gathering primary data on the variables. A simple random sample of (282) male and female teachers was given the questionnaire.

Results: The study's findings revealed that the reality of the dominant organizational culture in Palestinian public schools in Jerusalem, as perceived by instructors, was quite high. The results also showed statistically significant differences attributed to the variable of years of service, with the differences favoring less than five years of service. However, no statistically significant differences were attributed to the variables of gender, educational qualification, and school level.

Conclusions: The study recommends incorporating organizational culture principles into programs to develop the professional performance of school principals and maintaining the high level of organizational culture that exists in Palestinian public schools in Jerusalem by holding training courses for school principals to inform them of the most recent educational developments, provide the necessary support, and promote the rights of teachers in public schools in Jerusalem.

The Degree of Possessing Educational Media Skills by the Students of the University of Jordan

Malek M. Abu Hilal, Mohammad Amin Al-Qudah — Fri, 15 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0100

Objectives: This study aims to assess the level of Educational Media Skills among students enrolled at the University of Jordan.

Methods: The study utilized a quantitative descriptive approach to fulfill its objectives. The study population comprised all undergraduate students enrolled at the University of Jordan in Jordan during the academic year 2022/2023. Using stratification techniques, a sample of 360 male and female students was randomly selected. Data was obtained by administering a questionnaire of 50 items divided into three categories: creating and presenting radio and television programs, photography and video filming, and television directing

Results: The results indicate that University of Jordan students perceive their possession of Educational Media Skills to be low overall. Among the different fields assessed, "Preparation and Presentation of Radio and Television Programs" received the highest average score of 1.28, with a standard deviation of 0.57. "TV Direction" followed closely behind, with an average score of 1.23 and a standard deviation of 0.52. Lastly, "Photography and Television Skills" ranked third and last, with an average score of 1.17 and a standard deviation of 0.47. There are notable significant statistical differences at the level of (a = 0.05), associated with the variable of sex, favoring females. There are significant statistical differences at the level of (α=0.05) attributed to college variable in favor of scientific colleges.

Conclusions: It concludes that universities should prioritize cultivating media skills among their students, integrating the concepts and dimensions of media into academic courses, and fostering an environment appropriate to achieving this objective.

The Level of Enhancing Child Protection in the Digital World from the Perspective of Parents in Riyadh

Kholoud Rashed Alkatheery — Fri, 15 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0100

Objectives: This study aimed to reveal the level of enhancing child protection in the digital world from the point of view of parents in Riyadh.

Methods: The study employed a descriptive methodology to achieve its objectives. A scale was designed to measure the level of enhancing child protection in the digital world from the perspective of parents. The study's population comprised all parents of children enrolled in early childhood education in Riyadh. The scale was applied to a sample of 276 parents randomly selected.

Results: The results indicated that the sample members somewhat agreed on the benefits of children using digital devices. Agreements prominently appeared in statements such as: "My child is proficient in using electronic devices," followed by "My child is competent in navigating the digital world." The results also revealed that the study's sample members were aware of the drawbacks of children's use of digital devices. Concerns were expressed in the following statements: "The digital world may contribute to decreased physical activity in children," followed by "Excessive use of the digital world can lead to addiction in children." Additionally, participants supported parental measures in the digital realm, particularly in instilling religious values and monitoring academic progress. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences in responses regarding both digital benefits and parental measures, favoring Nintendo devices when available for the child.

Conclusions: In the light of these findings, the study recommended strengthening protection from negative effects when children use the digital world.

The Reality of Organizational Silence and Organizational Voice among Employees in Palestinian Universities (Public, Private and Governmental Universities)

Abeer Alwahaidi, Mohammad Emran — Fri, 15 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0100

Objectives: Identifying the reality of organizational silence and organizational voice among employees in Palestinian universities of all its types (public, private, and governmental).

Methods: Aanalytical descriptive approach was used, and the questionnaire as a tool of the study, which was built based on the (Van Dyne et al., 2003) scale of organizational silence and organizational voice. The questionnaire was distributed in a stratified random manner to a sample of (301) respondents from the study population consisting of academics assigned to supervisory positions in all regular universities in the West Bank.

Results: The results of the study showed that there are statistically significant differences in the average responses of the study sample related to silence and voice of (approval and acceptance, self-protection) due to the university type variable, in favor of public and governmental universities. On the other hand, the results showed that there are no statistically significant differences in the average responses of the study sample members related to the silence and voice of social responsibility due to the variable type of university, whether public, governmental or private.

Conclusion: The study concluded that Silence of social responsibility is the most prevalent among employees, followed by silence of approval and acceptance, then silence of self-protection, which came in the last place according to the measurement used. The study also concluded that voice of social responsibility is the most prevalent among employees, followed by voice of self-protection, then voice of approval and acceptance, which came in the last place.

The Educational implications of Biological Crises at the Governmental and Popular Levels:Corona: Covid-19 Crisis as a Model

Fadi Abdalkareem Alrababah, Hilda Ahmad E'layan Elbashabsheh — Fri, 15 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0100

Objectives: The study aimed to demonstrate the educational implications of biological crises at the governmental and popular levels which were represented by the crisis (Corona Covid-19) as a model.

Methods: The research followed the inductive, descriptive approach to determine the educational repercussions of the Corona crisis. The research benefited from official reports issued by the competent authorities through their official websites and reference to a number of studies that reinforce the current study in some of its aspects.

Results: The study found that there are many educational implications of biological crises at the governmental, popular, national and international levels. These implications examined by the study were (41) repercussions; (25) at the governmental level and (16) at the popular level, some of which are positive, while others are negative to enhance and improve the positive impact, and avoid the negative one.

Conclusions: The study reported many educational repercussions of biological crises at the governmental and popular levels, which emerged through practical practices during the Corona crisis, because knowing these repercussions contributes to assisting the competent authorities, citizens, and educational institutions in drawing up policies and future strategic plans and developing appropriate procedures in managing similar crises in human.

Challenges of Applying Artificial Intelligence Systems in the Faculties of Sports Sciences in Jordanian Universities from the viewpoint of Faculty Members

Eman Al-Hwayan — Fri, 15 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0100

Objectives: The study aims to identify the challenges facing the application of artificial intelligence systems in the faculties of Sports Sciences in Jordanian universities from the viewpoint of faculty members.

Methods: The study adopted the descriptive survey approach, and the study sample consisted of (80) faculty members who study in Jordanian public universities in Jordanian universities. To achieve the objectives of the study, the study tool was prepared, a questionnaire consisting of (23) items that measure the challenges of applying artificial intelligence systems in the faculties of sports sciences in Jordanian universities.

Results: The results showed that the study sample’s estimation of the challenges of applying artificial intelligence systems in the faculties of sports sciences at Jordanian universities for the two axes: (material challenges and legislative challenges) was high. For the two axes: (human challenges and technical challenges), the estimation degree was moderate. The results also indicated that there were no statistically significant differences at the level of significance (α ≤ 0.05) regarding the total degree of challenges in applying artificial intelligence systems attributed to years of experience. Significant differences were found in estimating material challenges based on academic rank, favoring associate professors and professors.

Conclusions: The study recommends the enactment of specific legislation on artificial intelligence in partnership with experts and compliance with legal requirements during programming and development of applications to mitigate their risks. It recommended enhancing the financial allocation for scientific research in the field of artificial intelligence and its applications in the field of sports science.

The Effect of a Training Program in Content Pedagogical Knowledge (PCK) on the Self-Efficacy of Vocational Education Teachers

Jibril Suleiman Al-Ghonmeein , Monem Abdul Karim Alsa’aideh — Fri, 15 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0100

Objectives: The study aimed to examine the impact of training in pedagogical content knowledge (PCK) on self-efficacy among Jordanian vocational education teachers.

Methods: The study followed the experimental approach with a quasi-experimental design, where a training program was developed in pedagogical knowledge that addressed the following topics: knowledge of vocational education curricula and their nature, teaching planning and implementation, knowledge of teaching and evaluation methods and strategies, characteristics of learners and the educational environment, and how to implement practical training. A self-efficacy scale was developed, and two groups of education teachers were selected.

Results: The results of the study indicated that there were statistically significant differences at the level of significance (α = 0.05) in the mean estimates of teachers on the self-efficacy scale attributed to the training program in favor of the experimental group.

Conclusions: Considering these results, the study recommended the training on pedagogical knowledge of content when needed to enhance and improve teachers' self-efficacy.

The Relationship between the Dimensions of Entrepreneurial Leadership and Quality of Work Life among Academic Leaders According to the Viewpoint of Faculty Members at Jordanian Universities

Yumna Ahmad Atoum, Hussein Mohamad Atoom — Fri, 15 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0100

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the dimensions of entrepreneurial leadership and the quality of academic leaders' work life from the perspective of faculty members in Jordanian universities.

Methods: A descriptive correlational approach was employed, and the study sample consisted of 147 faculty members who were randomly selected. A questionnaire was used to achieve the study's objectives, comprising 49 items distributed across two dimensions: entrepreneurial leadership and work life quality. The questionnaire's validity and reliability were confirmed.

Results:The study results indicated that the level of entrepreneurial leadership dimensions was moderate, and the level of work life quality was also moderate. The study further revealed a statistically significant positive relationship between entrepreneurial leadership dimensions (strategic vision, initiative, creativity, risk-taking, and opportunity investment) and work life quality.

Conclusions: The study recommends raising awareness among academic leaders about the importance of implementing entrepreneurial leadership and its impact on improving work life quality in universities. This can be achieved through organizing training and educational courses to enhance the skills of academic leaders in the field of entrepreneurial leadership, fostering its development and growth.

The Role of Early Arabic Literacy Skills in Predicting Reading Fluecny among Third Graders in Public Schools in Qatar

Elsayed Elshabrawi A. Hassamien, Fatima Abdulla Al-own — Fri, 15 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0100

Objectives: This study aimed to explore the role of early Arabic literacy skills in predicting reading fluency among third graders in public schools in Qatar.

Methods: To achieveits objectives, the study used the descriptive correlational approach. In this study, a total of 200 students, 100 females and 100 males in third grade completed measures of phonological processing, morphological awareness, orthographic knowledge, and word reading accuracy and fluency and the text reading fluency. The study data was collected from applying TEALs, Test of Early Arabic Literacy Skills, to the students under scrutiny.

Results: The study results showed that phonological processing and orthographic knowledge accounted for significant variance in text reading fluency and word reading fluency as well.

Conclusions: The study recommends the need to increase the level of students' Early Arabic literacy skills by improving the educational environment and training teachers to apply best practices and strategies to achieve that goal.

A Meta-Analysis of the Effect of Teaching Methods on Mathematical Achievement of Research Published within the Period (1974-2022)

Muhannad Farhan Al-Qudah, Ibrahim Ahmad El-Shara — Fri, 15 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0100

Objectives: This study aimed to calculate average effect sizes for experimental and semi-experimental studies of the impact of mathematics teaching methods on mathematical achievement, published in some Jordanian peer-reviewed journals.

Methods: A coding model was developed, its validity and reliability were verified, and meta-analysis was used using the descriptive analytical method, was used to calculate average effect sizes. The sample comprised 37 primary studies selected based on specific criteria.

Results: The results showed that the average overall effect size for the primary studies was (1.324; 1.359; 1.357) for the variables type of treatment, gender, and basic stage, respectively, and indicates a very large level according to effect size, and not significant for the university stage, while it reached a huge level (1.702; 2.167), for the variables of the sample size of (55-5) individuals, and the duration of application within the period (one week - two weeks). Descriptive findings from initial studies highlighted several key points: limited application in private schools, scarcity of research on gifted students, predominant use of content validity. No studies employed the isometric method for stability verification, and only a minority reported eta square indicators and statistical test power.

Conclusions: Results indicate heterogeneity in average effect sizes of primary studies on the impact of teaching methods on mathematical achievement (1974-2022), depending on academic stage, categories, sample size, and study duration. Further research on university and gifted student samples, with larger sample sizes and longer study durations, is recommended to deepen understanding of teaching method effects on mathematical achievement.

The Impact of Employing Personalized Learning Approach on the Academic Performance of Second-Grade Students

Ashwaq Hoorani, Ali Shaqour — Fri, 15 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0100

Objectives: This study aims to explore the impact of employing a personalized learning approach on the academic performance of second-grade students in Nablus Governorate.

Methods: To achieve the study's objectives, the study used a quasi-experimental quantitative approach. The study's tools consisted of a verbal assessment scale. The study's participants included 43 male and female second-grade students from Saad ibn Abi Waqas Mixed Elementary School, divided into two groups: a control group consisting of 21 students and an experimental group consisting of 22 students.

Results: The results of the study showed statistically significant differences in the average academic performance attributed to the variable of teaching method in favor of the experimental group. There were also statistically significant differences in the average academic performance of the students in the experimental group attributed to the gender variable, in favor of females. Furthermore, there were statistically significant differences in the average academic performance of the students in the experimental group attributed to the parents' educational level variable, in favor of parents with a master's degree or higher.

Conclusions: The study concluded that employing the personalized learning approach enhanced the academic performance of second-grade students in learning mathematics. The study recommended the adoption of the personalized learning approach in teaching various educational subjects and at different educational stages.

The Degree of Educational Sciences Faculties Students Assimilation for Graduate Attributes in Jordanian Universities from the Faculty Staff Members Perspectives

Azhar Tayseer Samara, Ayat Mohammad Al-Mughrabi — Fri, 15 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0100

Objectives: The current study aimed to assess the representation degree of students from colleges of educational sciences in Jordanian universities regarding the characteristics of graduates from the perspective of faculty members.

Methods: A descriptive survey methodology was adopted. A questionnaire was prepared consisting of (48) items distributed across (4) domains: (personal characteristics, cognitive characteristics, professional characteristics, and technological characteristics). The study sample comprised (151) members of the faculty working in government and private universities in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, in the second semester of the academic year 2021/2022, in the capital, Amman.

Results: The results indicated that the representation degree of students from colleges of educational sciences in Jordanian universities regarding the characteristics of graduates, from the perspective of faculty members, was moderate overall and across the four domains. There were no statistically significant differences in the characteristics of graduates from the perspective of faculty members attributed to variables such as the educational sector and years of experience. However, there were statistically significant differences attributed to the gender variable, favoring females in the cognitive and professional characteristics domains and overall.

Conclusions: There is a need to focus on enhancing personal, cognitive, professional, and technological characteristics for graduates of colleges of educational sciences to enable them to perform their roles efficiently and effectively in the educational field.

Arabic Teachers’ Perceptions of the Obstacles to Integrated Learning and Its Effectiveness in Improving Critical Reading Skills among Basic Stage Students

Haneen Mazen Almajalawi — Fri, 15 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0100

Objectives: This study aimed to understand Arabic language teachers' perceptions of the obstacles and effectiveness of integrated education in improving critical reading skills among primary stage students. Additionally, it aimed to explore whether there are differences based on variables such as gender, experience, and academic qualifications.

Methods: To achieve its goals, the study designed a questionnaire with 24 items distributed across two sections. The first section addressed the effectiveness of integrated education in improving students' critical reading skills, divided into three areas: inference (5 items), discrimination (5 items), and evaluation (4 items). The second section focused on the obstacles of integrated education with 10 items. The sample consisted of 487 Arabic language teachers in the capital, Amman, Jordan, selected through stratified random sampling, representing 18.93% of the study population.

Results: The study revealed high teacher perceptions of integrated education's effectiveness in enhancing critical reading skills. Inference ranked highest at 3.90, followed by discrimination at 3.89, and evaluation at 3.66. Significant differences were found based on gender, favoring females, and academic qualifications, favoring postgraduates, as well as years of experience, favoring those with 5-10 years and over 10 years. Teachers also rated obstacles to integrated education high, with excessive artistic and administrative tasks ranking first and students' lack of electronic device skills ranking last.

Conclusions: The study recommends encouraging Arabic language teachers to incorporate integrated education in teaching critical reading. It suggests evaluating the infrastructure of schools in Amman to create a suitable educational environment for integrated education in educational institutions.

Incorporation Level of Health Concepts in Social Studies Textbooks in the Primary Education Stage in the State of Qatar

Manal Hendawi — Fri, 15 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0100

Objectives: This study aims to identify health concepts in social studies textbooks for grades four to six in primary school and assess the distribution and proportion of these concepts in relation to the overall textbook area.

Methods: Employing a descriptive analytical approach, a list of health concepts was compiled and categorized into four main areas within social studies textbooks in Qatar's primary education stage. Tool validity was confirmed through expert review, and to ensure analysis stability, a study unit was analyzed by the researcher and another curriculum specialist using the Cooper equation, resulting in an 84.5% analysis stability.

Results: Environmental health concepts had the highest frequency (213), while concepts related to "diseases and health problems" had the lowest (5). Examining frequencies by grade, the fourth grade had the highest repetitions (125), followed by the fifth grade, second semester (96), and the sixth grade, first semester, had the lowest repetitions (37). Regarding the area of health concepts by grade, the fourth grade occupied the highest area (9.61) pages, while the sixth grade had the smallest area (2.84).

Conclusions: The study revealed that the fourth grade had the highest frequency and allocated space for health concepts, whereas the sixth grade ranked the lowest. This suggests a deliberate emphasis on depth and breadth in the early stages of the curriculum to solidify information, gradually decreasing in subsequent grades.

Mathematics Activities in Workplace for Computer Technology Department at Technical Colleges in Saudi Arabia

Zainab Alawi Alkadhem, Abdul Aziz Mohammed Alrwais — Fri, 15 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0100

Objectives: This research aims to reveal and understand mathematics activities in the workplace, for some disciplines of Computer Technology Department at Technical Colleges in Saudi Arabia.

Methods: The research follows the qualitative research approach by designing an exploratory case study, to explore mathematics activities in the workplace through interviewing a purposive sample of eight participants from market labour in the field of disciplines of computer technology, and its credibility and dependability were enhanced.

Results: The findings of the research revealed six topics which are: describing mathematics in workplace from the participants’ point of view, the most highlighted one is that it is an intuitive mathematics; mathematics topics in workplace, and the most important are arithmetic and geometry; mathematics skills in workplace, and the most important one is logical thinking; learning approaches in workplace, and the most important one is self-learning; working approaches in workplace, including small groups; and finally tools and techniques in workplace, which are used naturally due to the nature of specialization.

Conclusions: Mathematics topics and skills in the field of computers depend on specialty and vocation, and the research recommends developing the learning environment in mathematics classrooms, which provides an opportunity for practical applications and practices by those concerned in technical colleges.

Problems of Learner-Centered Learning Practices among Islamic Studies Teachers in Intermediate and Secondary Stages in the Light of the Generative Constructivist Model

Abdulaziz Bin Faleh Al-Aosail — Fri, 15 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0100

Objectives: The research aimed to identify the problems of learner-centered learning practices among Islamic Studies teachers in the intermediate and secondary stages in Al-Ahsa Governorate, in the light of the generative constructivist model.

Methods: To achieve the research objectives, a descriptive-survery method was used. A questionnaire with 28 items distributed across four main areas of problems was administered. The sample included 186 teachers in the intermediate stage and 96 teachers in the secondary stage, totaling 282 teachers, selected randomly.

Results:. The research found that the overall degree of the assessment of the problems of learner-centered learning practices among Islamic Studies teachers in the light of the generative constructivist model was "moderate" in both the intermediate and secondary stages. The overall mean was approximately 3.14 in the intermediate stage and 2.99 in the secondary stage. There were no statistically significant differences between the means of the sample members' ratings of the problems in both stages, attributed to variables (educational stage and years of experience), except for the emergence of statistically significant differences attributed to the variable (years of experience) in the responses of intermediate stage teachers in the field of "learner-centered learning practices in the concentration stage," in favor of those with teaching experience of (10) years or more.

ConclusionsThe research suggests enhancing Islamic Studies teachers' awareness of employing learner-centered approaches for ongoing teaching improvement. It stresses the need to train supervisors in the generative constructivist model to foster such practices among teachers.

The Level of Emotional Balance and its Relationship to the Quality of Life among Mothers of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Karak Governorate

Braah Al-Majali — Fri, 15 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0100

Objective: The study aims to evaluate the impact of emotional balance on the quality of life of mothers of children with autism spectrum disorder. Additionally, the study aims to examine the influence of maternal age and educational background on this emotional equilibrium.

Methods: The study employed a correlational descriptive approach and utilized measures of emotional balance and quality of life to assess the sample of mothers of children with autism spectrum disorder. A randomly collected sample of 162 mothers in the Karak Governorate with children with autism spectrum disorders participated in the study.

Results: The findings indicated that the level of emotional balance and quality of life among the participants was moderate. Furthermore, a positive correlation was observed between emotional balance and quality of life. Interestingly, the study revealed that the relationship between emotional balance and quality of life did not differ significantly based on the variables of the mother's age and educational level when considering mothers of children with autism spectrum disorder.

Conclusions: The study put forward several recommendations, with the primary one being the organization of training courses and awareness programs by private centers for mothers of children with autism spectrum disorder in Karak Governorate. These programs aim to provide guidance and support, enabling mothers to enhance their emotional balance and improve their overall quality of life.

The Effectiveness of Interactive Educational YouTube Videos in Developing the Reading Skill of Female Students with Learning Disabilities

Randa Mousa Al Momani , Mai Mohammad Al Raqad — Fri, 15 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0100

Objectives: The study aimed to reveal the effectiveness of interactive educational YouTube videos in the development of the reading skills among female students with learning disabilities.

Methods: The study relied on the quasi-experimental method. The study tools consisted of interactive educational YouTube videos and a reading skill note card, which included (8) reading skill standards. The validity and reliability of the two tools were verified. The study sample consisted of (20) students with learning disabilities in the resource room at a school in Al- Juwayriya Umm al-Mu’minin Basic School for Girls in Amman Governorate. They were distributed into an experimental group consisting of (10) female students, and a control group consisting of (10) female students. The study adopted a three-way Likert scale (excellent, moderate, poor), so that each of the eight skills on the observation card was given a score from (1-3).

Results: The results of the study showed statistically significant differences between the two experimental groups and the control on the post-reading skill observation in favour of the experimental group that was taught using interactive educational YouTube videos.

Conclusion: The study recommended that YouTube educational videos should be used to develop the reading skill for students with learning disabilities due to their proven effectiveness in teaching, and dedicating educational YouTube channels to teach reading in an interactive, fun and entertaining way for students with learning disabilities in different age levels.

Lifestyles and their Relationship to Symptoms of the Histrionic Personality Disorder among Yarmouk University Students

Zainab Aref Ali Alshamali , Hanan Ibraheem Abdalrahman Alshagran — Fri, 15 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0100

Objectives: The aim of the study was to explore the relationship between lifestyle choices and symptoms of hysterical personality disorder.

Methods: The study employed a descriptive correlational methodology. Two scales were developed: one assessing lifestyle choices and the other measuring symptoms of hysterical personality disorder. They were applied to a sample of 717 male and female students chosen using convenient sampling.

Results: The study revealed that the predominant lifestyle among Yarmouk University students is socially beneficial. The availability of symptoms of hysterical personality disorder among them was found to be moderate. Furthermore, the results demonstrated a statistically significant positive correlation between certain lifestyle choices (controlling, dominating, socially avoidant) and the overall severity of symptoms of hysterical personality disorder. However, no statistically significant correlation was found between the socially beneficial lifestyle and the overall severity of symptoms of hysterical personality disorder.

Conclusions: These findings provide a better understanding of the interactions between lifestyle choices and hysterical personality disorders. This contributes to the improvement of screening, diagnosis, and therapeutic interventions for these disorders. The gained insights underscore the importance of directing attention towards developing intervention programs and awareness initiatives targeting the enhancement of lifestyle choices among university students. Specifically, the focus should be on providing tools and strategies to promote mental health and reduce the likelihood of developing symptoms of hysterical personality disorder. Considering these results, the researcher recommends organizing conferences, seminars, and university workshops that promote positive lifestyles among students and educate them about symptoms of hysterical personality disorder.