Browsing by Author "Alqahtani, Nouf"

Now showing 1 - 2 of 2

Restricted
Arabic Students’ Perspectives On Writing Center Use And The Impact Of Tutoring On Their Writing
(2023-05-06) Alqahtani, Nouf; Bell, Nancy
How to effectively help learners of English as a second language (ESL) at writing centers in the United States is still a topic of discussion. North (2014) and Rafoth (2015) call for paying closer attention to the needs of multilingual writers when tutoring them by addressing both their higher-order and lower-order issues in writing. The writing center doctrine that is commonly followed in writing centers is to help tutees with writing as a process, not a product by focusing mainly on addressing writing higher-order issues (North, 1984). The help provided to them in writing tutorials also derives mainly from tutoring experts’ lore, and tutoring experience without enough empirical evidence to rely on (Cheatle, 2017). In this dissertation, I address this gap by sharing the results of a qualitative case study that aims to examine ESL Arabic students’ perspectives regarding the writing center’s assistance and to evaluate the currently used tutoring strategies to address their writing issues. Six Arabic students had tutoring sessions with five writing tutors. Each tutor had a minimum of two tutoring sessions with students over two months. I held semi-structured interviews with tutors and tutees as well as stimulated recall interviews with tutees only. These interviews were coded to identify the features of the students’ strengths and weaknesses in writing, and their expectations and perceptions in terms of tutoring. The students’ drafts were also coded to identify their writing issues. The tutoring strategies that tutors used to address the students’ writing issues were identified. The results showed that students were satisfied with the help provided to them in writing centers with some exceptions. The characteristics of Arabic students’ writing and needs are common among other populations of international and domestic students. Arabic students had higher and lower-order issues in their writing. For example, paper organization is the most common issue for all students. The tutors provided some effective tutoring strategies: instructional, cognitive, and motivational. The strategies could be implemented by writing teachers during student-teacher conferences with ESL students.
11 0
Restricted
The Impact of Emerging Tourism on Cultural Sustainability and Participation in Societal Affairs: A Case Study of AlUla, Saudi Arabia.
(University of Nottingham, 2024) Alqahtani, Nouf; Canavan, Brendan
In the rapidly transforming cultural landscape of AlUla, Saudi Arabia, tourism emerges as both a powerful driver of economic growth and a potential threat to cultural sustainability. This dissertation explores its dual-edged impact on cultural sustainability and societal participation in AlUla, a region with deep historical roots and significant cultural heritage currently at the forefront of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 tourism initiatives. While promoted as a catalyst for economic growth and social development, tourism presents challenges, particularly concerning the preservation of local cultural practices and the evolving roles of women in society. Applying the Sustainable Tourism Development framework, Social Exchange Theory, and Place Attachment and Identity Theory, this study examines to what extent tourism influences cultural preservation, social equity, and gender roles in AlUla. A quantitative research approach is employed, involving data collection via questionnaire from 103 participants, residents engaged in the tourism sector. The findings reveal that tourism has facilitated the emergence of a hybrid cultural identity, particularly among younger generations, blending traditional Saudi customs with global influences. Additionally, the study highlights the significant role of tourism in enhancing women's participation in leadership and community roles, although this progress is tempered by persistent challenges such as cultural resistance and societal stigma. The study concludes that while tourism offers substantial economic and social benefits, it also poses risks to cultural integrity and social cohesion in AlUla. Recommendations are made for developing sustainable tourism practices that balance economic growth with the preservation of cultural heritage and the promotion of social equity, ensuring that AlUla's unique cultural and social fabric remains intact.
26 0