BUiD Doctoral Research Conference 2023

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https://bspace.buid.ac.ae/handle/1234/2543

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Critically Describing the Effectiveness of Antibullying Interventions Used at Schools
(SpringerLink, 2024) Salameh, Nahida
Bullying at schools has been among the public concerns that prevailed as it causes many negative consequences, including poor academic performance, poor physical and mental health, in addition to suicidal or criminal acts. Purpose- To critically describe the effectiveness of the antibullying interventions at schools. Methodology- A descriptive qualitative study that was conducted utilizing a critical review of literature. The study has utilized the available electronic database. References were mainly chosen among the ones published in the last five years; special consideration was given to studies conducted in UAE. Findings- Several programs were developed and implemented to manage bullying. Interventions entailed constructing strict anti-bullying school policies, and utilized various involvement levels; being whole school, or one group such as parents, teachers or students. Many interventions were rooted in sociocultural theories to enhance resilience and positive behaviour development among students. Antibullying interventions in the UAE were mostly targeting awareness with compromised measurement of effectiveness. Implications- Identifying the best antibullying interventions may contribute to increasing awareness among stakeholders, and thus facilitate decisions that may inform the policy making pertinent to managing bullying at schools in the UAE. Originality/ value- Limited number of studies were conducted in the UAE.
The Impact of Job Satisfaction on Teachers’ Performance in the UAE
(SpringerLink, 2024) Salameh, Nahida; Benkohila, Nora
Job satisfaction greatly affects job performance. This is of a prodigious value in education as the teachers’ performance impacts the quality of education and thus the Human Development Index (HDI) of the nation. Purpose: to investigate the effect of job satisfaction on the performance of teachers in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) utilizing a scale that was used in business management previously. Methodology: The research used a quantitative empirical method, whereby the impact of the independent variable (teachers’ satisfaction) was measured on the dependent variable (teachers’ performance). The data used was primary data collected via a survey distributed to a convenient sample. Respondents included 112 teachers working in UAE. SPSS application was used for data analysis. Reliability, factor analysis and construct validity were tested, and shown adequate sample and reliable tool. Regression model was applied, in order to test the two developed hypotheses. Findings: revealed that job satisfaction is associated with job performance among teachers. Implications: Results may help decision makers to enhance the teachers’ satisfaction in order to improve teachers’ performance.
Highlighting the Impacts of Parents’ Beliefs on Students’ Education
(SpringerLink, 2024) Alahmad, Alaaeddin; Hussin, Mohamad; Sapar, Ahmad Arifin
Purpose- To highlight the impacts of parents’ beliefs on students’ education due to the dearth of such studies in the field of education. Methodology- A sequential mixed-method approach was utilised, where quantitative data were collected and analysed, and then triangulated with qualitative data. The study employed a questionnaire and semi-structured interviews completed by 51 and nine parents, respectively. Convenience sampling was used. Findings- The obtained data showed that parents’ beliefs play a key role in students’ education, as these beliefs are associated with parents’ expectations regarding their children. Moreover, parents’ beliefs function as a guide for their children’s efforts and endeavours. Implications- This study recommends that increasing parental awareness regarding their role in their children’s education would be an effective strategy that would provide students with an enhanced learning environment. Originality/value- This study is considered of great value as it urges policy makers and leaders to increase investment in the parents’ role in students’ education.
Jordanian Expatriates’ Family Language Policy in Dubai
(SpringerLink, 2024) Razem, Reem J.; Abu-Ayyash, Emad A. S.
This pilot study explores the Family Language Policy (FLP) of two Jordanian expatriate families in Dubai and is underpinned by Spolsky’s FLP theoretical framework which has tripartite components of ideology, practice, and management. A qualitative constructivist approach and case study are adopted as the main methodology. Data were collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews with the parents and observation of the natural utterances of children. The purpose of the study is to refine the data collection instruments regarding both the procedures and the content of the gathered data to glean initial themes. Key findings identified contextual and cultural challenges while piloting the instruments which resulted in necessary methodological modifications to the data collection procedures. Implications include highlighting the benefits of pilot studies, modifying interview questions and observation procedures in response to challenges that face emerging researchers when conducting similar studies, and sharing the value of developing reflexive, culturally competent, and ethically responsive research practices in the field of Arabic sociolinguistics.
The Impact of Bullying in an Inclusive Classroom Among Students of ASD and Peers in Social Development and Academic Performance in UAE
(SpringerLink, 2024) Abdullah, Maryam
The physical, social, emotional, intellectual, and mental health of students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) can be affected negatively if a problem occurs in an inclusive classroom setting. The purpose of this study is to investigate how bullying affects students with ASD. This thorough literature review looks at how bullying affects students with ASD including social development, academic performance, and school participation. Bullied children who grow up to be adults have anxiety and despair that affect their school engagement. Students with ASD are unable to get along with typically abled students due to bullying. The paper highlighted the importance for educators to prevent and treat bullying of students with ASD. However, the study has severe drawbacks such as a lack of empirical research conducted in the UAE. The study recommends releasing further studies in the UAE carrying out more research on other factors that impact bullying of kids with ASD to raise awareness of this issue.
The Impact of the Zone of Proximal Development Concept (Scaffolding) on the Students Problem Solving Skills and Learning Outcomes
(SpringerLink, 2024) Raslan, Gilan
Schools regularly use the zone of proximal development (ZPD), also known as scaffolding, to help students learn new skills. Students who do not receive enough scaffolding may not be able to acquire the skills at all, while students who receive too much scaffolding may suffer when it is taken away. Additionally, this will have an impact on their capacity for problem-solving and learning outcomes. This systematic literature review's goal is to examine how ZPD and scaffolding effect students’ learning outcomes and the growth of their problem-solving abilities. Through a selection of pertinent publications that have undergone extensive analysis, the study addresses three main research topics. The study's findings revealed that in order to achieve a high level of learning independence for the students and the ability to adapt to new situations leading to more advanced skills, a re-definition of certain concepts along with modifications and amendments on how to apply these new redefined ones, using more advanced teaching methodologies with incorporating technology to help students in exploring new ideas using critical thinking techniques and providing constructive feedback, are needed.
An Investigation of the Development and Implementation of Teacher's Licensing in Saudi Arabia Based on Local Stakeholders’ Perceptions, Compared with International and Regional Practices
(SpringerLink, 2024) Hameedadin, Amal Abdullah; Hill, Christopher
Saudi Arabia- is moving steadily toward Vision 2030. Accordingly, the Educational & Training Evaluation Commission (ETEC) has teamed up with the Ministry of Education in Saudi Arabia to update and raise the ‘Teacher Licensure Programme’ bar. Purpose- The study aimed to investigate the development and implementation of the 2019 teacher licensure program in Saudi Arabia. Methodology- The study adopted the exploratory sequential mixed method. The paper consisted of three stages. Initially, six policies were reviewed to compare international, regional, and local licensures. Second, the study collected quantitative data from 300 teachers from public schools through an online survey. The last stage collected qualitative data through a school leaders’ questionnaire. Findings- Stage one findings were linked to international and regional practices. A comparative study revealed a lack of career development at the college level and during in-service training in Saudi Arabia. Furthermore, there is a need for a standardized teacher evaluation system that includes constructive feedback and reflection. Based on stage two findings, teachers expressed negative views regarding the current licensing programme. In addition, stage three findings confirmed stage two results from the perspective of school leaders and policymakers. Implications- Educators should consider building long-life learners by aligning licensing standards with the exam and desired outcomes, ensuring stakeholders’ involvement, create a continuous PD program. Originality/value- This study filled a critical gap in the theoretical field of teacher licensing in the Gulf Region. Additionally, the research suggested a flexible framework based on the best practices and the perceptions and experiences of the stakeholders. The framework asserted that the licensing examination is one of a number of methods for evaluating teachers.
The Challenges of Implementing the Emirates Standardized Test as a Proficiency Test in the UAE: An Exploratory Study
(SpringerLink, 2024) Khalil, Abdelhamid A.
This study investigated teachers’ and educational leaders’ perspectives regarding the challenges that EFL twelfth graders encounter in relation to the Emirates Standardized Test (EmSAT). The study context was a private school in the UAE that follows the Ministry of Education curriculum. The present qualitative study adopted the phenomenological interpretive research approach. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews with four English teachers and four educational leaders. Data were also analysed using thematic analysis that led to the creation of relevant themes. The findings revealed a number of challenges related to the EmSAT exam and recommendations to overcome these barriers. These included issues related to time constraints, anxiety, stress, lack of teaching resources, and learners’ low e-maturity level. The study had some implications for teachers, educational leaders, school administrations and policymakers.
The Relationship Between the Frequency and the Range of Morphemes Used in Students’ Essays and Essay Scores in an American School in Dubai
(SpringerLink, 2024) Abukhalaf, Siham; Abu-Ayyash, Emad
Purpose - The purpose of this research paper was to determine whether there is a relationship between the frequency and the range of morphemes used in students’ essays and their actual essay scores. Methodology - To address the research questions, the mixed methods design was conducted to view the findings from different angles. Findings - The results suggest that there is a strong relationship between the range of morphemes used in students’ essays and essay scores. Implications - These findings can have meaningful implications for English teachers and linguists in the UAE, specifically, about the significance of considering the morphology used in students’ essays. Originality - This paper adds to the growing body of literature by adding information on the frequency and the range of morphemes used in students’ writing and essay scores in the UAE’s education sector. This may contribute to more significant information within the field of linguistics.
The Implementation of Critical Thinking Skills in American Curriculum Schools in Sharjah: A Study on Science Teachers’ Approach and Academic Standards
(SpringerLink, 2024) El-Gazzar, Heba; Forawi, Sufian
The purpose of this study is to examine the extent to which the science teachers apply critical thinking in their classrooms in some of American schools in Sharjah. In the modern days, the attention towards critical thinking skills is massive. For so many years it’s been acknowledged as a central objective in the field of education. The academic standards in various subjects including math, science, and social studies give significance to several connections between critical thinking and the content of the core curriculum, guiding the students in a more superior way. This research study was aspired to delve into the approach of in-service science teachers regarding the implementation and utilization of critical thinking attributes in science classes that apply the NGSS science academic content standards in some American curriculum schools in Sharjah (UAE). In this quantitative study, twenty science teachers responded and volunteered from various schools in Sharjah. A large diversity of standards was attended by science teachers in place of needing critical thinking skills in the face of the fact that a lot of others were contemplated to be inadequate. The scheme concerned with standards perceived high in comparison to critical thinking in science. However, the standards of the science content conceded the minimal amount.
A Case Study Exploring ESL Instructors’ Perspectives of Blended Learning in UAE Higher Education
(SpringerLink, 2024) Alawadhi, Azza
Recently, universities and colleges across the United Arab Emirates have been actively incorporating new learning technologies to facilitate blended learning pedagogy mandated by the Ministry of Higher Education during the COVID-19 crisis. Despite its popularity, blended learning is still a relatively new approach to learning across higher education in the UAE. This small-scale qualitative study seeks to gain insights into instructors’ perspectives of blended learning in an ESL program at a federal college in the UAE. Semi-structured interviews were used to identify the benefits and challenges perceived by instructors teaching in this context. The results revealed several key benefits, including increased flexibility, improved accessibility, and timely and continuous learning. However, instructors also reported increased academic workload, technical issues, and a lack of professional development as barriers. The findings offer recommendations, implications, and possible future directions for stakeholders and academics to inform future directives.
UAE Parents’ Awareness of the Importance of Programming to Primary Students, and Their Perspectives Towards It: A Quantitative Study
(SpringerLink, 2024) Elsawah, Wafaa
Purpose: Highlight programming's importance and explore parental views on its inclusion in UAE primary schools. Methodology: Employing a quantitative approach, the study surveyed 499 UAE parents with primary school children. Their perspectives on programming and their children's attitudes towards it were gauged. Findings: UAE's primary school programming education needs reform, necessitating enhanced parental and student awareness. Implications: Educational policymakers should prioritize programming as a core subject, backed by this study. It adds to the literature on programming's value, highlighting parental awareness's impact on student attitudes. Originality/Value: This research contributes practical and academic insights, guiding potential expansion. Educational leaders, especially in primary schools, can use these findings to improve programming education.
Developing a Draft Curriculum Framework for Learners with Severe and Multiple Disabilities in UAE Schools Through Analysis of Relevant Literature
(SpringerLink, 2024) Obeid, Anwar Sami
This study is one of the first to investigate Learner with Severe and Multiple Disabilities curriculum frameworks in UAE schools. It will improve inclusive education in formal settings, prepare stakeholders in the region to work with students with disabilities in schools, and accept the UNESCO vision to perform more research in this sector. It aims to develop a draft of the curriculum framework for Learners with Severe and Multiple Disabilities in schools in the UAE. To achieve the objectives of the study, the systamtic literature review method was used for data collection. Interestingly, the findings of the study revealed that designing a curriculum framework for Learners with Severe and Multiple Disabilities requires taking into consideration several aspects such as the curriculum itself, whether it is a general or functional curriculum. Other aspects include special teaching techniques, cooperation between stakeholders and the team, curriculum accessibility, efficiency of the assessment process, and the incorporation of technology.
The Emerging Nature of ICT Policies in Education: A Comparative Analysis of School ICT Policies
(SpringerLink, 2024) Halabi, Lydia; Hill, Christopher
Purpose- The role of ICT in education is not new but the manner in which technology in education is perceived, valued and implemented is in constant flux. Methodology- This paper uses a comparative approach to examine ICT school policies, pre and post pandemic, to explore key issues of focus and relevance. Findings- As a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, technology became ubiquitous in education and it is now imperative that we consider the extent to which it is appropriate for use, sustainable and supported. ICT has the potential to transform the learning environment but it must be understood, implemented and managed responsibly. Implications- The paper looks at the role of leadership and key stakeholder engagement in this process, from a teacher and student perspective. Originality/value- Drawing on a detailed literature review and in-depth document policy analysis, this paper considers the framework for implementation and identifies key components required for the design and development of a relevant ICT school policy.
The Perceptions of Science Teachers in Improving and Developing Science Learning of Students with Learning Difficulties in the Middle Stage of Private Schools in Dubai
(SpringerLink, 2024) AlSadoon, Muna; Forawi, Sufian
Purpose- This research investigates science teachers’ perceptions and practices in enhancing the science learning of students with learning disabilities (LD), guided by social cognitive theory and Fox’s Personal Learning Theories. Methodology- The study utilized a questionnaire responded to by 156 science teachers from various private schools in Dubai. Findings- Findings indicate a positive perception among teachers towards developing science learning for students with LD, employing well-established strategies. Implications- the study emphasizes the need for guidance and coordination among stakeholders to maximize the impact of these positive perceptions. Originality/value- providing essential information for enhancing science teacher performance and creating an optimal classroom environment.
The Environmental and Economic Impacts of the Use of Recycled Asphalt During the Preventive Maintenance of Roadways in the UAE
(SpringerLink, 2024) Al Shehhi, Aishah H. O.; Jokhio, Gul Ahmed
This article studies the environmental and economic benefits expected from using recycled asphalt pavement in roadway maintenance by comparing the life cost analysis of conventional and recycled pavement. When comparing recycled and conventional asphalt, it turns out that the recycled asphalt cost is 28,060,400 Dhs compared to conventional asphalt's cost of 40,207,900 Dhs. Consequently, utilizing recycled asphalts will save around 12,147,500 Dhs, which is about 70% of the expense divided between the two pavements. This is because the duration of each maintenance process is different recycled asphalt requires 9 steps, which is the same as 33 days, compared to 12 steps for conventional asphalt, which requires 85 days. Calculating the waste from Dibba-Masafi Road is 23,104 m with the conventional pavement shows that managing this construction area’s waste is a challenge within its given rising volume of waste. However, by using recycled asphalt 3040 m of waste will be consumed which is a good amount to start a change in the roadway maintenance processes. Moreover, the assets that should be included in the roadway components, the norms and requirements set forth by the relevant authorities, and the minimal construction cost determined by quantity surveying are taken into account which resulted in the findings of this research demonstrating recycled asphalt as a long-term fix.
Addressing the Overheating Crisis and Its Socio-Economic Implications: A Case Study in London’s High-Risk Areas
(SpringerLink, 2024) Maliha, Azra
Purpose- The number of excess deaths in England and Wales during the second heatwave period in 2022 was the greatest it has been since 2018. Greater London is particularly at risk for indoor overheating due to the predicted increase in hot summers from 50–60% by 2050, which can have serious negative effects on the socio-economic state of the city. The purpose of this study is to assess and predict the risk of overheating in a residential apartment building in a high-risk London heatwave location. Methodology-This study uses computer simulation and on-site measurements to create a virtual model for IES VE dynamic thermal modelling and perform overheating assessment simulations in a London apartment complex using the CIBSE TM59 methodology. Findings- The percentage hours with exceeding temperature surpassed 50% above the standard threshold in the 2020s scenario, which increased two folds for the 2050s and 2080s. Moreover, the bedrooms’ operational temperatures are found to be terribly above the safety standard. Implications- The findings implicate examining the economic viability and effectiveness of various solutions in the future to prevent residential building overheating in London. Further investigation can be done by conducting in-depth experiments on the susceptibility of various floors to overheating. Originality/value- The paper offers novel insights into the overheating risk assessment in London, particularly focusing on households in high-risk areas. The study contributes to the conversation on sustainability practices and their socio-economic implications by highlighting the urgent need for retrofitting frameworks to promote sustainable building design and practices.
Investigating the Food Waste Status in the Hospitality Sector of the Emirate of Dubai-UAE
(SpringerLink, 2024) Sadeh, Reham Zeyad; Abu Hijleh, Bassam
Saving natural resources to sustain a better future for the generations requires focusing mainly on the three pillars of a sustainable society; the social, economic and environmental. In 2015, the world was united to set international goals to reduce the recent, global problems affecting these pillars; the seventeen Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Goal number 12 focuses on making consumption and production reasonable to lower the use of natural resources and decrease the waste generated consequently. The food loss and waste problem has been the focus of individuals and governments in the last few years as it affects the sustainable vision of the countries. Tackling this issue needs the united efforts of the private and public sectors and is considered under goal SDG 12.3. Food loss is defined as the decrease in food amounts before consumption, mostly in developing countries. While food waste focuses on food thrown out after consumption, left intentionally or thrown away, and mostly in developed countries. The UAE has one of the highest per capita amounts of food waste yearly, around 224 kg. Thus, efforts to tackle the problem have to start, this is in alignment with achieving international targets like SDG 12.3 and national ones such as “Zero Hunger” by 2051. Huge efforts and initiatives in the country are established, mainly focusing on recovering food waste through banks, composting and animal feeds. However, source reduction is considered the top priority in solving the food waste problem. This paper suggests topics to fill the theoretical gap, which was confirmed to be lacking in the country, in finding the causes and drivers of food waste in the hospitality sector of Dubai.
Estimating the Reliability of the Inspection System Employed for Detecting Defects in Rail Track Using Ultrasonic Guided Waves
(SpringerLink, 2024) Khalil, Abdelgalil; Masurkar, Faeez; Abdul-Ameer, A.
This work focuses on the implementation of a data-based method to determine the inspection system reliability in terms of detecting different types of damages in rail tracks using ultrasonic-guided Rayleigh waves and a probability of detection (POD) technique. In this study, the reliability is tested against a surface crack (SC) and sub-surface damage – a through-side thickness hole (TSTH). The guided Rayleigh waves are generated using a custom-designed sensor that excites Rayleigh surface waves in the specimen and the propagating waves are sensed on the rail track surface. The wedge shape design of the sensor helps to excite a specific ultrasonic mode in the sample thereby hindering the ultrasonic energy of other coupled guided waves that can propagate simultaneously and the wedge angle is determined according to Snell’s law relying on the wave velocity of Rayleigh wave and bulk longitudinal wave. The guided wave responses as a function of varying severity of defects are obtained through a simulation study after the verification of the obtained guided wave responses with the help of an experimental study. A damage index (DI) is defined depending on defect size that gives the trend of damage severity from the captured ultrasonic responses and for monitoring defects in the rail track. This DI is eventually fed into the POD model to determine the probability of defect detection which in turn helps determine the inspection system reliability. The POD method also helps to study the critical design parameters that could affect or improve crack detection results. Purpose – To determine the reliability of inspection system deployed for interrogating health status of rail track. Methodology – Employing the Probability of detection technique for determining how reliable the inspection system is in detecting the health status of the rail track specimen using the ultrasonic guided waves. Findings – It has been found that the proposed inspection system is >90% reliable in detecting defects. Implications – This methodology can help maintenance engineers to make an informed decision on their developed technique for investigating the health status of the rail track sample. Originality/ value – 13%.
Durability Design Approach and Exposure Conditions in Eurocode, British Standard and ISO 13823 Standards: A Review
(SpringerLink, 2024) Al-Haddad, Diala Basim; Jokhio, Gul Ahmed
Several incidents of early deterioration of reinforced concrete structures have been reported in recent years. Consequently, the critical demand to incorporate durability in the structural design and construction approach has emerged. As a result, durability design provisions in many countries’ standards have gotten increasingly stringent. In the absence of clear standard guidelines for design engineers, insufficient design and failures or an expensive over-design to provide for the worst-case scenario may occur. This paper compares and critically reviews the durability design requirements and provisions in the Eurocode, British standards, and ISO standards and proposes improvements that will contribute to the development of the coming generation of these documents. The review revealed similarities in the durability design approach, exposure conditions, and design requirements in the Eurocode code and British standard, whereas the ISO 13823 approach is different. The studied documents’ durability provisions are comprehensive, detailed, and well-defined. Nevertheless, several provisions require to be revised to avoid misinterpretation by the code practitioners and to ensure an economically conservative durable design.

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