Saudi Cultural Missions Theses & Dissertations
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Item Restricted Exploring Primary School Educators’ Perceptions and Enactments of Inclusive Education for Disabled Learners in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia(Cardiff University, 2023-06) Altokheas, Fahad; Morris, Ceri; Morgan, AlexandraThe field of special education in Saudi Arabia has witnessed much recent attention from policymakers and academic researchers attempting to reform the integration of disabled learners in public education. However, some Saudi scholars remain sceptical about this education reform due to the challenges facing the Saudi inclusive education mandate in practice. Saudi scholars’ concerns frequently related to school educators' attitudinal, perceptual and pedagogic practices. The focus of this study was to explore how General Education Teachers (n=8), Special Educational Needs Teachers (n=8), and Headteachers (n=4) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia understand disability and inclusion. Another focus of this research study is to develop a nuanced understanding of how school educators enacted Saudi inclusion policies in everyday school practice. The social model of disability and the policy-enactment theory are the theoretical underpinnings of this research, which adopted an interpretivist paradigm and a qualitative methodology and utilised ethnographic methods for data collection. Interviews, observations and fieldnotes data were analysed using a thematic approach. The data revealed that educators’ perceptions of disability remained within the individual model of disability and that there was overwhelming reluctance to enact the contemporary Saudi inclusion (integration) policy mandate regarding the Saudi Rights of People with Disabilities (RPD 2022), Saudi Disability Welfare Law (DWL 2000), as well as Saudi educational policies concerning the inclusion of learners, categorised as SN in the Regulatory Guidance for Special Education (Ministry of Education 2015a) and the Regulatory Procedures for Special Education (Ministry of Education 2015b) documents. The overwhelming perception of disability as impairment among participants in this research study aligned with the traditional Saudi policy rhetoric, which continues to position disability based on the individual model, despite the Saudi ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD 2006). Locating disability within the individual model was related to the shortcomings of training and resources offered for mainstream headteachers and education teachers, as well as the constraints of the Saudi-prescribed curriculum and the overwhelming emphasis on categorisation as a means for educational support – leaving little room for educators to promote inclusive pedagogy in schools.26 0Item Restricted Diffusion Tensor Tractography Evaluation for White Matter Damage in MS Patients(Saudi Digital Library, 2023-11-09) Alshehri, Abdulaziz; Ramadan, Saadallah; Lechner-Scott, Jeannette; Al-Idani, Oun; Lea, RodneyMultiple sclerosis (MS) is an idiopathic, acquired neurological disorder described by complex patterns of demyelination and axonal loss in the central nervous system (CNS). Symptoms include among others chronic fatigue, loss of motor control, and cognitive deficits. Clinical imaging outcomes such as lesion load and atrophy have limitations in diagnosing and tracking treatment response in MS, often have varying correlations with the symptoms of MS, and lack insight into pathological processes. Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) is a promising neuroimaging technique that can provide insights into the microstructural changes in MS. This thesis investigates the utility of DWI techniques, specifically the use of diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), fibre orientation distributions (FODs), and tractography, by exploring their relationships with clinical parameters and the effects of disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) in patients with a relapsing-remitting disease course. This thesis contains chapters of published, presented, and submitted works that contribute to understanding WM microstructure and its relationship with MS pathology and clinical outcomes. DTI is a method of measuring water flow in the brain, fitting a tensor model described by the nature of a molecule’s polarization and relaxation in a pulsed magnetic field. Because water mobility is highly sensitive to the surrounding cellular environment, it is thought that DTI can provide a more sensitive measure of pathology and better identify WM microstructure than traditional MRI, such as structural T1-weighted imaging. FODs are a recent extension of understanding multiple spherical harmonics of water flow in the brain. These FODs allow higher resolution of diffusivity in areas of crossing WM and are thought to better circumscribe pathological tissue than DTI. In combination with tractography, a method of reconstructing WM fibres, FODs can allow insight into the underlying cellular pathologies of MS. This thesis compared DTI metrics between individuals with relapsing-remitting MS (pw-RRMS) and healthy controls (HCs) and examined their correlations with clinical parameters and volumetric measures. Significant alterations in diffusivity and fractional anisotropy (FA) in total brain white matter (TBWM) were found in pw-RRMS when compared to HCs, and moderate correlations were found between these DTI measures and disability status and cognitive domains. It investigated the sensitivity of DTI to microstructural changes in pw-RRMS and the effects of different DMTs on DTI parameters in normal-appearing white matter (NAWM) and white matter lesions (WML) over time. It showed correlations between diffusion metrics and cognitive domains, suggesting the potential of DTI in evaluating treatment efficacy and disease progression. By examining the microstructural integrity of cortico-thalamic-striatal (CTS) tracts, the thesis found significant differences between pw-RRMS with HCs, and significant correlations of these changes with fatigue and disability over time. Utilizing FODs and tractography, it focused on assessing white matter microstructure at a network level in pw-RRMS over two years and their correlation with clinical parameters. It revealed widespread reductions in fibre density in specific brain regions of pw-RRMS compared to HCs and highlighted potential remyelination in a thalamocortical network during disease-modifying treatments. The findings from this thesis contribute to a deeper understanding of the microstructural changes in MS and their clinical implications. Both DTI and FODs combined with tractography have demonstrated correlations with clinical symptoms, cognitive function, and treatment response, suggesting their potential as valuable markers for assessing disease severity and treatment outcomes in MS. The utilization of advanced imaging techniques and analysis tools in this thesis provides insights into the underlying pathophysiology and supports the development of long-term treatment strategies for MS. This thesis consists of many chapters for some published/submitted or under review papers that include: Chapter 2 aims to contrast DTI metrics in people with relapsing-remitting MS (pw-RRMS) and healthy controls (HCs) and study the links between these metrics, clinical parameters, and volumetric measures. This study showed that diffusivity increased, and FA decreased for total brain white matter (TBWM) in pw-RRMS. Mean and radial diffusivity in TBWM and axial diffusivity in WML moderately correlated with disability status. Volumetric segmentation indicated a decrease in total brain volume, grey and white matter, accompanied by an increase in cerebrospinal fluid in pw-RRMS. DTI parameters in this study showed moderate correlation with cognitive domains, contrasting with white matter-related volumetric measurements in pw-RRMS, demonstrating the usefulness of DTI for assessing clinical features of MS. Chapter 3 evaluates the sensitivity of DTI in detecting microstructural changes in the white matter of pw-RRMS that result in progressive disability, since the role of diffusion in assessing the effectiveness of various therapies requires further research. This pioneering study compares the longitudinal effects of different DMTs on DTI metrics in pw-RRMS in NAWM and WML with HCs. Findings showed dissimilarities in most clinical parameters between pw-RRMS and HCs in both instances of observation. However, no significant differences in average changes over time were observed in any diffusion metrics between treatment groups in either tissue type. Diffusion metrics in NAWM and WML negatively correlated with most cognitive domains, whereas FA positively correlated at the initial measurement but only for NAWM at follow-up and negatively with disability over time. Chapter 4 delves into the microstructural integrity of cortico-thalamic-striatal (CTS) tracts and their correlation with fatigue and disability over time, using DTI measures in NAWM and WML selected nine tracts-of-interest (TOIs). The key finding is the significant difference in most diffusion metrics in TOIs in pw-RRMS versus HCs at baseline and 2-year follow-up (2-YFU). Notably, there was a significant decrease in WML diffusivities and an increase in FA over the follow-up period in most TOIs. Nonetheless, in this clinically stable cohort, DTI parameters remained unchanged in NAWM tracts over time, indicating potential repair of damaged MS tracts. This may serve as an outcome measure in future remyelination clinical trials. Chapter 5 studies white matter (WM) microstructure at a network level in a group of clinically stable, treated RRMS patients over two years and contrasts this network with matched HCs. Also, it explores the connection between changes in WM microstructure during treatment and clinical parameters in pw-RRMS. This study seeks to connect multiple sclerosis research with network neuroscience by quantifying network-level differences. This research points out extensive network reductions in fibre density in pw-RRMS at baseline compared to HCs, occurring in the frontal, parietal, and temporal regions. This network increased in size and connectivity at the 2-YFU, comprising similar regions as the baseline differences. Pw-RRMS exhibited lower fibre density at baseline in a thalamocortical network than 2-YFU, suggesting that remyelination may have occurred in this network over time. Chapter 6 concludes the main findings of this research and provides recommendations for future work.7 0Item Restricted Saudi Teachers' Perceptions of Accommodating Diverse Students, Including Those With Special Needs, in Inclusive Classrooms(ProQuest, 2023-06-14) Alqahtani, Ahmed; Allsopp, DavidGeneral education in Saudi Arabia has undergone significant transformations since the adoption of full inclusion in schools, resulting in an increase in the number of students with special needs integrated into general education classrooms. The goal of this policy change was to boost inclusivity in Saudi education, but questions have been raised regarding the preparedness of general education teachers to effectively meet the increasingly diverse needs of their students. This study explores Saudi general education teachers' understanding of inclusive practices, their perspectives on the impact of inclusivity on student learning outcomes, and their perceptions of their own preparedness to implement inclusive education. Qualitative interviews were conducted to explore teachers' beliefs regarding inclusive education, incorporating theoretical frameworks such as the social system theory and the social learning theory. Findings indicate that teachers have limited understanding of inclusive education principles, focusing mainly on students with disabilities and neglecting the needs of others. Teachers lack knowledge of inclusive practices, classroom adaptations, and individual accommodations, and face challenges in addressing diverse student needs and accessing students' background information. The findings emphasize the need for comprehensive teacher training programs, including practical experiences and feedback, along with ongoing professional development and the integration of assistive technology for general education teachers in Saudi Arabia. The results align with previous research on the challenges of implementing inclusive education and recommendations are presented to improve education quality and promote inclusivity in the Saudi Arabian education system40 0Item Restricted A PROPOSED TRAINING PROGRAM EXPLORING THE FIRST WEEK EXPERIENCE OF STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES AS PERCEIVED BY STUDENTS, THEIR TEACHERS, AND ADMINISTRATIONS AT JAZAN UNIVERSITY IN SAUDI ARABIA(Pensilvania State University, 2023-08-01) Almohammed, Sali; Brendel, William; Yoon, Hyung JoonEducation is crucial to every individual’s academic, social, and personal development. While recent years have shown a remarkable gain for people with disability, serious roadblocks still exist in society, most importantly, in the education system as they proceed on the path to equality. Disability is still the most indicated basis of discrimination under the code of human rights claims in Saudi Arabia, with significant systemic issues raised in education. The study aimed to examine the challenges faced by students with disabilities and identify the resources and support available to them. Furthermore, it sought to understand the attitudes and perceptions of teachers and administrators toward disabled students. The current study was conducted using exploratory narrative research, combining descriptive and explanatory research paradigm. The current research examined the experiences of disabled students and their teachers and administrators. The study focused on the students, administrators, and teachers of Jazan University in Saudi Arabia's South. The study was conducted to understand how disability affects students, teachers, and administrators during the first week of campus life. The data collected through interviews was used to analyze the impact of disability on students during their first week on campus. The researcher conducted 12 interviews, four from each category of participants (disabled students, administrators, and teachers (faculty). Thematic analysis was adopted to analyze the data. Four themes were extracted from the data —Social inclusion, accessibility and accommodations, institutional support, and attitudes toward disability. Every stakeholder who participated in the study is considered very educated and has a sense of issues regarding disability. The study highlights areas where improvements can be made to university premises globally and in Saudi Arabia, particularly to be more inclusive and supportive of students with disabilities. The findings of this study can be used to provide resources and support for disabled students to ensure that they can have a positive experience in their academic life. The findings offer significant implications for the Saudi education policy and practice in higher educational institutions to provide equal opportunities and education to students with disability.54 0Item Restricted General And Special Education Teachers’ Perceptions Of Knowledge And Beliefs About Dyslexia(Saint Louis University, 2023-05-04) Alhejji, Norah; Wood, Jo Nell; Jahnke, Donna; Murdick, Emerita NikkiThis quantitative methods study aimed to explore the perceptions of the general and special education teachers' knowledge and beliefs about dyslexia. Also, this study investigated the differences between general and special education teachers' perceptions of knowledge and beliefs about dyslexia with their education level and special education training. Dyslexia is a learning disorder characterized by difficulty reading as a result of problems identifying articulation sounds and learning how to associate them with letters and words. Participants in the study completed an instrument that measures teachers' beliefs and knowledge about dyslexia. The research questions were answered using the survey instrument. The research questions guided the study and aided in explaining the dyslexia knowledge of general and special education teachers. The procedures for this quantitative methods study design included a survey in order to see how the dyslexia beliefs of teachers, as identified using the Dyslexia Belief Index (DBI), developed. The DBI (Wadlington & Wadlington, 2005) is a survey instrument that measures teachers' beliefs and knowledge about dyslexia. This quantitative methods study analyzed the survey data using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software in order to identify statistical variances among the survey respondents by running an analysis of variance. The results of this study showed that the educational training for general and special education teachers has more impact than their education level regarding their knowledge and beliefs about dyslexia. Additionally, the high level of education of general education teachers could increase their positive beliefs about dyslexia, unlike the high level of education that has no impact on the beliefs of special education teachers about dyslexia.11 0Item Restricted The Challenges of Telework in Saudi Arabia: A Comparative Analysis of Legal Rights and Responsibilities(2023-04) Alossaimi, Lamia; Sue Grebeldinger, ChairTeleworking was approved by the Minister of Human Resources and Social Development of Saudi Arabia as a pattern of employment in 2016. However, the options for “Official Telework” were limited until the Covid-19 crisis. Then the need to shift to telework became apparent, as did the need for digital transformation to allow for the transfer and exchange of information using technology. More workers in the private sector resorted to telework because of its flexibility, as well as its advantages for employers. The Covid-19 pandemic highlighted many flaws and cracks in employment laws and policies. However, the standing of telework in Saudi Labor Law remains unclear in theory as well as in practice. In the absence of laws regulating this type of work, companies resort to de facto action and the drawing up of internal policies to regulate telework. This dissertation highlights the fact that Saudi labor law does not cover telework in sufficient detail. It provides a comparative analysis of Saudi Labor Law, American employment laws, and relevant employment laws in European countries. The analysis is supported by judicial rulings. The dissertation looks at the legal challenges that may be raised by teleworking in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) and puts forward potential solutions to the problems raised.111 0