Saudi Arabian University Students Research Articles

Using WhatsApp in EFL Instruction with Saudi Arabian University Students

Messaging tools such as SMS are effective tools for foreign language learning. While many quasi-experimental studies confirm efficacy and positive student attitudes towards these types of tools, little is known about existing teaching practices that utilize messaging tools in tertiary contexts, or the attitudes of students or instructors towards them. This qualitative study investigates the use of WhatsApp, one popular messaging application, in teaching English as a Foreign Language (EFL) through examining the attitudes of Preparatory Year students and faculty members at a university in the central-north of Saudi Arabia. Thematic analysis of focus group interviews indicated that WhatsApp is used in EFL instruction for information exchange, language learning support, and language practice. This is achieved through teacher-directed learning, peer learning, and autonomous learning instructional strategies. Thematic analysis also identified the affordances and affective outcomes of using WhatsApp. Student and faculty attitudes towards WhatsApp were positive although some faculty members expressed reservations towards its use. It is argued that applications such as WhatsApp should be leveraged to encourage autonomous and peer learning, repositioning instructors as facilitators, and to develop learning communities. However, increasing the informal, anywhere-anytime learning supported by mobile learning must be tempered with guidelines for students regarding faculty contact hours and response times to allay faculty fears and encourage greater student autonomy.

Using WhatsApp in EFL Instruction with Saudi Arabian University Students

Messaging tools such as SMS are effective tools for foreign language learning. While many quasi-experimental studies confirm efficacy and positive student attitudes towards these types of tools, little is known about existing teaching practices that utilize messaging tools in tertiary contexts, or the attitudes of students or instructors towards them. This qualitative study investigates the use of WhatsApp, one popular messaging application, in teaching English as a Foreign Language (EFL) through examining the attitudes of Preparatory Year students and faculty members at a university in the central-north of Saudi Arabia. Thematic analysis of focus group interviews indicated that WhatsApp is used in EFL instruction for information exchange, language learning support, and language practice. This is achieved through teacher-directed learning, peer learning, and autonomous learning instructional strategies. Thematic analysis also identified the affordances and affective outcomes of using WhatsApp. Student and faculty attitudes towards WhatsApp were positive although some faculty members expressed reservations towards its use. It is argued that applications such as WhatsApp should be leveraged to encourage autonomous and peer learning, repositioning instructors as facilitators, and to develop learning communities. However, increasing the informal, anywhere-anytime learning supported by mobile learning must be tempered with guidelines for students regarding faculty contact hours and response times to allay faculty fears and encourage greater student autonomy.

Identifying The Traits Of Entrepreneurs In A University Setting: An Empirical Examination Of Saudi Arabian University Students

The study of entrepreneurs and entrepreneurship has recently attracted the attention of scholars from diverse fields such as sociology, anthropology, and business. Much of the research conducted has been focused on entrepreneurial motivation and personal characteristics in developed countries. In this paper, we examine the relationship between four personality characteristics - Innovativeness, risk-taking, locus of control and energy level, and the likelihood of owning or starting a business.Utilizing a sample of 600 students attending three universities in Saudi Arabia and a self-administered questionnaire, the present studys results show systematic variation in entrepreneurial characteristics across groups of university student entrepreneurs and non-entrepreneurs. Student entrepreneurs are more likely to be innovative, risk-takers, and exhibit high levels of energy and locus of control than their non-entrepreneurs counterparts.The results of the study raise important questions about the identification and targeting of potentially successful entrepreneurs and the appropriate mechanism for aiding them in realizing their dreams to become successful business owners capable of creating new jobs and fueling economic growth.

Hygienic condition of multipurpose solutions for soft contact lenses among Saudi Arabian university students

The use of multipurpose solutions for cleaning and disinfecting soft contact lenses has replaced single purpose solutions. University students in the different Saudi Arabian Universities are permanent customers of the contact lenses wearers. However, the practice of misuse and carelessness in following contact lenses manufacturer instructions is very evident. This study investigated the hygienic condition of two multipurpose solutions with different antimicrobial agents to elucidate the fate of misuse and the expected health complications. Two solutions were selected MeniCare Soft solution from Menicon and ReNu MoistureLoc from Bausch and Lomb. Microbial analysis of the solutions revealed the presence of three bacterial species identified as Serratia marcescens, Klebsiella oxytocaand Escherichia coli and two fungal species were identified Candida albicans, andMalassezia globosa. Key words: Contact lens, Serratia marcescens, Klebsiella oxytoca, Escherichia coli, Candida albicans, Malassezia globosa.

Perception of and Concern About Sociocultural Change and General Psychopathology in Saudi Arabian University Students

This study presents data on 280 Saudi Arabian university students regarding their perception of and concern about sociocultural changes in their society and compares their scores on these variables with their responses on psychopathology measures. Subjects wee administered an interview schedule evaluating perception of and concern (upset or not upset) about sociocultural changes, the Multiple Affect Adjective Check List (Zuckerman & Lubin, 1965), the Depression Symptomatology Scale (Schwab, 1974; Schwab, Holzer, Warheit, & Schwab, 1981), and the Symptom Inventory, a measure devised for this study. The results showed that (a) substantial numbers of subjects were aware of the social and cultural transformations in Saudi Arabia, (b) depressive and psychopathological symptoms were reported by extremely higher proportions of Saudis than usually reported in other societies, and (c) higher levels of concern about sociocultural changes obtained the lowest depression scores, indicating that those not upset by social transformation were generally not depressed.

Transnational Radio Listening among Saudi Arabian University Students

Saudi Arabian students, interviewed during the Iran-Iraq war period, listened often to transnational broadcasts, which are everpresent and have a long history of availability in Saudi Arabia. Men students older than 20 preferred BBC but women students had different preferences. Older students generally liked the Voice of America. There were other interactions but, as in other countries, the format of the station, whether news or entertainment, tended to attract selected audiences.

Perception and concern about sociocultural change and psychopathology in a Saudi Arabian sample.

The study presents data on 280 Saudi Arabian University students regarding their perception and concern about social-cultural changes in their society, and comparison of their scores on these variables with their responses on some psychopathology measures. All students were administered an interview schedule evaluating perception and concern (upset--not upset) about sociocultural changes, the Multiple Affect Adjective Check List, the Depression Symptomatology Scale, and a Symptom Inventory. Our results showed that: (1) Substantial numbers were aware of the social and cultural transformations in Saudi Arabia. However, Saudis were, on the whole, less upset about adverse social processes than comparative American samples; (2) depressive and other psychopathology symptoms were reported frequently, and (3) subjects who showed higher levels of concern about sociocultural changes obtained the lowest depression scores, indicating that those who were not upset by social transformation were generally not depressed. The relationship between psychopathology and perception of social nuances was discussed in light of the view that less depressed people are more capable of handling stresses related to personal processing of social variables.