Conference Papers

A1: Humanities & Social Sciences I

Assessment of Scientific Graphical Literacy Of 10th Grade Students In Al-Ain Educational Office, United Arab Emirates

Sara Hamad, Mohammed Madi Yousif and Hassan Tairab (United Arab Emirates University, United Arab Emirates)

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the scientific graphical literacy level of the 10th grade science students, and explore the extent to which students at 10th grade have the essential skills to process and interpret visual scientific graphs in the private and public schools in Al Ain educational Zone. This study was exploratory survey design in which an attempt was made to explore student understanding of scientific graphs. A Graphical Literacy Test was developed for this study to evaluate the student ability to interpret, and construct graphical information. 125 grade10th science students participated in the present study. Sixty-two of them were female and the rest (63) were male students. Out of the sample, 95 of the students were from public schools. Based on the findings reported in the present study, different educational implications for curriculum planners and developers, science teachers, and students in relation to graphical literacy development.

Students' Attitudes towards Student Centered Learning Through The Blended Learning Model in ESL Classes

Doaa Hamam (BRITISH University in DUBAI & DUBAI MEN'S COLLEGE, United Arab Emirates)

Abstract

The study is conducted to explore students' attitudes towards SCL through the blended model in ESL classes. The study was conducted in a training center in UAE and the sample comprised of 34 students. The students were given a survey after attending a general English course (level 8) that lasted for 6 weeks. The survey included general questions about the model used in the classroom and their preference as attendees for this class. The students' age group was 29-35 with mean=31.1. Three students from the sample were also interviewed to get in-depth data about what they liked or disliked. After the data analysis, the survey and the interview showed a general trend of satisfaction among students. However, some of them reported that they felt socially isolated when they interacted with the LMS only. In general the students liked SCL through the blended model and reported that active learning took place in their classes.

Using STEM Project-based Learning Approach in Teaching Mathematics to Develop Students' Creative Thinking Skills and their Beliefs about the Unity of Knowledge

Hisham Ayob (Higher Colleges of Technology - UAE, United Arab Emirates)

Abstract

UAE vision 2021 emphasize the importance of integrating STEM in higher education as well as developing the required material for developing creativity. Moreover, HCT is an applied higher education institute and its strategic goals focused on developing creativity. So, there is a need to develop a model example for integrating STEM in higher education to convert mathematics from an abstract subject to applied subject as well as developing creative thinking skills.Thus, the main purpose of the study is to analyze the effectiveness of using STEM project-based learning approach in teaching Mathematics to develop creative thinking skills for engineering students at higher education in UAE. The existing procedures for the STEM project-based learning were identified through a literature review. A quasi-experimental design was employed in the study for the quantitative aspect. This study used three groups; two experimental groups and one control group. The experimental group 1 will taught using STEM project-based learning approach where students used the engineering design to create a prototype. The experimental group 2 will taught using STeM project-based learning where students will use a simulation software to create the project. to conclude the approaches impact on the development of creative thinking skills. Whereas, the control group was taught by using traditional methods. Thus, two dependent variables were measured simultaneously for all three groups by the pre-test and posttests at two different times before and after the intervention. This study involved an intervention of the utilization of the STEM project-based learning approach for 16 weeks as follows: 1. Pre-tests of (creative thinking test, and students' beliefs about the unity of knowledge survey) were administered to the three groups during the first week before the intervention; 2. Intervention utilizing the STEM and STeM project-based learning approach for the experimental groups was for 16 weeks. On the other hand, the control group was taught following the traditional method; and 3. Post-tests of (creative thinking test, and students' beliefs about the unity of knowledge survey) were administered to the three groups during the week after the intervention. The independent variable was the method of instruction, either the STEM project-based learning, STeM projectbased learning, or traditional method. The dependent variables were performance in creative thinking skills. A test for creative thinking skills was developed to measure the respective dependent variable. After the four months intervention, the researcher will use the multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) to analyze the creative thinking skills test results.

Science Teachers' and Students' Perceptions Regarding the Implementation of Inquiry Instruction in a Middle School in Dubai

Marwa Eltanahy (British University in Dubai, United Arab Emirates)

Abstract

Inquiry-based learning in education represents the student-centred approach that focuses on encouraging learners to construct new knowledge. The main purpose of this study is to explain grade eight-science teachers' and students' perceptions about applying inquiry-based learning in a private school in Dubai. Furthermore, to explore the extent to which the science textbook of grade eight promotes inquiry instruction. Data is collected through a mixed method approach where two science teachers and fifty students in grade eight are recruited to respond to the given questionnaires. Moreover, an evaluation rubric is used to analyse the science textbook of grade eight to explore the extent to which it supports the inquiry practices. The study found that science teachers have positive perceptions toward applying inquiry instruction, although they are not able to differentiate the types of inquiry used in their classes. Besides, students have expressed a positive feeling towards learning science through inquiry-based strategy. In addition, the new science textbook enhances all the inquiry areas and illustrates its components effectively.

Evaluating Textbook Questions and Classroom Instructional Questions Based on the Revised Bloom's Taxonomy: Grade 6 Science Textbook Used in a Private School in Dubai

Rima Abou khreibi (The British University in Dubai, United Arab Emirates)

Abstract

The textbook and instructional questions were analyzed using the Revised Bloom's Taxonomy to ascertain the type of cognitive process and knowledge that is being taught in a Grade 6 Science curriculum in a private international school in Dubai, U.A.E. Questions play an important role in critical and creative thinking and it is important to investigate the levels of questions used in the textbook and during instruction. The research used a qualitative approach analysis of the questions, using the Revised Bloom's Taxonomy cognitive and knowledge dimensions. The results showed that lower rather than higher order thinking questions are more common in textbooks and instructions. Textbook questions emphasized "Remember", while instructional questions emphasized "Understand" cognitive process. The most common knowledge dimension is the "Conceptual" knowledge. Therefore, it is recommended that textbook writers and educators include higher order questions within curriculum and pedagogy to help improve critical thinking among learners.

The Impact of Intensive Teachers' Training on Improving the UAE Students' Achievement in the PISA International Exam

Khaleel Al Arabi and Lutfieh Rabbani (United Arab Emirates University, United Arab Emirates)

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between intensive teachers' training and students' achievement in the Programmed for International Student Assessment (PISA) in the emirate of Abu Dhabi. This study made use of a quasi-experimental design to investigate the effect of teachers? training on students' achievement. All relevant teachers (Science, Mathematics, Arabic and English) have received appropriate training on PISA test skills by qualified instructors. The training was providing intensive workshops for five continuous hours and three times in two months. During these periods, teachers trained the students on the PISA test skills. The sample of the study were students in the secondary schools of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi born in 2002, as well as all teachers who received PISA training.

A 2: Humanities & Social Sciences II

Identity Activism

Fatima Almehdhar (Paris Surbonne - Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates)

Abstract

National Identity is a fluid concept that is subject to reformation. The national Identity in the Arab world can be used as a political tool to Counter-terrorism. However, there is a confusion of national identity especially between the notion of national identity based on citizenship, and the notion of national identity in terms of religion. Therefore, governments should develop strong mechanisms to empower the sense of belonging to the nation in terms of state, rather than religion. In this paper I will highlight some historical examples that would reflect the role played by developing the sense of national identity to counter the religion dominance and a recent example adopted by UAE to empower and create of national identity through education of the youth, as well as the role of awareness through multiple channels such as media to further educate citizens.

The Effectiveness of Leaderships' Styles on Teamwork Productivity in Al-Ain Private Schools

Eman Azzam (United Arab Emirates University, United Arab Emirates)

Abstract

This study shows different leadership styles and its characteristics. Moreover, it attempts to explore whether a relationship exists between the leadership styles of schools' principals and the leadership styles of Heads of Departments (HoD). In addition, it will explore whether a correlation exists between leadership styles of HoD and teamwork performance among teachers at Al-Ain Private Schools. Finally, the study will identify the challenges, if any, faced by teachers when they work in teams.

Mapping the Capability of Talents' Development Initiatives in the UAE to Enhance Talents' Creativity

Basema Mohammed Younes (British University in Dubai & Ministry of Culture & Knowledge Development, United Arab Emirates)

Abstract

The main objective is to "explore the reality about how talents' development initiatives are serving talents in the UAE . To what extent those initiatives satisfy the needs of the talents and are they capable of developing their creativity in order to generate new industries to support the national income . The objectives of this research: -To Map the talents' development initiatives in the UAE - Analyze their role to identify talents' and develop them. -Explore the challenges faced by them. - Recommend a strategy to overcome obstacles and build a sustainable development that is able to invest talents' creativity. This research aims to contribute to the UAE vision 2021-2030 that looks at creative industries as the country's new economy in the future.

Do Muslims Feel Threatened by Other Muslims or Non-Muslims? Investigating Muslims' Implicit Attitudes towards Muslims and Non-Muslims Using Implicit Association Test

Eida Juma (Zayed University, United Arab Emirates)

Abstract

Since 9/11, many studies investigating prejudice against Muslims by non-Muslims using different techniques (e.g. interviews, surveys etc.) and have shown that non-Muslims find Muslims threatening. However, few studies examined Muslims' perspectives and it remains to be seen whether Muslims have prejudice against their own religious group. Accordingly, the current study investigated implicit attitudes of Muslims towards Muslims and non-Muslims using IAT. This is a computer-conducted standardized test used for measuring the strength of associations between concepts (e.g., Muslims, non-Muslims) and evaluations (e.g., safe, threatening). 20 Muslim females aged between 17 and 27 years old took part in the experiment and were required to categorize Muslim and non-Muslim faces accompanied by words conveying either a safe or threatening evaluation. When categorizing Muslim faces, participants were faster and made fewer errors when these faces were accompanied by "safe" words. In contrast, when categorizing non- Muslim faces, participants were faster and made fewer errors when these faces were accompanied by "threatening" words. These findings indicate that the participants had strong preference to Muslims over non-Muslims.

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Educating the individual is this country's most valuable investment. It represents the foundation for progress and development. -H.H. Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan
Education is a top national priority, and that investment in human is the real investment to which we aspire. -H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan

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