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The Impact of Cognitive Ability Testing on Students with Special Education Needs and Disabilities in Primary Schools in Dubai and Sharjah
No full textThis research aims to investigate the effects of administering cognitive ability tests on students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in primary schools in Dubai and Sharjah. It is hoped that the findings can support the improvement of assessing the needs of students with SEND. Additionally, the study seeks to examine the extent of access to cognitive ability tests by students with various diverse needs. A mixed-research method approach has been followed. The quantitative data collection included conducting a survey among 215 respondents, parents, and teachers, while the qualitative data collection was conducted via interviews among 16 inclusive school leaders, specialists, and teachers within Dubai and Sharjah. A systematic review of the literature was also conducted. The findings entailed that cognitive ability testing has positive impacts on identifying the needs of students with SEND. The results indicate that cognitive ability tests can enhance the academic performance of students with SEND. This research suggests enhancing assessment practices and refining cognitive ability testing procedures and accessibility to ensure they effectively measure the diverse needs and abilities of students with SEND. Additionally, the study recommends a set of possible measures to make the best use of the findings of such tests to enhance and maximize the learning experience for students with SEND
Implementing Design Thinking in Education: The Role of Leadership
No full textThe study aimed to identify the implementing of design thinking in education: the role of leadership, and the study used the descriptive analytical and correlational approach to suite the purpose of the study. Sample of the study consisted of (210) leaders in the public and private schools which were chosen by random method, while the study based on the questionnaire to collect data from members of the study sample, which has been verified for its validity and reliability. The study showed that the transformational leadership was of a high level as a total among the leaders in public and private schools in UAE and for each dimension in descending order (Idealized influence, Inspirational motivation, social relations, Intellectual stimulation and Individualized consideration) and the study showed that the UAE school principals were implementing design thinking in education with of a high level also. The study also showed that there was a statistically significant role for transformational leadership with its dimensions (Inspiration’s motivation, Intellectual stimulation and social relations) in implementing design thinking in education among school principals in UAE. And the results of the inferential analysis showed that there were no statistically significant differences in the level of implementing design thinking in education among school principals according to the (Gender, Years of experience and educational level). The study recommended the necessity of conducting future studies that address other types of educational leaders, which can affect other variables in the educational field
Facade Retrofits: Sustainable Living Architectural Facades. The Case Study of “Baynunah Hilton Tower” in Abu Dhabi
No full textThis open access book presents contributions on a wide range of scientific areas originating from the BUiD Doctoral Research Conference (BDRC 2023)Over the last few years, the concept of a more sustainable/eco-responsive skin featured as alternative envelopes for buildings (sometimes termed “Living Architecture”), designed to achieve low energy consumption, cost efficiency, and user comfort. Until today, architects in the UAE tend to design projects with double skin façades more than providing living architecture façade to achieve energy efficiency and sustainability in an extremely hot climate. Since the 1990s buildings in Gulf cities were dressed in cladding, which ignores the importance of building orientation, passive design ideas, and implementation.
Purpose – This paper examines the concept of living architecture in the context of the UAE and proposes a framework to retrofit existing unsustainable designs with more eco-responsive ones.
Methodology – Energy analysis will be applied to the façade of Baynunah Hilton Tower in Abu Dhabi before and after providing a living architectural façade technique in order to test the energy efficiency of the facade between the two scenarios. The analysis will be applied using FormIt software.
Findings – The new proposed façade design “Light-weight Aluminium with Arabesque pattern” have affected positively the energy performance of the building. The energy consumption has been reduced by almost 38% after applying the retrofitting design to the façade.
Implications – Façade retrofit is important as it helps in providing sustainable design solutions for the building’s facade that plays an important role in achieving energy efficiency and saving the environment.
Originality/value – All the scenarios and simulations were done by the authors using FormIt software
Leadership in the Digital Age Navigating Challenges and Embracing Opportunities
No full textThis research examines the evolving role of educational leadership in the digital age, emphasising the competencies, challenges, and opportunities that arise from technology integration in educational practices. Through surveys and qualitative interviews with educational leaders, the study illuminates the critical importance of digital literacy and continuous professional development for successful technology implementation. Despite the enthusiasm for digital tools, challenges such as varying digital proficiency among staff, resistance to change, and inadequate infrastructure hinder optimal technology use, creating disparities in student learning experiences. The study advocates for a structured approach to technology integration, involving strategic planning, comprehensive training, and ongoing evaluation to ensure technology is embedded within the educational framework. Additionally, fostering a collaborative culture among stakeholders, teachers, students, and parents is essential for promoting innovation and addressing diverse student needs. Leaders also bear the responsibility of modelling digital citizenship and ethical technology use, preparing students for the complexities of the digital world. This research contributes valuable insights for enhancing teaching and learning outcomes in a technology-driven educational landscape
The Impact of Transformational Leadership on Employee Productivity, Happiness, and Burnout: The Mediating Role of Employee Engagement and Stress
No full textTransformational leadership (TL) is critical in addressing challenges in today’s competitive and stressful organizational environments. This study examines the impact of TL on employee productivity (EP), happiness at work (HAW), and job burnout (JB) in Palestinian ministries. It also investigates the mediating roles of employee engagement (EE) and job stress (JS). The study used a quantitative cross-sectional survey of 535 low- and middle-ranking employees in Palestinian ministries. Structural equation modeling was applied to test the hypotheses. Findings revealed that TL positively influences EE, EP, and HAW, while negatively affecting JS and JB. EE positively impacts EP and HAW, while JS negatively impacts them and increases JB. Both EE and JS significantly mediate the relationships between TL and EP, HAW, and JB. The study offers practical insights for enhancing employee performance, engagement, and well-being while reducing stress and burnout in public institutions
The Impact of Facilitating Conditions on Innovation Readiness in the Dubai Public Sector
No full textThis open access book presents contributions on a wide range of scientific areas originating from the BUiD Doctoral Research Conference (BDRC 2023)Purpose- The purpose of this paper is to analyze the level of innovation readiness in Dubai’s public sector by taking a critical look at the current facilitating conditions, analyzing the gaps that arise with the lack of various innovations in place, and offering recommendations to remedy the problem.
Methodology- This study uses a cross-sectional study design by using information from peer-reviewed journal articles. The search process for the articles involved the use of relevant terms such as “innovation readiness,” “facilitating conditions,” as well as “Dubai Public Sector.” The search narrowed down 15 peer-reviewed journal articles that were now used for the study.
Findings- This study identified research gaps from the literature review and highlighted how the literature could be broadened and possible research questions that can be identified from the literature.
Implications- The intention to use innovation readiness is positively impacted by facilitating situations, but the effect is marginal after the initial usage. As a result, the Model suggests that conducive environments have an immediate, considerable impact on user behavior.
Originality/ value- The Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology discussed in this essay gives insights into the various forms of technology by comparing prominent technology acceptance theories
The Impact of AI on Decision-Making in Educational Management: Benefits, Risks, and Ethical Concerns
No full textThe integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in educational management is rapidly transforming decision-making processes within schools and institutions. This dissertation explores the impact of AI on decision-making in educational management, focusing on the benefits, risks, and ethical concerns associated with its use. AI technologies offer significant advantages, such as data-driven insights, improved efficiency, and enhanced predictive capabilities, which can support educational leaders in making more informed decisions. However, the adoption of AI also presents challenges, including potential biases in algorithms, privacy concerns, and the risk of an over-reliance on automated systems. Furthermore, ethical considerations such as fairness, transparency, and accountability are critical in ensuring that AI-driven decisions do not exacerbate inequalities or compromise the integrity of educational institutions. This study aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the role of AI in educational decision-making, offering insights into both its potential benefits and the associated risks. By examining real-world applications and theoretical frameworks, the research contributes to the ongoing discourse on how AI can be ethically and effectively integrated into educational management
Investigating Educators’ Perceptions of the Impact of STEM Project-Based Learning on 21st Century Skills
No full textThis study investigates educators' perspectives on STEM Project-Based Learning (PBL) implementation and its effectiveness in fostering 21st century skills in private American schools in Ajman, UAE. It also explores how demographic factors among educators influence their views on STEM PBL's efficacy in promoting these skills. Given the limited research in the UAE on this topic, the study aims to fill this gap. Using a mixed-method approach, 116 science, math, and ICT teachers from three Ajman schools (elementary, middle, and high school) participated. Quantitative data were gathered through an 18-item questionnaire covering five dimensions, while qualitative data were collected through interviews with four teacher leaders and open-ended questions within the questionnaire. The findings indicate that the 18 items play a significant role in the implementation and practices of STEM PBL to develop 21st century skills.Teachers identified several challenges, such as managing extensive curriculum content, time constraints, limited resources, and difficulties in interdisciplinary collaboration. Demographic factors like gender, age, academic qualification, or teaching experience did not significantly influence perceptions. However, the grade levels taught had a notable impact, with high school teachers showing greater proficiency in STEM PBL. The study suggests the need for further research with broader samples and larger teacher cohorts. It concludes that while STEM PBL is beneficial, ongoing professional development is crucial to help educators overcome challenges and effectively foster 21st century skills in students
Investigating Perceptions and Practice of Teacher Leadership in Somaliland’s Public Primary Schools
No full textSomaliland is facing mounting pressure to improve its education system. As a rule, the development of the education system of a country depends on a strong and reliable investment in teacher development. The country implemented a number of reforms as part of the Education Sector Strategies over the last ten years (2012-2016; 2017-2021), coinciding with the National Development Plans I and II of the corresponding periods, respectively. The main purpose of this study is to examine the perceptions and practice of teacher leadership in primary public schools. The study focuses on nine primary public schools in the city of Hargeisa in Somaliland. This study’s theoretical framework was based on distributed leadership, transformational leadership and symbolic leadership. The main data collection methods used in these sequential explanatory mixed methods included teacher leadership school survey (TLSS), document review of national education development strategies, and semi-structured interviews of selected teachers and principals. The most important finding of this study is that teachers take on teacher leadership roles inside and outside the classroom. Most teachers identified these roles as beneficial to their schools, though overwhelming for teachers as they lack training, resources and time. Furthermore, teachers have a low level of perception about the system’s commitment to teacher leadership and development due to lack of adequate voice in influencing educational policy and decision-making