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    Automatic Recognition of Poets for Arabic Poetry using Deep Learning Techniques (LSTM and Bi-LSTM)
    (The British University in Dubai (BUiD), 2024-02) AL SHOUBAKI, HAMZA YOUNIS; Professor Sherief Abdallah
    Arabic poetry with its beauty, deep cultural importance and linguistic features, has always been a subject of attraction for scholars and readers. It attracted numerous researchers and writers to analyze and extract deep poetic features from various poems. As the literature review shows, there are numerous successful attempts to identify these traits and characteristics such as categorizing the used poetry metric and identifying the poets behind these poems. In our research, we introduce a comprehensive approach to Arabic poetry text classification using deep learning techniques. We have used an almost one-million record dataset of Arabic poetry verses extracted from a poetry encyclopedia. These verses are labeled with different nine poets and cover both classical and modern poetic styles. Due to the complexity of Arabic poetry such as the excessive use of metaphors, figurative language, unlimited imagination, and the diversity of styles from one poet to another and from one poem to another, we tackle these challenges by careful employment of preprocessing steps, feature engineering and selection. We also explore a range of algorithms, including traditional classifiers and deep learning models, to determine and select the most suitable and accurate models of identifying poets' names from the verses. We have decided to employ LSTSM and Bi-LSTM as our main baseline models. The reason behind selecting such models is observing a concentration on RNN (Recurrent Neural Network) and its variants when it comes to text classification. LSTM has proven its capability for sequential data analysis in many different languages. Our reported results have shown promising classification accuracy with an average of 92.35%. This sheds some light on the feasibility of automating the classification of a morphologically complex language text (Arabic). Bi-LSTM has slightly outperformed the classic LSTM in normal situation with average accuracy of 92.15% and 92.56% for LSTM and Bi-LSTM respectively. We discuss what would be the impact of our research findings on Arabic literature in particularly Arabic poetry. We also address the challenges associated with this study.
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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.
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    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.
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    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.
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    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.
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    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.
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    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.
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    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.
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    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.
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    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.