Najran University Research Articles

نموذج مقترح لمعاییر تقییم المقررات الالکترونیة فی ضوء متطلبات الجودة بجامعة نجران A proposed Model for Evaluation Standards of E- Courses in the Light of Quality Requirements of Najran University

المستخلص : نظرا لما يعرف بأزمة الحد الجنوبي بالمملکة العربية السعودية وتأثيرها على منطقة نجران وبالتحديد ما يتعلق بالتوجه نحو إيجاد بدائل مناسبة لحصول طلبة الجامعة على الخدمات التعليمية مع تقليل متطلبات الحضور والتواجد بالحرم الجامعي حرصا على أمنهم فقد اتجهت الجامعة نحو تحويل عدد کبير من المقررات وخاصة المقررات النظرية الى صورة الکترونية, وحرصا من الجامعة على ضمان جودة هذه المقررات فقد استلزم الأمر وجود معايير يمکن الاستناد اليها في تقييم جودة المقررات الالکترونية قبل طرحها للطلبة, وعليه فإن هذا البحث يهدف إلى تصميم نموذج مقترح لمعايير تقييم المقررات الالکترونية لضمان جودتها کأحد مدخلات العملية التعليمية، ولتحقيق هذا الهدف استخدمت الباحثتان المنهج الوصفي في عرض لبعض النماذج المستخلصة من الدراسات والبحوث السابقة ودراستها وتحليلها لاقتراح المعايير المناسبة لمجتمع البحث وعرضها على عينة من الخبراء والمختصين في مجال التعليم الالکتروني والتطوير والجودة، وذلک للوصول الى نموذج موحد قابل للتطبيق لمعايير تقييم المقررات الالکترونية بما يحقق متطلبات الجودة بالجامعة. Abstract: It was known as the southern border crisis in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and its impact on Najran district, specifically about the approach to find suitable alternatives for university students’ access to educational services while reducing the requirements of attendance and presence in the campus for the sake of their safety, the university turned towards converting many courses, especially the theoretical ones into electronic form. To ensure the quality of these courses, it was necessary to have standards to assess the quality of the electronic courses before being offered to the students. To achieve this goal, the researchers used the descriptive approach in presenting and analyzing some of the models from the previous studies and research to propose a suitable model for Najran university, the proposed model was reviewed by experts in education technology.

Solar Energy Resource Analysis and Evaluation of Photovoltaic System Performance in Various Regions of Saudi Arabia

According to Vision 2030, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (K.S.A) plans to harness 9.5 GW of energy from renewable energy sources, which includes a major part of solar PV generation. This massive implementation of solar projects requires an accurate assessment and analysis of solar resource data and PV site selection. This paper presents a detailed analysis of one-year solar radiation data and energy output of 100 kW PV systems at 44 different locations across the K.S.A. Coastal areas have a lower amount of global horizontal irradiance (GHI) as compared to inland areas. Najran University station gives the highest annual electrical output of 172,083 kWh, yield factor of 1721, and capacity utilization factor of 19.6%. Sharurah and Timma TVTC are second and third best with respect to annual PV performance. Similarly, during high load summer season (April–October), Tabuk station is the best location for a PV power plant with an electrical output of 110,250 kWh, yield factor of 1102, and capacity utilization factor of 21.46%. Overall, the northern province of Tabuk is the most feasible region for a solar PV plant. The basic approach presented in this research study compares solar resource pattern and solar PV system output pattern with the load profile of the country. The site selected based on this criterion is recommended to be economically most feasible which can reduce the stress on electricity companies during high load seasons by clipping the peak load during daytime in the hot summer period.

مصداقیة تقییم طلاب جامعة نجران للأداء التدریسی لأعضاء هیئة التدریس فی ضوء بعض المتغیرات The Credibility of Najran University Students’ Evaluation for Faculty Members’ Teaching Performance in the Light of some Variables

المستخلص : هدفت هذه الدراسة إلى التعرف على مصداقية تقييم طلاب جامعة نجران للأداء التدريسي لأعضاء هيئة التدريس وعلاقتها ببعض المتغيرات. استخدم في هذه الدراسة استبانة مکونة من (19) فقرة ، موزعة على (3) مجالات، وتکونت عينة الدراسة من (264) طالبا وطالبة بجامعة نجران، منهم (96) طالبا ، و(168) طالبة. وأظهرت نتائج الدراسة ما يلي: أن العوامل التي تؤثر في تقييم المقررات الدراسية لدى طلاب وطالبات جامعة نجران قد جاء بدرجة متوسطة. وجود فروق ذات دلالة احصائية لمصداقية تقييم الطلبة للأداء التدريسي لأعضاء هيئة التدريس بجامعة نجران تعزى لمتغير الکلية ، ولصالح الکليات الإنسانية. وجود فروق ذات دلالة احصائية تعزى إلى متغير الجنس ، ولصالح الطالبات. عدم وجود فروق ذات دلالة احصائية تعزى إلى السنة الدراسية. وجود فروق ذات دلالة احصائية تعزى إلى التقديرولصالح الحاصلين على تقدير منخفض. Abstract : The aim of this study was to identify the validity of Najran University students’ evaluation of faculty members’ teaching performance and its relation to some variables (2015-2016). A questionnaire consisting of (19) paragraphs, distributed over (3) domains was used. The study sample consisted of (264) students (96 males, 168 females) at Najran University.The results of the study showed that: the factors affecting the evaluation of Najran University students for the courses had a medium degree.There were statistically significant differences in the credibility of students’ evaluation of Najran University faculty members’ teaching performance, due to the faculty variable, for humanities faculties.There were statistically significant differences due to sex variable in favor of female students. There were no statistically significant differences due to the academic year.There were statistically significant differences due to the rate, for low rating students.

Field Teaching Practicum Problems Experienced by Science and Mathematics Students and Their Attitudes toward Teaching Profession at Najran University

The current study aims to investigate the problems of field practicum at the College of Science and Arts at Najran University from science and mathematics students' perspective and to measure their attitudes toward teaching profession. To achieve this aim, a questionnaire of field teaching practicum problems and a scale of student teachers' attitudes toward teaching profession were prepared. The sample consisted of (123) male and female students of science and mathematics departments enrolled in the field practicum course. The study concluded that during field training, students face (21) problems distributed to four domains: cooperating school administration, academic supervisor, teaching skills of trainee student, and the trainee student’s personality. There is a statistically significant difference in the problems of cooperating school administration and teaching skills due to gender variable in favor of female students. There is a statistically significant difference in the problems of cooperating school administration due to specialization variable in favor of mathematics students. There is no statistically significant difference due to specialization variable in the other domains and problems as a whole. There is no statistically significant difference in the problems facing students due to the cumulative average variable. The sample responses to the attitude scale toward teaching profession reach an average agreement of (3.75), which indicates that the sample has positive attitudes toward teaching profession.There is no statistically significant difference on the attitude scale toward teaching profession as a whole or its domains due to gender or cumulative average variables. There is a statistically significant difference in the responses of the sample to the attitude scale toward teaching profession due to specialization variable in favor of science specialization.

The Effect of Leadership Styles of Administrative Leaders on Job Performance Behavior among Staff of Najran University

The present study is an attempt to investigate the effect of leadership styles of administrative leaders on job performance behavior among staff of Najran University. To achieve the objective of the study, the sample was randomly selected of (117) administrative staff at Najran University. The descriptive approach was adopted in this study, in which the author designed 36-item questionnaire divided into two sections: the first one is leadership style (25) items distributed to three domains (autocratic leadership style, participative leadership style and bureaucratic leadership style), and the second section is job performance (11) items. The questionnaire was applied to the participants after verification of validity and reliability. The study revealed that participative style was high, autocratic style was moderate and bureaucratic style was low. The results showed that there are statistically significant differences in autocratic style (a = 0.05) due to gender in favor of females, while there are statistically significant differences in participative style in favor of males, and no statistically significant differences due to scientific qualification. The results indicated that there are positive correlation between the participative style and job performance and negative correlation between the autocratic style and job performance. The author recommends adopting the participative leadership style in administration due to the positive effects it has on job performance, as well as conducting studies on the common leadership styles in other Saudi universities.

Drug Utilization Patterns in the Emergency Department of Najran University Hospital, Najran

Background: Study on the drug utilization pattern in emergency department (ED) is important not only for the general physician but also for the emergency physicians. It provides the means of evaluating drug prescribing trends, cost-effectiveness and efficiency of hospital formularies. Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the drug utilization pattern in Najran university hospital to assess drug prescribing trends, average number of drug per prescription, the WHO core indicators for drug utilization and prescription cost during patients visit at the ED. Methods: It was a retrospective cross-sectional study of all the adult patients who attended the ED at Najran university hospital. Results: The average age of the patients was 38±16 years. The average no drugs per prescription, was 2.39 ± 0.55, with a significant number of patients in this study (31%) receiving at least two drugs per episode. The majority of drugs were administrated by the oral route (68%) followed by the parenteral route (23%) and then other routes (7%). Conclusion: Antiinfective drugs cost was the highest among all the drug classes prescribed. Anti-infective were the most frequent class of drug administrated to the patients. Highest no of drugs were prescribed for respiratory tract infection followed by renal and gastrointestinal disease. Key words: Drug utilization, Emergency department, WHO core indicator, Prescribing trend, Antibiotic.

المشكلات التي تواجه طلاب جامعة نجران في دراسة النحو العربي واتجاهاتهم نحو دراسته

هدف البحث الحالي استقصاء المشکلات التي تواجه طلاب وطالبات کليتي الشريعة والعلوم والآداب بجامعة نجران في دراستهم واتجاهاتهم نحو دراسته، ولتحقيق ذلک تم إعداد استبانة حول مشکلات دراسة العربي من وجهة نظر طلاب وطالبات جامعة نجران، ومقياس اتجاه الطلاب والطالبات نحو دراسة العربي، کما تم اختيار عينة الدراسة وقوامها (352) طالبا وطالبة ممن يدرسون مقررات العربي في کليتي الشريعة وأصول الدين والعلوم والآداب تخصص اللغة العربية. وأظهرت نتائج البحث ما يلي: - أن الطلاب يواجهون (25) مشکلة من وجهة نظرهم عند دراسة العربي موزعة على خمسة مجالات هي: المحتوى ومصادر التعلم، أساليب التدريس والوسائل والأنشطة، عضو هيئة التدريس، الطالب، أساليب التقويم. - وجود فرق دال إحصائيا عند 0.01 لمتغير النوع لدى الطلاب في مشکلات المحتوى، عضو هيئة التدريس، الطالب، ولدى الطالبات في مشکلات أساليب التدريس، أساليب التقويم، والمشکلات ککل. - وجود فرق دال إحصائيا عند 0.01 لمتغير التخصص في مشکلات المحتوى لدى طلاب کلية العلوم والآداب ، بينما لا يوجد فرق دال إحصائيا يرجع للتخصص في باقي المحاور والمشکلات ککل. - استجابات العينة على مقياس الاتجاه ککل وعلى محاورة استجابة محايدة مما يشير إلى عدم وضوح الاتجاه لدى الطلا ب. - وجود فرق دال إحصائيا عند 0.01 لمتغير النوع في محور طبيعة وأهميته لصالح الطلاب، وکذلک وجود فرق دال إحصائيا عند 0.01 في محور الثقة في القدرة على تعلم النحو لصالح الطالبات بينما لا يوجد فرق دال إحصائيا يرجع لمتغير النوع فيما يخص محور الاستمتاع بدراسة النحو ومقياس الاتجاه ککل. - عدم وجود فرق دال إحصائيا لمتغير التخصص في استجابات عينة البحث على مقياس الاتجاه نحو دراسة العربي. The present study is an attempt to investigate the problems facing the students of the Colleges of Sharia and Fundamentals of Religion and Science and Arts, Najran University in studying Arabic grammar and their attitudes towards it. Therefore, it prepared a questionnaire on the problems of studying Arabic grammar from the perspective of Najran University students and a scale of the students’ attitudes towards it. Additionally, it covered a sample of (352) students taking Arabic grammar courses at the Colleges of Sharia and Fundamentals of Religion and Science and Arts (Major: Arabic language). The study concluded that: - The students face (25) problems from their perspective when studying Arabic grammar, covering (5) domains, namely the content and learning resources; teaching methods, aids and activities; faculty; student; evaluation methods. - There are statistically significant differences at the level of (0.01) of (gender) on the problems of the content, faculty and student among the male students, and on the problems of the teaching methods, evaluation methods and problems in general among the female students. - There are statistically significant differences at the level of (0.01) of (specialization) on the problems of the content among the students of the College of Science and Arts, but there aren’t any of them in the other domains. - The responses were to the whole scale of attitudes and to neutral domain, indicating the unclarity of the attitude among the students. - While there is a statistically significant difference at the level of (0.01) of (gender) on the “nature and significance of grammar” domain in favor of the male students, there is a statistically significant difference at the level of (0.01) on “confidence in learning grammar” favoring the female students, but there is not any on “enjoying studying grammar” domain and the whole scale. - There are no statistically significant differences of (specialization) on the responses to the scale of the attitude towards studying Arabic grammar.

An Evaluative Study for the Use Reality of E-Learning Systems and Tools in Teaching and Learning by Faculty Members and Students

The present study aimed to identify the reality of E-Learning systems and tools use (Blackboard) by faculty membersand students in teaching and learning courses at the college of education at Najran University. To achieve this aim,two questionnaires for both faculty members and students were developed. A sample of (60) faculty members and(120) students were selected to take part in the present study. Findings showed that the level of Blackboard use bymale and female faculty members was either high or very high in teaching college courses to students. There was nostatistically significant difference (α=0.05) between faculty members regarding the level of E-Learning tools use andits pedagogical practices due to gender and experience. Findings also revealed that male and female students' level ofBlackboard use was very high in studying the college courses. Furthermore, there was no statistically significantdifference (α=0.05) between students regarding the use of E-Learning tools and its pedagogical practices due togender and cumulative average.

ASSESSING THE ASSESSMENT AND EVALUATION PROCESS AT PYP: A CASE STUDY

The present study is designed to assess the assessment and evaluation process at Preparatory Year Program, Najran University. The research aims to assess the formative and summative assessment process at PYP and offer recommendations to further strengthen the summative/formative assessment and evaluation process. In order to assess the teachers� opinion, the researchers circulated the questionnaire to forty participants and finally, twenty questionnaires given serious attention were selected as samples of this study. The research had a detailed analysis and discussion on the statements of the questionnaire as well as detailed analysis and discussion on the responses of interview. An overall analysis of assessment and evaluation process affirms that summative assessments (question papers) are well designed and closely observe learning objectives and learning outcomes except a few modifications.Keywords: continuous assessment, evaluation, formative assessment, summative assessment

Geotechnical Mapping of Najran Soils for Safe Urban Expansion, Najran Region, Saudi Arabia

One hundred eighty-three rotary-drilled boreholes from fifteen districts in Najran area, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, were sampled and tested in the field and in laboratory to analyze the spatial variation in their geotechnical properties. Number of samples varied with the performed test including grain size distribution (668), Atterberg limits (24), moisture content (432), free swelling (49), direct shear strength (51), unconfined compression strength (37), and soil water chemistry of 168 samples were analyzed for Cl−, SO3−2, and CO3−), and 120 samples for pH. Descriptive statistics were appraised for clarifying the geotechnical variations among the districts and various AASHTO-classified soil types. GIS-based geostatistical kriging with minimum error achieved was used for preparing the spatial maps of the geotechnical parameters. Results showed that majority of soil samples were non-plastic. Hubuna district showed the larger LL (42%), PL (25%), and PI (20%) while Mefraq Al-Khamis recorded the lowest values of LL (23%), PL (19%), and PI (2%). Atterberg limits showed a northwestward increase to reach its maxima at Thar. Moisture content was larget in Khobash and showed local highs at Najran Al-Fahd and Al-Mashaliya.Fine sands prevailed north and east of Abu Shadad with local highs in Al-Mashaliya and Najran University. Silt and clay soils dominate in Najran Al-Fahd district. Local highs of free swelling were vivid at Abu Shadad, Khobash, Mefraq Al-Khamis, and Najran Al-Fahd districts. UCS showed largest in Najran University. Shear test friction angle showed lowest at Khobash and Abu Shadad districts dominated by coarse to medium sands and gravels and largest of 35° in Najran University and extends to Thar attaining the largest fine sand and gravel contents. Largest Cl− and SO3−2 contents characterized the districts of Thar, Al-Hosayniya and Hubuna while CO3− showed local high at Najran Al-Fahd district, the soils were acidic with pH lower than 5.5. Three main soil types according to AASHTO classification formed about 91% of the samples: A-1-b (56%), A-2-4 (23.5%), and A-3 (11.4%), were mapped and their geotechnical properties were characterized. Results can help efficient decision-making process to set proper management zones and prevent geotechnical risks where measures in the design and construction stages can be decided for future expansions and subsurface tunneling based on the district- and soil type-specific.

استخدام نموذج التعلم المقلوب وأثره في تنمية مهارات البحث العلمي لدى الطالبات المعلمات بقسم رياض الأطفال بجامعة نجران

يهدف البحث الحالي تعرف أثر استخدامنموذج التعلم المقلوبفي تحسين مهارات البحث العلمي لدى الطالبات المعلمات بقسم رياض الأطفال بجامعة نجران، وتکونت عينة الدراسة من طالبات المستوى الثالث بقسم رياض الأطفال، وعددهن (37) طالبة، تم اختيارهن بطريقة قصدية, وقد استخدمت الباحثة منهجين بحثين، هما: المنهج الوصفي التحليلي؛ لتحديد مهارات البحث العلمي، والمنهج شبه التجريبي؛ لبيان أثر المتغير المستقل(نموذج التعلم المقلوب) على المتغير التابع( مهارات البحث العلمي)، وتمثلت أداتا البحث في الاختبار التحصيلي وبطاقة الملاحظة، حيث تم تطبيق أداتي البحث قبليا وبعديا وتتبعيا على عينة البحث، وبعد إجراء الباحثة للمعالجات الإحصائية اللازمة. أظهرت النتائج وجود فروق دالة إحصائيا في التحصيل المعرفي لمهارات البحث العلمي بين متوسطات درجات التطبيق القبلي والبعدي للاختبار التحصيلي، تعزى إلى استخدام نموذج التعلم المقلوب لصالح التطبيق البعدي, کما أظهرت النتائج وجود فروق دالة إحصائيا في الأداء المهاري لمهارات البحث العلمي بين متوسطات درجات التطبيق القبلي والبعدي ، لبطاقة الملاحظة، تعزى أيضا إلى استخدام نموذج التعلم المقلوب لصالح التطبيق البعدي، بالإضافة إلى زيادة الاحتفاظ بالتعلم، والحفاظ على الأداء المهاري لمهارات البحث العلمي، وقد أوصى البحث الحالي بتوظيف نموذج التعلم المقلوب في تدريس المقررات الدراسية بمرحلة التعليم الجامعي. الکلمات المفتاحية: نموذج التعلم المقلوب، نموذج التعلم المعکوس ، مهارات البحث العلمي. Using the Flipped Learning Model and its Impact on improving Scientific Research Skills of Female Student in the Department of Kindergarten at Najran University Abstract: This research aims at recognizing the impact of using Flipped Learning Model, in improving Scientific Research Skills, as perceived by the students of education college- kindergarten department at Najran University. The study sample consists of 37 students of level three, who were intentionally chosen. The researcher used two methods; the analytical descriptive one and the semi- experimental one to show the impact of Flipped Learning Model on Scientific Research Skills. The research tools were the final examination and notice cards. The tools were used in three different stages. After conducting the needed statistical procedures, the findings showed a remarkable difference in the cognitive outcomes that students achieved before and after using that methods. It also showed a difference in skill performance as clearly shown in notice cards. The application of that method increases learning outcomes and grasping knowledge. It also helps in improving and keeping skill performance for Scientific Research Skills .The researcher recommended in applying this method in teaching curriculum at university levels. Key words: Flipped Learning Model, Scientific Research Skills, inverted learning Model.

The efficacy of fractional CO2 laser resurfacing in the treatment of facial acne scars

Background: Acne is a common condition with prevalence as high as 80% among adolescents and often it causes atrophic scars. Laser resurfacing is an effective treatment for acne scars. However, post-treatment adverse effects are often induced. Fractional laser photothermolysis has been designed to create microscopic thermal wounds to achieve skin rejuvenation without significant side effects. Objectives: The aim of this study is to assess the efficacy and safety level of fractional CO2 laser in atrophic acne scars treatment. Materials and Methods: Forty patients between 18 and 40 years of both sexes with atrophic acne scars seen in the Department of Dermatology at Najran University Hospital in Najran, Saudi Arabia, were treated with 4–6 sessions of fractional CO2 laser resurfacing. The result was evaluated objectively at each follow-up visit and 3 months after the last laser session using a quartile grading scale. Patient improvements were classified as excellent when the improvement was >50% in scar outcome and appearance of skin, good if 25–50% response, and poor when the response

The Effectiveness and Potential of E-Learning in War Zones: An Empirical Comparison of Face-to-Face and Online Education in Saudi Arabia

This paper compares the effectiveness of e-learning and face-to-face education in the previously neglected context of Saudi Arabia. This is done by examining Najran University’s e-learning experience after the institution suspended traditional course delivery due to the ongoing war between Saudi Arabia, the Arab Coalition, and Yemeni rebel groups. The analysis also considers the potential benefits offered by e-learning in crisis zones such as the southern border region of Najran, Saudi Arabia. The results indicate that there is no statistical or practical difference between online and face-to-face learning with respect to student performance. This paper also demonstrated that e-learning is capable of delivering the educational goals of higher learning institutions to areas wrecked by wars. E-Learning offers students a safe learning environment, engaging platforms, and most importantly a quality education. The findings of this paper contribute to a growing body of scholarship on the effectiveness and implementation of e-learning in the Middle East.

A Proposed Model of Cloud based e-Learning for Najran University

For the time being, the educational institutions are keen to use e-learning in their educational environment. This, in turn, will support their learning process and allow the learners to access any service or learning material or information at any time they need it. With all the pros by the e-learning, it still suffers from many problems that are explained clearly in this paper. In contrast, along with the innovation of cloud computing technology as a new paradigm in the IT world. With the establishment of cloud computing, numerous services for numerous fields (e.g., education, business, and government) have been introduced that have greatly facilitated the e-learning. In this paper, it demonstrates how the inclusion of the cloud computing paradigm in the e-learning environment assist positively. A lot of obstacles that are introduced by e-learning have been remedied. It combines the cloud computing in the e-learning system, thus, the proposed E-learning Embracing Cloud Computing Model (ELECCM) has completely developed and performed with all the essential components that are needed for their architecture. The study presents all the procedures that are run in order by the proposed system. Then, a fully functional e-learning system based on cloud computing; with low cost and low technical barriers, is demonstrated and explained clearly.

Quality and Accreditation Requirements for the Curriculum Development of Special Education Departments as Perceived by Faculty Members

The current study aimed to determine the quality and accreditation requirements, according to the NCAAA, for the curriculum development of the departments of Special Education as perceived by faculty members. Moreover, the study aimed to determine the relationship between the faculty awareness and other factors such as, gender, academic rank, teaching experience, participation in curriculum development, attendance of workshop, and participation in program development committees. The researcher created a survey to answer the research questions. A sample of (45) faculty members was chosen randomly from three main universities: King Khalid university, Jazan University, and Najran University. Statistical methods were used, including mean, frequencies, one sample t–test, one way ANOVA. The results indicated that the participants' awareness toward curriculum development requirements was generally very low, because of the limited number of faculty members and the newly established departments. It was recommended that quality culture should be disseminated, and moral and material support should be provided to the programs in these departments.
 Keywords: Study programs, Quality, Accreditation, Special education.

The Use of Language Learning Strategies through Smartphones in Improving Learner Autonomy in EFL Reading among Undergraduates in Saudi Arabia

Language learning strategies (LLS) and learner autonomy (LA) are believed to achieve a sustainable long-life learning process leading to a more reading competence (O’malley & Chamot, 1990; Oxford, 1990). LA is a pedagogical imperative inasmuch as language is largely an autonomous activity (Kumaravadivelu, 2006). This study examines the improvement of LA through the explicit use of LLS in EFL reading in a mobile-assisted language learning (MALL) environment among English as a foreign language (EFL) readers enrolled in Preparatory Year program at Najran University in Saudi Arabia. To this end, a questionnaire adapted from Oxford’s (1990) Strategy Inventory for Language Learning (SILL), was administered to 32 students to measure their reading strategy use mediated by smartphones in EFL reading context. The data analysis revealed moderate averages (60%) of LLS (memory, cognitive, compensation, metacognitive, affective, and social strategies) among EFL undergraduates in EFL reading context. Consequently, these results may restrain the improvement of LA in virtual learning environments, mostly teacherless platforms, where learners need to have these strategies to help them control and manage their own language learning in almost independent learning settings, freedom in time, place, access to resources, and material choices. It is recommended that LA be improved through a strategy use instruction mediated by smartphones in EFL reading context.

GC-MS ANALYSIS AND ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITY OF SAUDI FOENICULUM VULGARE MILL.(APIACEAE) FIXED OIL.

24Jul 2017 GC-MS ANALYSIS AND ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITY OF SAUDI FOENICULUM VULGARE MILL.(APIACEAE) FIXED OIL. Abdel Karim. M. , Ayda A. and Khalid M.S.. Sudan University of Science and Technology, Faculty of Science, Dept. of Chemistry. Najran University,Faculty of Science and Arts, Dept. of Chemistry. International University of Africa, Faculty of Pharmacy.

Selection and Gradation of Materials: A Review of the Second Semester’s English Materials of Preparatory Year, Najran University

This study was conducted to review the process of selection and gradation of English materials and to explore their effectiveness and appropriateness for the students of second level, at PYP (Preparatory Year Program), Najran University. It also reviewed various factors responsible for the constant change in English materials at PYP. A questionnaire consists of 11 questions along with two semi structured interview questions was distributed among 15 teachers. Data collected from participants was analyzed using simple excel and SPSS. The results revealed that the material was not appropriately selected and graded, and the lessons and the exercises in the materials were not useful as per the students’ academic needs. Furthermore, majority of the respondents agreed that the materials did not cater to achieve desired learning outcomes. The study, in the end, recommends some possible measures to be taken into consideration while selecting and grading the materials to achieve the desired goal.

Knowledge and attitude toward Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus among heath colleges' students in Najran, Saudi Arabia

Background: Najran area, Saudi Arabia, has experienced infection of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) coronavirus. Knowledge towards prevention and control of the disease is necessary among the health colleges' students as they are at high risk of newly emerging diseases. The present study aimed to investigate the knowledge and attitude of undergraduate health colleges’ students in Najran University, Saudi Arabia towards MERS coronavirus.Methods: A structured questionnaire on MERS was developed by the researcher with the help of existing literatures to cover the survey objectives. From five health colleges, 418 health colleges’ students were invited to fill the questionnaire from February 2017 to April 2017 and statistic was used to summarize the responses. Results: The students were highly aware about the clinical aspects of MERS including diagnosis, treatment, transmission and preventive measures. However, there were statistically significant differences (p<0.05) among health colleges’ students regarding their understanding of the basic science of the virus. The students showed positive attitude about MERS and the majority indicated that they are in need for further education about it. Conclusions: The students were knowledgeable about the clinical aspects of MERS but were lacking background awareness in the basic sciences and there is need for further education and training programs.

Opportunities and Barriers of Practicum from the Perspectives of English Language Student Teachers

The study investigated the perspectives of student teachers regarding the opportunities provided by Practicum course, in addition to the barriers that potentially inhibited their performance as teachers. The descriptive approach was used to identify these opportunities and barriers. Participants were (27) females and (31) males. They were all enrolled in the Practicum course offered by the department of curriculum and instruction to students majoring in English at Najran University. A two-part questionnaire was the main instrument of data collection. The first part investigated the opportunities while the second one sought to identify the barriers. Results showed that Practicum course was effective in certain areas such as developing student teachers' supportive relationships with various participants in the Practicum setting; improving their teaching accomplishments and professional achievements; and enhancing their feelings of self-efficacy in being able to affect positively the students under their care. Findings however revealed many shortcomings or obstacles that hindered their performance as teaching practitioners. Such shortcomings were not related to one specific party but many parties such as academic supervisors, school principals, and cooperating teachers. No significant differences among Participants' perspectives regarding the course's opportunities or barriers were found due to their gender or university accumulative average.