Students In Gaza Research Articles

E-Learning Medical Education in Gaza During COVID-19: Students' Experiences and Policy Recommendations.

We explored medical students' perspectives on and experiences of e-learning in Gaza and proposed relevant policy recommendations. We administered an online questionnaire to medical students in Gaza exploring (1) demographics, computer skills, and time spent on e-learning; (2) students' perception and challenges of e-learning; and (3) students' preferences of continuing medical e-learning in the future. Analysis was done using SPSS version 23. Out of 1830 students invited, 470 responded, and 227 of them were basic-level students. More female students responded (58.3%, n = 256). Most participants (n = 413, 87.9%) reported moderate to high computer skills allowing them to access e-learning. Before coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19), over two-thirds (n = 321, 68.3%) spent 0-3 hours on e-learning. After COVID-19, the majority shifted, and 306 students (65.1%) reported spending at least 7 hours on various e-learning sources. The challenges for clinical-level students were mainly related to lack of practical training in the hospital (n = 196, 80%), followed by lack of interactions with real patients (n = 167, 68.7%). As for basic-level students, a majority (n = 120, 52.8%) reported lack of practical skills (eg, lab skills) as a challenge followed by unreliable internet access (n = 119, 52.4%). Pre-recoded lectures, readily available educational videos were used more than live lectures. Less than a third of all students (n = 147, 31.3%) wanted e-learning in the next term. Medical students in Gaza don't have a favourable experience with online medical education. There need to be actions to help overcome the challenges faced by students. This requires orchestrated actions by the government, universities, and local and international organizations.

Level of Achievement Motivation among Secondary School Students in the Light of some Variables

The study aimed to identify the level of achievement motivation among secondary school students study the achievement motivation among these students in the light of several variables. The sample of the study consisted of (500) male and female secondary school students in Gaza, half of whom are males and the other half are females. The study followed the descriptive approach, and the study used the psychological and social adjustment scale and the achievement motivation scale as study tools. The study reached several results, namely: the level of achievement motivation among secondary school students in Gaza is characterized by high. Achievement motivation among secondary school students in Gaza is attributed to the student’s family type in favor of the student with an extended family. The study recommended the need to pay attention to the promotion and development of self-management among students, which works to enhance and develop their skills and self-abilities in dealing with their goals and aspirations according to the characteristics and tendencies of students. The researcher suggested studying the relationship between the components and characteristics of personality and academic excellence among secondary school students.

Predicting Physics Achievement of 11th - grade Students through Critical and Logical Thinking Skills

The purpose of this study was to measure the extent to which critical thinking skills and logical thinking skills predicted the achievement in physics of 11th - grade students in Gaza. To this end, (215) students participated in the study. California Critical Thinking Skills Test (CCTST) and Test of Logical Thinking (TOLT), were used as data collection tools in the study. Data were analyzed by multiple stepwise regression analysis. Results indicated that the students’ scores of probabilistic reasoning and proportional reasoning (as logical thinking skills), and inference (as critical thinking skill) were significant predictors of physics achievement scores, explaining (15.7%) of the variance of physics achievement scores. In addition, findings indicated that the best predictor was probabilistic reasoning, explaining (9.2 %) of the variance. The study recommended that a physics curriculum should involve thinking skills, which predict students’ achievement in physics.

Social support, resilience, and mental health in a low-intensity warfare context: the effects of siege on university students in Gaza

Background Gaza has long been enduring a quasi-total siege that significantly undermines quality of life in the region. Gazan youth are particularly affected by the ongoing economic recession, a disrupted environment, and health and food insecurity. These critical circumstances are worsened by the ongoing conflict between Palestine and Israel, which is a cause of death and destruction. Aims This cross-sectional study investigated the effects of living under protracted siege conditions on mental distress, resilience, and social support among a sample of Palestinian university students living on the Gaza Strip. Methods Five hundred fifty Palestinian university students were recruited at four universities in Gaza. They completed a battery of instruments, including the Gaza Siege Checklist, Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS), Resilience Scale (RS), and Berlin Social Support Scales (BSSS). We used structural equation modelling (SEM) to test a conceptual model of social support and resilience as protective factors against the impact on mental distress of living under siege. Results Our findings indicate that living under siege has direct adverse effects, leading to increased mental distress in the form of anxiety, depression, and acute stress. Enduring siege conditions compromises resilience and sources of social support, thereby increasing subjects' risk of developing psychological distress.

Evaluate the Impact of Project-Based Learning Strategy on Vocabulary Acquisition: An Experimental Study among Palestinian Students in Gaza

Evaluate the Impact of Project-Based Learning Strategy on Vocabulary Acquisition: An Experimental Study among Palestinian Students in Gaza

Enhancing Secondary School Students' Reflective Thinking Through a Suggested Model Based on Constructivism

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a suggested model RW based on constructivism on the reflective thinking of the secondary school students in Gaza. The sample consisted of (87) female students in two groups; control 43 and experimental 44. The researchers used experimental design of two randomly chosen groups with the same pre and post tests for each. Different statistical tests included in the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) were used to analyze the data collected while answering the study questions and testing the hypotheses. The results showed that there were statistically significant differences at (α ≤ 0.05) between Experimental group and Control group in relation to the reflective thinking in favor of Experimental group. Also, the effect size of using the model based on constructivism was significantly large on students' reflective thinking. The researchers strongly recommended training teachers to design models based on constructivism to enhance students thinking in general and particularly reflective thinking. Also, to carry out further research on the effect of using constructivism models in education and probable ways to enhance thinking skills of the secondary school studentsزrevise the last sentence

Postgraduate training abroad and migration intentions of medical doctors and students in Gaza: a cross-sectional survey

BackgroundThe migration of medical professionals is a global health challenge, as emigration can weaken local health systems. Factors contributing towards this problem include inadequate job opportunities, low job satisfaction, and difficulty in accessing or substandard residency training. Longstanding political instability in Gaza, occupied Palestinian territory, has affected the health-care system. For instance, medical doctors working in governmental hospitals have received less than half of their salaries every few months for the past 10 years. We explored the intentions of medical professionals and students to do their residency training abroad and their career plans afterwards. MethodsBetween September and November, 2018, we surveyed medical doctors and students in Gaza about their migration intentions. We sent emails and used a social media platform to invite potential participants to complete a validated, online, self-administered structured questionnaire administered via Qualtrics (Provo, UT, USA). Questions were included about sociodemographic, educational, and practice characteristics, intention to train abroad, preferred destination, reasons for and barriers to training abroad, and their intentions of returning to Palestine after training. We used Microsoft Excel 2016 to analyse the results. FindingsOf 148 medical doctors and students who responded to our survey, 116 completed the questionnaire and were included in the analysis. 75 (65%) participants were men, 90 (78%) were aged 21–35 years, and 70 (60%) were single. Most participants were either residents in training (n=48 [41%]), interns (n=12 [10%]), or medical students in their final year (n=33 [28%]). 65 (56%) participants preferred surgical specialities, 33 (28%) medical specialties, and the remainder preferred academic research (four [3%]) and family medicine (14 [12%]). 106 participants intended to travel abroad. The top four destination countries were the UK (n=40 [35%]), the USA (n=20 [17%]), Germany (n=20 [17%]), and Australia (n=12 [10%]). 93 (80%) intended to travel for specialty training and 12 (10%) for subspecialty training. 34 (32%) of 106 intended to return to Palestine after working abroad for more than 10 years, 15 (14%) for 5–10 years, 25 (24%) for less than 5 years, and 14 (13%) directly after training, whereas 18 (17%) intended never to return to Palestine. Financial expenses related to travelling, institution examinations, and visa applications were the major barriers to training abroad (listed by 57 [49%] participants). Most respondents (n=83 [72%]) felt that society expects clinicians to be trained abroad and that they are more qualified than those trained in Palestine (n=74 [64%]). InterpretationA very high proportion of the medical doctors and students we surveyed intended to train abroad and return to Palestine, although a minority intended never to return. Our findings should be interpreted cautiously because of the possibility of selection bias (ie, those intending to migrate were more likely to respond to our survey and because intention might not translate to action). Qualitative research is needed to obtain a greater understanding of the key influences on intention to migrate to inform strategies to retain the health-care workforce. FundingNone.

Enhancing Secondary School Students' Reflective Thinking Through a Suggested Model Based on Constructivism

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a suggested model RW based on constructivism on the reflective thinking of the secondary school students in Gaza. The sample consisted of (87) female students in two groups; control 43 and experimental 44. The researchers used experimental design of two randomly chosen groups with the same pre and post tests for each. Different statistical tests included in the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) were used to analyze the data collected while answering the study questions and testing the hypotheses. The results showed that there were statistically significant differences at (α ≤ 0.05) between Experimental group and Control group in relation to the reflective thinking in favor of Experimental group. Also, the effect size of using the model based on constructivism was significantly large on students' reflective thinking. The researchers strongly recommended training teachers to design models based on constructivism to enhance students thinking in general and particularly reflective thinking. Also, to carry out further research on the effect of using constructivism models in education and probable ways to enhance thinking skills of the secondary school studentsزrevise the last sentence

The Impact of the Project-Based Learning Strategy on Leadership Skills Acquisition among Palestinian Refugees Students in Gaza

This study aimed at investigating the effectiveness of the project-based learning strategy on developing third graders' leadership skills. The research questions were addressed using the experimental approach. The researchers purposively sampled 76 third graders from Al Zaitun Co-ed Elementary C School in Gaza and randomly sampled two classes of third graders. Participants were divided into two equivalent groups, each consisting of 38 students. The project-based learning strategy was used for teaching English to the experimental group, whereas the traditional method was used for the control group. The study tool consisted of an observation card on which the student's leadership skills were rated pre- and post-application. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences. Independent samples t-test and effect size were used in the analysis. Results revealed higher mean scores in leadership skills for the experimental group in the post-application observation card. The researchers attributed these findings to the project-based learning strategy and recommend its use in teaching English to develop leadership skills. Further research is needed to investigate the effect of other project-based learning strategies on other grade levels and life skills.

Prevalence and Characteristics of Posttraumatic Nightmares in War- and Conflict-Affected Students.

IntroductionRecurrent nightmares, frequently associated with traumatic experiences, may impair quality of life and daily functioning. However, there have been few studies of posttraumatic nightmares occurring among children and youth, in particular for trauma-exposed populations in conflict zones.MethodsUsing two quantitative data sets, this study investigates the prevalence and characteristics of recurrent nightmares among conflict-exposed young people in the Gaza Strip (N = 300) and examines the characteristics of posttraumatic nightmares and their association with academic functioning among treatment-seeking students in Gaza (N = 1093).ResultsAmong 300 students (10–12 years old) who lived in the ongoing conflict area in Gaza, nightmares were often mentioned, with 56% reporting recurrent nightmares with an average weekly frequency of 4.20 nights in the past week (SD = 1.94) and a mean duration of 2.48 years (SD = 2.01). Similarly, the large sample of 1093 students (6–17 years of age) who sought help for nightmares and sleep disturbance reported recurrent traumatic nightmares on average 4.57 nights per week, with an average duration of 2.82 years. Their self-reported academic functioning was negatively affected by whether they experienced nightmares but was not associated with nightmare frequency or intensity.DiscussionGiven the high prevalence of nightmares and the relation between nightmares and academic functioning, students in conflict-affected areas appear to be a particularly vulnerable group. This study proposes screening and treating conflict-affected students for recurrent posttraumatic nightmares.

Constructing an Instrument for Measuring the Selective Visual Attention of Basic-Stage Students in Gaza and Verifying its Psychometric Characteristics

The research aims at constructing an instrument for measuring the selective visual attention of basic education students in Gaza, and verifying its validity and reliability. The research sample consisted of 200 grade ten students in Khan Younis (for the academic year, 2018 -2019). The evidence of constructive validity and the factorial validity of the instrument were investigated. Results of the predictive factorial analysis showed that the three tasks of the instrument covered a single potential factor namely selective visual attention. All slides of the selective visual attention tasks have achieved statistically significant correlations with the overall scores of the instrument. The content of the slides was also validated in relation to the instrument. The instrument reliability was also checked with the alpha coefficient for the final form of the instrument as a whole (0,962), and the split–half reliability coefficients ranged from (0.770 – 0.907). The final form of the instrument showed three major functions.

Constructing an Instrument for Measuring the Selective Visual Attention of Basic-Stage Students in Gaza and Verifying its Psychometric Characteristics

The research aims at constructing an instrument for measuring the selective visual attention of basic education students in Gaza, and verifying its validity and reliability. The research sample consisted of 200 grade ten students in Khan Younis (for the academic year, 2018 -2019). The evidence of constructive validity and the factorial validity of the instrument were investigated. Results of the predictive factorial analysis showed that the three tasks of the instrument covered a single potential factor namely selective visual attention. All slides of the selective visual attention tasks have achieved statistically significant correlations with the overall scores of the instrument. The content of the slides was also validated in relation to the instrument. The instrument reliability was also checked with the alpha coefficient for the final form of the instrument as a whole (0,962), and the split–half reliability coefficients ranged from (0.770 – 0.907). The final form of the instrument showed three major functions.

Development and Validation of Wisdom Scale for a Sample of University Students in Gaza

Development and Validation of Wisdom Scale for a Sample of University Students in Gaza

The Effect of Using Mental Imagination Strategy on Developing Critical Reading Skills among Ninth Graders

The study aimed at showing the effect of using Mental Imagination strategy in developing critical reading skills for ninth grade students in Gaza. The study used the experimental method and suitable critical reading skills for nine grade were identified. The sample of the study consisted of 81 students (ninth grade) distributed to an experimental group (41 students) and a controlled group (40 student), reading subjects were taught to the experimental group by using the Mental Imagination strategy which was applied by a teacher who received training related to this strategy. The controlled group were taught by using traditional methods. After a test was implemented to measure the critical reading skills and conducting statistical treatments by using Ancova, the study revealed that there was an effect on using the Mental Imagination strategy in developing targeted critical reading skills. It also clarified that there were significant differences at a ≤ 0.01 between the experimental and controlled group grades in the post test of critical reading skills attributed to the experimental group.

The Effect of Using Mental Imagination Strategy on Developing Critical Reading Skills among Ninth Graders

The study aimed at showing the effect of using Mental Imagination strategy in developing critical reading skills for ninth grade students in Gaza. The study used the experimental method and suitable critical reading skills for nine grade were identified. The sample of the study consisted of 81 students (ninth grade) distributed to an experimental group (41 students) and a controlled group (40 student), reading subjects were taught to the experimental group by using the Mental Imagination strategy which was applied by a teacher who received training related to this strategy. The controlled group were taught by using traditional methods. After a test was implemented to measure the critical reading skills and conducting statistical treatments by using Ancova, the study revealed that there was an effect on using the Mental Imagination strategy in developing targeted critical reading skills. It also clarified that there were significant differences at a ≤ 0.01 between the experimental and controlled group grades in the post test of critical reading skills attributed to the experimental group.

Developing the Scale of Meta- Cognitive Thinking according to Andrich’s Model: A field-study on a Sample of Secondary Students in Gaza

Developing the Scale of Meta- Cognitive Thinking according to Andrich’s Model: A field-study on a Sample of Secondary Students in Gaza

The Science Curriculum based on STEM Approach with Islamic Perspective and its effect on Improving Love of Learning among 9th students in Gaza.

The current study aimed at revealing the effect of integrative STEM approach from an Islamic perspective in improving love of learning among talented students of 9th grade at science course, and the study followed the Quasi-experimental approach according to pre-post design for one case, as the study sample was (20) talented students of 9th at Mustafa Hafez School. To answer the study main question, love of learning scale was used. The results showed that there are statistically significant differences in the result of love of learning scale between the pre and post application, also it showed that there is an effect to use science course that based on integrative STEM approach from an Islamic perspective in teaching science, this is as a result to overcome the problems that face teachers during presenting the scientific knowledge.

Effects of the 10-year siege coupled with repeated wars on the psychological health and quality of life of university students in the Gaza Strip: a descriptive study

BackgroundResidents of the Gaza Strip live under severe and chronic conditions of strict siege. Many studies have reported that the residents experience physical and psychological insecurity, and that this is linked to frequent military attacks, lack of jobs, failing economic situations, and lack of hope for a better life. This study aimed to investigate the effects of such factors on the well-being of young people aged 18–24 years old. MethodsA descriptive study was carried out in October, 2017, using semi-structured interviews on a convenience and purposive sample of 600 male and female university students from the four main Palestinian universities in the Gaza Strip. Our research tools were the WHO Five Well-being Index (WHO-5), the Symptom-Checklist-27 (SCL-27), and the Gaza Stressful Situations Checklist. Ethics approval was obtained from the Helsinki Committee at the Ministry of Health. Informed verbal consents were obtained from participants prior to data collection. FindingsOf 600 students interviewed, 71·5% (429) completed all questions and were included in our analysis. The majority of our sample (90·2%; 540) were single and 54·0% (324) were female. In response to our questions, 83·0% (498) agreed with the statement that they had been negatively affected by the lack of electricity, and 67·0% felt that they were living in a big prison and are unable to travel for study abroad. In addition, 30·0% of participants (180) rated their quality of life as poor or very poor. More than 65·0% of students (390) did not have sufficient money to sustain their daily expenses, and 87·2% (522) had limited opportunities to enjoy leisure activities or daily life. Two-thirds of participants (450) felt sad, and 60·0% (360) felt hopeless about their future. Furthermore, based on a five-point Likert scale (never, seldom, sometimes, often, almost always), more than a third of our sample (35%; 210) reported that they had experienced suicidal thoughts sometimes or often. InterpretationThe majority of university students in Gaza feel imprisoned, unhappy, unsatisfied with their lives, hopeless, and powerless. This disturbing picture should alert political leaders, decision makers, and mental health specialists to study these phenomena more intensively. If these issues are not urgently addressed and resolved, they might lead to more serious mental and psychosocial consequences in the future that can negatively affect the national fabric in Gaza. FundingNone.

The Effect of STEM Curriculum Based on Islamic Perspective on 9<sup>th</sup> Grade Talented Female Students' Critical Thinking in Gaza

The study aimed to uncover the effect of using a Developed Science Curriculum Based on STEM approach with Islamic Perspective on Improving Critical Thinking Skills among 9th Grade Talented female students in Gaza. To achieve the study objectives, the two researchers analyzed the content Human body organs in science course to the ninth grade in the light of critical thinking skills, as its shown that critical thinking skills which are available in the unit are conclusion, deduction, interpretation, Arguments evaluation, and hypotheses. The researchers used the quasi-experimental approach. The study used critical thinking skills test as tool. The study was conducted on 21 female 9th grade talented students in west Gaza Directorate. Results of the study showed statistically significant differences at significance level (α = 0.01) between the average scores of the critical thinking skills of the experimental group in the pre/post application of critical thinking skills test. In addition, the results showed differences in the post application in all critical thinking skills, and that the a Developed Science Curriculum Based on STEM approach with Islamic Perspective has a significant impact (ƞ² = 0.61).

فاعلیة برنامج مقترح قائم على استراتیجیات ما وراء المعرفة لتنمیة التحصیل وعملیات العلم لدى تلامیذ الصف الثامن الأساسی بغزة Effectiveness of A Proposed Program Based in Metacognitive Strategies for Development of Achievement and Developing Science Processes of Eighth Grade Students in Gaza.

المستلخص : هدف البحث الحالي إلى تنمية التحصيل وعمليات العلم الأساسية والتکاملية من خلال برنامج مقترح قائم على استراتيجيات ما وراء المعرفة لدى تلاميذ الصف الثامن الأساسي بغزة، لتحقيق أهداف البحث أعدت الباحثة برنامجا قائمأ على بعض استراتيجيات ما وراء المعرفة هي:(النمذجة المعرفية ، خرائط التفکير و KWLSH) شمل دليلا للمعلم وکتابأ للتلميذ کما أعدت اختبارا تحصيليا ومقياسا لمهارات عمليات العلم الأساسية والتکاملية وتم تطبيق أداتي البحث على مجموعة مکونة من 40 تلميذة للمجموعة التجريبية و36 تلميذة للمجموعة الضابطة وأظهرت النتائج وجود فاعلية کبيرة للبرنامج المقترح في تنمية التحصيل الدراسي ومهارات عمليات العلم الأساسية والتکاملية لدى تلميذات المجموعة التجريبية . Abstract: The objective of current research is to develop the achievement and science processes skills of the pupils at the basic eighth grade of basic education in Gaza by using a Propose Program based on Metacognitive Strategies, to achieve the objectives of the research preparation of Propose Program on Metacognitive Strategies(cognitive patterning, thinking maps strategies and KWLSH) , achievement test and scale science processes skills has been applied to a group of (40) students –females – as experimental group and (36) students-females- as the control group ,the search results have pointed out to the effectiveness of the Propose Program in developing skills of science processes and achievement for students in the basic eighth grade in Gaza.