SACM - United States of America
Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://drepo.sdl.edu.sa/handle/20.500.14154/9668
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Item Restricted INTEGRATING LEARNER-CENTERED TEACHING PRACTICES WITH SAUDI ARABIA’S NATIONAL CURRICULUM IN EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION: A MIXED METHODS STUDY(Saudi Digital Library, 2025-06-26) Alibrahim, Alae; GRACE JEPKEMBOI, COMMITTEE CHAIR JULIE PAUL FLANNERY, COMMITTEE CO-CHAIR JENIFFER PONDER KELLY HILL MARIAH WEBERThis study explores how early childhood educators in Northern Saudi Arabia implement learner-centered teaching (LCT) within the framework of the National Curriculum. Employing an explanatory sequential mixed-methods design, the research first collected quantitative data via a survey of 260 teachers, followed by qualitative data through interviews with eight participants. The integrated findings offer a comprehensive understanding of how LCT is practiced in early childhood education. The findings reveal that educators generally recognize the benefits of LCT, particularly in fostering independent learning, critical thinking, and active student participation. Teachers reported using strategies such as open-ended questioning, collaborative learning, and activity-based instruction to support diverse learning needs. However, several barriers hindered full implementation, including large class sizes, limited resources, insufficient professional development, and inconsistent administrative support. Qualitative insights highlighted teachers’ efforts to adapt the National Curriculum in ways that align with student interests and inquiry-based approaches. Many educators view the curriculum as flexible and capable of accommodating child-centered methods. Despite the availability of training opportunities, professional development was often voluntary, leaving gaps in teachers’ preparedness for effective LCT integration. Support mechanisms such as peer collaboration, both online and in-person training, and administrative facilitation of experiential learning activities were also noted. Nevertheless, the inconsistency in access to these supports points to the need for more structured and mandatory professional development programs. Overall, the study underscores both the promise and challenges of implementing learner-centered teaching in early childhood education in the region. While teachers are conceptually aligned with LCT principles, practical constraints and limited institutional backing hinder their ability to apply these methods consistently. These findings suggest a need for policy enhancements that prioritize resource allocation, compulsory teacher training, and structural support to promote meaningful adoption of LCT across early childhood settings.15 0Item Restricted The Impact of Privacy Awareness on Sharenting and Privacy Management Practices Among Saudi Parents(Kent State University, 2025) alnemre, Afnan; Hollenbaugh, Erin; Egbert, NicholeIn the digital age, parents frequently engage in the practice of sharenting—sharing their children's photos and information on social media—raising concerns about privacy and its implications for identity theft and other risks. This phenomenon has significant impacts on the violation of children’s privacy and their psychological and social well-being. Guided by communication privacy management (CPM) theory, this study aimed to identify the role of privacy awareness and religiosity in sharenting and privacy management practices among Saudi parents, using a quantitative approach and relying on a survey as a data collection method, N =139 were collected from Saudi parents. The findings revealed that extrinsic religiosity demonstrated positive relationship with all sharenting dimensions self-control, social behaviors and implications also with boundary linkages and boundary permeability in CPM. Also, intrinsic religiosity has a negative correlation with boundary permeability, while the study does not find a relationship between intrinsic religiosity and all sharenting dimensions. Additionally, there was a significant negative correlation between privacy awareness and boundary ownership in CPM. Moreover, the study has shown gender differences in sharenting behavior, showing that mothers post more pictures of children. This research aspires to inform initiatives promoting privacy-conscious digital practices among parents and aims to support the development of child protection policies in Saudi Arabia to safeguard children's online privacy.25 0Item Restricted The Influence of Snapchat Consumption on Saudi Women’s Self- Perception and its Relation to The Desire to Change Their Appearance: A Quantitative Approach Applying Cultivation and Social Comparison Theory(The University of Southern Mississippi, 2025-05) Meer, Hebattollah; Maxwell, LindseyThis dissertation examined Saudi women’s exposure to Snapchat content related to cosmetic procedures, including news and content creators, and its impact on their self-perception, including self-esteem, body satisfaction, perception of beauty standards, and desire to change appearance through cosmetic procedures. This study utilized cultivation and social comparison theory as theoretical groundings. An online questionnaire was distributed among Saudi women (N=307) which was analyzed using multiple statistical tests, including correlation, regression, and mediation analysis, found causal relationships and statistical significance between the variables. The findings revealed that the amount of time spent consuming news about cosmetic procedures led to a low level of self-esteem among Saudi women, but the exposure to content creators, regardless of the amount of viewing, also had an impact. The findings also indicated that consuming both news and creators’ content related to cosmetic procedures on Snapchat led to an increase in achieving beauty ideals and, thus, the desire to change appearance by undergoing cosmetic procedures. In particular, the amount of viewing of the creator’s content had an impact on both previous dependent variables. Also, it found that social comparison behavior mediated the relationships as it led to a negative impact on Saudi women’s self-esteem and body satisfaction but raised the desire to reach more beauty norms and the desire for change. However, no mediation for religiosity was observed between the variables. Keywords: Content creators, Cultivation theory, Media consumption, Saudi Arabia, Self-perception, Social comparison theory, Snapchat12 0Item Restricted The Impact of Disability on Intimate Partner Violence Experienced by Saudi Married Women in Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia(The Catholic University of America, 2025) Khan, Hanady; Eileen A. Dombo, DirectorExperiencing a disability in human functioning and intimate partner violence (IPV) have both been recognized as critical impediments to the human well-being of women around the world, including the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). However, although some research exists on disability and IPV separately, no previous study has examined the connection between these two impediments in the KSA. This study investigates two research areas: (1) whether there is a significant association between the level of disability and IPV in adult Saudi married women in the KSA, receiving help from Family Protection Organizations (FPOs ), and (2) whether married women with disabilities (MWWD) compared to married women without disabilities (MWWOD), significantly differ in their level of IPV. Based on prior research, the study controls the possible influence of women’s and their husbands’ age, education, and household income. The study is supported by feminist theory, as women’s experiences with disability and IPV are culturally embedded in KSA’s struggles of marginalization of women. The study defines disability based on difficulties in human functioning related to physical components (with vision, hearing, cognition, communication, self-care, upper body function, and mobility), and emotional components (with anxiety and depression). This definition was developed by the Washington Group on disability statistics in the U.S. It has also been recognized internationally and used by the KSA to collect data on population disability levels in 2017. In the study, disability is operationally examined as a total summated score and as physical and emotional disability components. This study defines and examines IPV as consisting of four different forms of violence (emotional, physical, and sexual violence, and controlling behaviors) and total summated violence. The IPV behaviors are measured by a standardized questionnaire of the World Health Organization’s Violence Against Women Instrument (WHO VAWI) that has been used in KSA. Methodologically, the study applies a cross-sectional non-experimental correlational research design, with a purposive sample of 100 recruited Saudi-born adult (age 18 years or older) married women receiving services from one of three FPOs in Jeddah, KSA. The study research ethics were approved by the Institutional Review Board at The Catholic University of America. All data were anonymously provided through a structured paper and pencil survey questionnaire by consented adult Saudi married women at FPOs during 2024. The data were analyzed by the SPSS Version 28 statistical software. Descriptive results found that in the recruited sample, 50% of the adult Saudi women had disability (and of these, 70% had mild level and 30% moderate level disability). In addition, in the sample of 100 women, 57% reported mild IPV, 17% had moderate IPV, and 26% had severe to very severe IPV. Out of the four possible types of violence (emotional, physical, sexual, controlling behaviors), 38% of women had at least one type of IPV, and 62% had 2-4 types of IPV. The results of MRA revealed that women’s total disability difficulties significantly, positively, and strongly predicted their level of total IPV, showing that higher total disability scores were significantly correlated with higher scores of total IPV, explaining about 87 % variance in IPV. Binary LR revealed that MWWD were nearly twice as likely to experience moderate to severe IPV compared to MWWOD. Although some of the control variables were implicated in bivariate analyses, none significantly predicted IPV in multivariate analyses. Additionally, the two-factor MRA model of disability revealed that the physical disability total score was a much stronger predictor of IPV, as it accounted for around 74% of the total variance in IPV, whereas emotional disability accounted for only around 13% of total IPV variance; control variables had no effect. Further comparing the mean IPV by disability revealed that MWWD had a significantly higher mean of total IPV when compared to the mean of the total IPV in MWWOD. Similarly, MWWD also had significantly higher mean IPV scores for emotional, physical, and controlling behaviors of IPV when compared to such mean IPV scores of MWWOD. No such difference was found for sexual IPV comparison. Also, none of the control variables had any impact on these analyses. Findings from this study may allow social workers and human rights activists to become more knowledgeable about the challenges facing Saudi MWWD with IPV, as such knowledge may help to establish more effective interventions and protection policies in KSA and create directions for future research. Study limitations and additional practice and policy implications are discussed.62 0Item Restricted The Impact of Media Specialists' Credibility on Interaction and Trust of the Saudi Public: A Study on Saudi Users of the 𝕏 Platform(Virginia Commonwealth University, 2025) Alshareef, Maha; Song, BaobaoThis study investigates the influence of media specialists on the 𝕏 platform regarding public knowledge and engagement in Saudi Arabia, focusing on credibility, trust, and audience interaction. A survey of 314 Saudi users revealed that perceived credibility significantly drives content consumption and engagement. Additionally, frequent interaction with and reliance on media specialists for information was associated with higher knowledge acquisition. The study underscores the importance of strategic content creation, audience engagement, and analytics while addressing challenges such as misinformation. By implementing trust-building strategies, media specialists can help foster well-informed digital communities. This research extends the concept of credibility theory to social media and offers practical insights; however, limitations include reliance on self-reported data and a focus exclusively on Saudi 𝕏 users, which may restrict broader applicability.9 0Item Restricted ATTITUDES AND MOTIVATION OF SAUDI STUDENTS LEARNING CHINESE AS A FOREIGN LANGUAGE IN SAUDI ARABIA(The University of Mississippi, 2025) Emad, Hamuh; Dyer, DonaldThis study aims to examine the attitudes and motivation of Saudi learners toward learning Chinese as a foreign language (CFL), the effectiveness of Chinese teaching pedagogy, and the learners’ perceptions of Chinese culture and its impact on cross-cultural communication. This study is qualitative in nature, incorporating a qualitative instrument of data collection (in-depth interviews). The target population includes 8 Saudi CFL learners and 4 instructors at two universities in Saudi Arabia, namely King Abdulaziz University (KAU) and the University of Jeddah (UJ). The findings revealed that some Saudi CFL learners exhibited positive attitudes toward CFL learning, primarily influenced by their interest in the language. On the other hand, some learners expressed negative views about learning Chinese, highlighting certain challenges encountered during the first two years of their study. These negative attitudes, however, shifted to a more positive outlook due to the significant enhancements made by the Chinese-language programs. In terms of motivation, the findings indicated that the learners demonstrated both instrumental and integrative motivation, with instrumental motivation being more dominant. The study also identified certain language challenges, including mastering Chinese tones and characters. Despite these challenges, some learners highlighted the impact of CFL learning on their personal and cognitive development. Additionally, the findings highlighted the effectiveness of Chinese teaching pedagogy, indicating that the use of interactive teaching strategies and innovative methods (e.g., the integration of technology and Chinese cultural elements into instruction) were more effective and engaging than the traditional methods of teaching. Nonetheless, pedagogical challenges remained for both CFL learners and instructors, including the lack of qualified teachers, limited learning resources, and issues related to the curriculum and the learning environment. The findings also indicated that all learners held positive attitudes toward Chinese culture and its native speakers. Most importantly, the study emphasized the impact of learners’ exposure to Chinese culture and their interactions with native speakers on their cross-cultural communication. The study concluded with providing valuable insights for policymakers and educators, suggesting effective teaching strategies and curriculum development that help foster learners’ attitudes and motivation to overcome learning challenges and enhance their overall learning experience.32 0Item Embargo Empowering Educators, Transforming Futures: An Explanatory Multiple Case Study of the Smou Schools in Saudi Arabia(University of Denver, 2025) Alzandi, Hana; Hesbol, KristinaSaudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 emphasizes educational reform as a critical pathway for national development, highlighting the role of educators in fostering student success. The Smou program, a professional development initiative, seeks to enhance the instructional and leadership capacities of school leaders and teachers in elementary public schools. This study explores how school leaders navigate their role in supporting teachers’ application of Smou program strategies and how teachers perceive their preparation for implementing these strategies in their instructional practices. Using an explanatory multiple case study approach, the research explores two elementary schools in the Mecca region—one high-performing and one low-performing—selected based on their performances in the Smou program. Data collection methods included 21 semi-structured interviews with school leaders and teachers. The study employs professional capital theory (Hargreaves & Fullan, 2012) as an analytical lens, focusing on human, social, and decisional capital to explore educators’ preparedness, collaboration, and instructional decision-making. Findings revealed differences in how school leaders invested in their human capital (HC) and how this, in turn, influenced social capital (SC) and decisional capital (DC) in both schools. In the high-performing school, school leaders actively engaged in professional development, mentoring, and collaborative decision-making, and fostering a culture of shared learning (SC). This collaborative environment enabled teachers to exchange best practices, increasing their ability to make informed instructional decisions (DC). In contrast, the low-performing school experienced frequent turnover in leadership, leading to a gap in institutional knowledge and weak investment in leaders’ human capital. As a result, teachers in this school reported challenges in applying Smou strategies, limited collaboration, and a lack of sustained support. These differences highlighted how variations in school leaders’ human capital influence teachers’ capacity to integrate new instructional approaches. This study contributes to the discourse on professional development and educational leadership in Saudi Arabia by offering insights into how capacity-building initiatives can be optimized to support teachers and school leaders in driving instructional improvement. The findings have implications for policymakers, educational practitioners, and stakeholders seeking to reform public education and refine professional development programs within the framework of Vision 2030.29 0Item Restricted The Relationship between Child Maltreatment, Religiosity, and Adult-onset Anxiety and Depressive Disorders among Participants in the Saudi National Mental Health Survey (SNMHS)(University of Washington, 2024) Gadi, Ghadah; Sharif, MienahThis dissertation explores the interrelationships among childhood maltreatment (CM), religiosity, and adult-onset depressive and anxiety disorders using data from the Saudi National Mental Health Survey (SNMHS). It addresses whether parental religiosity is associated with CM and differs by gender, the influence of CM on adult religiosity and its gender-dependence, and the association between CM and adult-onset anxiety and depressive disorders with religiosity as a moderating factor. The first study (Chapter 2) investigates the correlation between parental religiosity and CM, finding no overall significant association but a significant protective effect against CM, particularly physical abuse, among males. The second study (chapter 3) explores the impact of CM on adult religiosity, revealing no significant association or gender differences. The third study (Chapter 4) examines the link between CM and adult-onset anxiety and depressive disorders, with religiosity moderating these effects. Sexual abuse significantly increases the risk of depressive disorders, while physical abuse increases anxiety disorder risk. Seeking religious comfort moderates these associations. In conclusion, this dissertation highlights that parental religiosity generally protects against CM, especially physical abuse among males, while CM does not influence adult religiosity. CM is associated with higher risks of mental health disorders, with religious coping moderating these effects. The findings emphasize the need for culturally tailored interventions in Saudi Arabia to promote healthy religious parenting, encourage seeking professional help, and address cultural and gender dynamics influencing CM experiences and mental health outcomes.20 0Item Restricted HYBRID ARCHITECTURE WITHIN NAJD REGION, SAUDI ARABIA(Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 2023-11-29) Almatani, Bashair Saad; Bryon, Hilary; Galloway, William; Tomer, SharoneACADEMIC ABSTRACT The thesis investigates the concept of hybrid architecture as a juxtaposition of multiple architectural factors, including environmental, cultural, structural, and functional ones. The work examines the Najd region of Saudi Arabia and its historical and contemporary contexts concerning functional utility, cultural frameworks, tectonic architectural elements, and site-based environmental forces. The thesis proposes that architectural hybridity can enhance the human experience. The design project, a building combining a water purification facility with a cafe, exhibition hall, and other community functions, integrate traditional and contemporary cultural aesthetics by purposefully juxtaposing and relating: unlikely functions, temporally varied cultural forms, structural and ornamental tectonic elements, and contrasting environmental qualities.39 0Item Restricted In Between Sovereigns-The Political Economy of International Oil Concessions(University of Pittsburgh, 2024-11-13) Sulaimani, Mohammed; Murtazashvili, IliaThis dissertation develops a novel theory of oil nationalization based on insights from new institutionalism in political science and economics, arguing that high enforcement costs inherent in international oil concession agreements contribute significantly to oil nationalization. The 20th century, characterized by fragile international oil governance, saw numerous instances where international oil companies (IOCs) struggled to enforce contracts, leading to host state opportunistic behavior and ultimately nationalization. While existing scholarship offers valuable insights into the political, economic, and ideological drivers of oil nationalization, it often overlooks a crucial structural factor: the lack of third-party enforcement in international oil concession agreements. This research utilizes a case study methodology, focusing on the Aramco concession agreement with the Saudi Arabian government. Through an analysis of archival data, diplomatic correspondence and personal memoirs, the research reveals the substantial enforcement costs paid by both Aramco and the United States’ government in their efforts to maintain the concession agreement. These costs, manifesting as financial compromises, diplomatic maneuvering, and even covert operations, highlight the fragility of self-enforcing contracts in the absence of a formal third-party enforcement mechanism. The dissertation argues that nationalization emerges as a consequence of the failure to adequately address these escalating enforcement costs. Building upon these findings, the dissertation suggests future research avenues exploring other historical nationalization cases, such as the Anglo-Iranian Oil Company (AIOC) in 1951, as well as contemporary examples such as Chinese national oil companies operating abroad. By investigating these diverse cases through the lens of enforcement costs, this research contributes to a deeper understanding of the complex dynamics shaping international resource governance.24 0