Dissertations for Learning and Teaching (LT)
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Item The Impact of the REACT Strategy on the Academic Achievement and Problem-Solving Skills of the Twelfth-Grade Students in Biology in the United Arab Emirates(The British University in Dubai (BUiD), 2024-06) SAID, THOURAYA MOHAMED; Dr Emad Abu AyashThis study aimed to test the effectiveness of the REACT Strategy on academic achievement and problem-solving skills of twelfth-grade female biology students in the United Arab Emirates. Participants consisted of (60) female students in the twelfth grade at the Applied Technology High School (ATS) during the third semester of the scholastic year (2023-2024). The sample students were divided into two groups of (30) students: An experimental and a control group. The research instruments included a biology pre- and post-achievement test and a qualitative questionnaire to test the students’ perceptions and experiences of using the REACT strategy in the biology classroom. The validity of the research instruments was assured by the judging faculty, and the consistency was assured through testing and re-testing of an exploratory group of (30) female students. After ensuring the two research groups' homogeneity regarding age, readiness to learn biology, achievement, and problem-solving skills in biology, the two research groups went through the same experience. Still, one was exposed to ADEK’s biology curriculum, whereas the other group went through the RACT strategy for teaching and learning. The research findings revealed statistically significant differences between the two research groups on the biology achievement test scores in its post-application in favor of the female students of the experimental group. This shows the significant effect of the REACT strategy in improving academic achievement and problem-solving skills in biology before applying the strategy. Moreover, findings from the qualitative analysis indicated insights into students’ perceptions and experiences with the REACT approach, highlighting its role in fostering a supportive and interactive learning environment that reflects deep learning and critical thinking. Finally, this research provides valuable input for educators, policymakers, curriculum developers, and researchers seeking to optimize teaching and learning experiences in STEM disciplines. By adopting evidence-based strategies and fostering a culture of collaboration and inquiry, stakeholders can create optimal conditions for student success and promote equitable access to high-quality STEM education for all learners.Item Kindergarten Teachers' Perspective and the Actual Practice of Guided Reading in a Private School in Dubai(The British University in Dubai (BUiD), 2024-03) GAFUROVA, NIGORA; Dr Tendai CharlesThis study investigates the implementation of guided reading in kindergarten classrooms within a private school in Dubai, focusing on the disparity between teachers' perceptions and actual instructional practices. Employing a mixed-methods triangulation design, data were collected through in-class observations using a devised Fidelity Checklist and interviews with six kindergarten teachers. Each class was observed twice to capture potential variations between sessions. The Fidelity Checklist devised by the researcher was utilised to collect and analyse data, while interviews provided deeper insights into teachers' perspectives. Findings revealed inconsistencies between teachers' claims of adherence to GR components and observed practices. The study underscores the importance of bridging the gap between teachers' perceptions and actual instructional practices to enhance the effectiveness of guided reading implementation.Item Challenges in Effective Curriculum Implementation: A Study of Leaders and Teachers in a Private School in Dubai(The British University in Dubai (BUiD), 2023-10) ATALLA, WAEL IBRAHIM; Professor Abdulai AbukariThe process of putting an educational curriculum into practice, which includes delivering the planned instructional content, methodologies, and assessment strategies in a classroom or other educational setting, is referred to as curriculum implementation. It includes converting the aims and objectives of the curriculum into practical learning opportunities, making sure that it is in line with academic standards, and making adjustments for the wide range of needs of the students. In order to implement the curriculum effectively, teachers must work together, assess continuously, and be adaptable to meet changing student requirements. The study was conducted in one of the private schools in Dubai. The aim of the study was to identify the challenges faced by school stakeholders (teachers, MLL, and the SLT) regarding effective curriculum implementation and discussed several approaches that facilitate curriculum reform. The researcher included the findings of some studies that have been done related to the topic. In order to achieve the aim of the study, the qualitative method was used. The study included 17 participants. A questionnaire was sent to 8 teachers and 4 department heads. In addition, 5 members of the senior leadership team were interviewed to compare and contrast the views of the teachers. The replies from the interviews and open-ended questionnaires were interpreted using thematic analysis. It was shown by the study that the department heads and teachers have an excessive amount of work related to curriculum implementation. They face unique difficulties in doing their duties. On the other hand, the senior leadership team is in charge of observing and assessing the curriculum in order to ensure that the teachers are implementing it effectively. The study suggests that educational leaders should be responsible for offering direction, encouragement, and a clear vision for the implementation of the curriculum. In addition, policymakers ought to pass policies that promote effective curriculum implementation and deal with underlying issues.Item The Impact Of Teachers’ Differentiated Initiations And Feedback On Students’ Responses: A Model Based On Audience Design And Bloom’s Taxonomy Of Cognitive Domains(The British University in Dubai (BUiD), 2023-10) ZAGHAB, MAI IDREES; Dr Emad Abu-AyyashThe main objective of this study was to gain insights into students' verbal responses and, consequently, offer valuable information and recommendations to teachers and curriculum designers on ways to cater to individual students' learning needs and enhance the quality of students' responses. This study aimed to investigate the impact of incorporating the audience design model, Bloom's taxonomy, and the differentiated instruction approach on students' verbal responses.Data for this research was gathered from 5 observed classes and through semi-structured interviews with 12 high school teachers and 5 high school students. The research sought to address the following research questions: To what extent does integrating the audience design model in teachers’ differentiated initiations and feedback improve students’ verbal responses? To what extent does employing Bloom’s Taxonomy of Cognitive Domains when tailoring teachers’ initiations and feedback help improve students’ verbal responses? The study, conducted in a private school in Dubai, employed qualitative research methods to analyse and synthesise data into several themes related to differentiated instruction, classroom interactions, teacher talk time vs. student talk time, and audience design. These themes provided a comprehensive understanding of the data. The findings indicated that teachers' differentiated instruction and feedback, especially when considering the audience design model, significantly impacted both the quantity and quality of students' verbal responses. However, the study had faced some limitations, as a result, several recommendations were put forward to assist educators and curriculum designers in facilitating the implementation of differentiated instruction and feedback. These recommendations included promoting research, collaboration, and presentation skills. Furthermore, it highlighted the significant role of curriculum publishing companies in offering ready-made questions and activities to ease the burden on teachers in terms of time and effort.Item The Effect of Using Multiple Digital Platforms to Enhance Formative Assessment and Teacher Feedback in UAE Schools(The British University in Dubai (BUiD), 2023-12) NASSEREDDIN, MAYSA FARID; Dr Emad A. S. Abu-AyyashFormative assessments and teacher feedback are essential elements that support the learning process, and using technologies is a demand nowadays. The present study utilized mixed methodology to investigate the teacher's perception of using multiple educational platforms in formative assessment, the quality of feedback, and the opportunities and challenges of using these platforms in public schools in Abu Dhabi. In recent years, technology in the classroom has changed how teachers manage assessments and give student feedback. Due to the development of several digital educational platforms, educators can access various tools and materials that help improve formative assessment techniques and feedback. Both quantitative (Teachers Questionnaire) and qualitative (Teachers Interviews) instruments were used in the study simultaneously. However, the data analysis maintained the two threads apart. After that, a thorough grasp of teacher beliefs about formative assessment and feedback using platforms was developed using the two sets of results derived from the questionnaire and interviews. The results of this research showed how using multi-platform for formative assessment allows teachers to design dynamic learning environments that engage students, encourage active learning, and support continual development by leveraging various digital tools and platforms. These platforms provide higher productivity, better lesson planning, and improved learning process. Teachers can save time and effort when using the ready assessments, and they can use the analysis and track students' learning progress through the platforms. Feedback could be provided to students employing platforms focusing on specific areas of improvement and offering constructive suggestions for enhancement based on students' level in different types of feedback. On the other hand, Teachers must be updated and investigate the available digital resources to improve teaching methods and deliver direct individualized feedback. Find alternative ways to complete assessments virtually to overcome exam reliability issues and test characteristics problems.Item Investigating High School Science Teachers’ Perceptions and Practices of Science Virtual Laboratories in American Schools in Ajman, UAE(The British University in Dubai (BUiD), 2022-09) ABUALHAIJA, INAAM MOHAMMADDespite the positive impact of the virtual lab experimentation, the teachers are not using labs for scientific experiments and investigations effectively in quality and quantity. Even the virtual labs applications are not used regularly or effectively. Thus, this research study aimed at investigating high school science teachers’ perceptions and practices of science virtual laboratories in private schools following US curriculum in the emirate of Ajman in the United Arab Emirates. A mixed method approach was employed to collect qualitative and quantitative data via valid and reliable questionnaire. The study targeted a group of high school science teachers of grades 9-12, teaching biology, chemistry and physics in three American curriculum schools based in Ajman-UAE. Four research questions were crafted to guide the study and achieve the purpose of the study. The research problem stemmed from the acknowledgement of insufficient practical integration of virtual lab in science instruction. The results of the study found out that teachers had adequate knowledge of virtual laboratories; teachers agreed on what they needed to improve their own practices and assured the success of using virtual laboratories in high school science lessons, and schools are required to provide students with sufficient resources. Besides teachers stated that they did not receive appropriate training on how to use and conduct virtual laboratories. Despite the limitations of the current study, its significance lies in being a stepping-stone to start conversations on the matter at hand and motivate further investigation into the effectiveness and methods of integrating virtual laboratories in science classes as a whole. Keywords: virtual lab, Science teachers, perception, practicesItem Perception of students on provisions provided to cycle three students with mental illnesses (anxiety disorder and depression (in public schools in the United Arab Emirates: an expletory study(The British University in Dubai (BUiD), 2022-08-01) Jawaher, Alkaabi;Anxiety disorders and depression are the most common mental disorders among adolescents. It is well-established that both anxiety disorder and depression negatively impact adolescents’ academic performance, social life, and their general well-being. This study aimed to explore services provided for cycle three students (14-18 yo) in public schools in the United Arab Emirates in terms of mental health and what could be further offered to help in improving students’ mental well-being. Data was collected using a qualitative method in the form of Semi-structured interviews were conducted with current and former students in public schools to explore their perception of anxiety disorder and depression, to assess what is currently on offer for students who are dealing with anxiety disorder and depression, and to discuss what could public schools further offer to Improve their mental health. The results indicated that there is little to no systematic services offered to students with anxiety disorder and depression. Furthermore, the results also showed a few systematic measures that could be taken by public schools to improve students’ wellbeing such as a mental health professional in schools, longer breaks during the school day, allocated times for solitary activities, and more physical education classes.