The role of cooperating teachers in student teachers’ professional learning in Saudi Arabia: reality, challenges and prospects

This study investigates the role of Cooperating Teachers (CTs) in the professional learning of Student Teachers (STs), within the practicum of Saudi Arabian ITE (Initial Teacher Education) programmes. Under an Interpretivist paradigm and a constructivist grounded theory (CGT) approach, semi-structured interviews were used to collect the study data. The interviews were conducted to investigate the reality, challenges and prospects of the role of the CT in the Saudi ITE context, from principal stakeholders’ perspectives. The findings mirror those reported in the international literature with regard to the benefits of developing CTs’ professional learning for both CTs and STs. However, the findings also indicated that the role of the CT takes the form of an apprenticeship relationship, involving observance of a set of responsibilities that reflect a traditional supervisory approach to teaching and learning. The hierarchical educational culture, time limitations, CT selection and preparation, support of CTs and their evaluation of STs were identified as among the major challenges facing the CT’s role. From the analysis of the research findings, recommendations are made for practice. This study proposes a hybrid model of learning that combines aspects of the existing behaviourist approach with cooperative methods of learning within a triadic relationship between all those involved in Saudi ITE practicum. This has the potential for developing a collegial learning environment in an attempt to reduce the hierarchy in the current CT and ST relationship in Saudi ITE, and help reduce the school-university gap by enabling improved teacher learning through a cooperative continuum between them. Based on the research findings and ITE literature, A National Mentoring Scheme (NMS), is recommended as a school-university collaborative programme overseen by the Saudi Ministry of Education (MOE). Implications of such a framework for the MOE, universities, schools’ HTs and CTs are also identified

Pre-service Teachers’ Preferred Methods of Assessment: A Perspective from Saudi Arabia

Teacher-candidate course assessment is one topic that has not been adequately explored in teacher education literature where pre-service teachers’ voices are rarely heard. Assessment methods in pre-service teacher programs across the world, including in Saudi Arabia, have received little exploration in the literature. This mixed-methods study explored a group of female pre-service teachers (n = 83) enrolled in a Diploma of Education program to identify their preferred method of assessment for their learning. The results showed that these individuals preferred a group assignment, consisting of a written report and an oral presentation, over an individual assignment, consisting of an individual essay, because the group assignment helped them to break through the boundary of facing an audience and encouraged them to exchange knowledge with their counterparts

Surgical management of gingival recession: A clinical update

AbstractGingival recession is defined as the apical migration of the junctional epithelium with exposure of root surfaces. It is a common condition seen in both dentally aware populations and those with limited access to dental care. The etiology of the condition is multifactorial but is commonly associated with underlying alveolar morphology, tooth brushing, mechanical trauma and periodontal disease. Given the high rate of gingival recession defects among the general population, it is imperative that dental practitioners have an understanding of the etiology, complications and the management of the condition. The following review describes the surgical techniques to treat gingival recession

The Need for Emergency Management Models

Emergency agencies can use emergency management models to enable them to better prepare for and respond to emergencies. This qualitative study aims to undertake a critical examination of emergency management models by thematic analysis to determine their significance to emergency management. A review and analysis of the existing literature were used in the study. The models were studied to explore their role in emergency management and to identify any significant constraints or challenges which could limit the ability of the emergency management model to carry out appropriate actions. The study found that such models are indispensable because they simplify and improve emergency management. Additionally, they may support planners, managers, and practitioners in reaching proper decisions, making them a valuable and necessary decision-making support tool. The study also showed that each model has an advantage that distinguishes it from the other models. Consequently, a comprehensive emergency management model should be designed to suit all cases and circumstances. The findings also confirmed the doubts raised about the limitations and concerns associated with the models. Concerns included future events’ unpredictability, the models’ prescriptive nature, the event’s cultural context, and the impact on businesses. The findings also indicated that certain planners, managers, and practitioners had a limited understanding of the use of models in emergency management. As such, they appear to have overlooked the use of models while dealing with emergencies. Hence, the study recommends that the models should be employed in all emergency management activities. The study also recommends that the findings are utilized as a basis for further research into the potential use of emergency management models

A Structural Review on Disaster Management Models and Their Contributions

This qualitative study aimed to undertake a critical examination of the models by thematic analysis to determine their contribution to disaster management. A review and analysis of the literature were used. The models were studied to explore their contribution to disaster management and to identify any significant constraints or challenges which could limit the ability of the models to carry out appropriate disaster risk reduction actions. The study found that such models are indispensable because they simplify and improve disaster management. Additionally, they may support planners, managers, and practitioners in reaching proper decisions, making them valuable and necessary decision-making support tools. The study also found that the four key phases of disaster management – mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery – constitute the basis of the majority of models. The study also showed that each model has an advantage that distinguishes it from the other models. The findings also confirmed the doubts raised about the limitations and concerns associated with the models. Concerns included future disasters’ unpredictability, the models’ prescriptive nature, and the impact on businesses. The findings also indicated that certain planners, managers, and practitioners had a limited understanding of the use of models in disaster management. As such, they appear to have overlooked the use of models while dealing with disasters. Hence, the study recommends that the models should be employed in all disaster management phases. The study also recommends that the findings are utilized as a basis for further research into the potential use of disaster management models

STRESS REACTIONS AND COPING STRATEGY AMONG HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS DURING COVID-19 OUTBREAK

Background: Psychological impacts among healthcare professionals have increased significantly due to the increasing number of COVID-19 cases. This study aimed to identify stress and coping strategies among healthcare professionals in Saudi Arabia during the COVID-19 outbreak. Subjects and methods: A cross-sectional study online survey was conducted for health care professionals during a peak of COVID-19 from March to June 2020 at different healthcare institutions at KSA (n=342). Results: Sixty-five percent of responders often and always feel fears about infection and subsequent effects on themselves, the patient, and the family. 57% of them stated that they felt sometimes depressed mode and 47% anxiety during the outbreak. Eightyfour percent of the respondent always focusing on prevention as the first biosecurity measures such as hand-washing habits and using hand sanitizer, and 38.3% of them make sometimes relax and rest. While half of the responses (50%) sometimes had physical exercise. Also, thirty-eight percent joined sometimes community and/or group online chat groups, and 56.1% always keep contact with family and friends through social messaging or phone calls. Conclusion: Understanding this topic is important for healthcare organizations, effective strategies, and programs is needed to provide holistic staff care and wellbeing during outbreaks that focus on the value of mental and emotional support

STRESS REACTIONS AND COPING STRATEGY AMONG HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS DURING COVID-19 OUTBREAK

Background: Psychological impacts among healthcare professionals have increased significantly due to the increasing number of COVID-19 cases. This study aimed to identify stress and coping strategies among healthcare professionals in Saudi Arabia during the COVID-19 outbreak. Subjects and methods: A cross-sectional study online survey was conducted for health care professionals during a peak of COVID-19 from March to June 2020 at different healthcare institutions at KSA (n=342). Results: Sixty-five percent of responders often and always feel fears about infection and subsequent effects on themselves, the patient, and the family. 57% of them stated that they felt sometimes depressed mode and 47% anxiety during the outbreak. Eightyfour percent of the respondent always focusing on prevention as the first biosecurity measures such as hand-washing habits and using hand sanitizer, and 38.3% of them make sometimes relax and rest. While half of the responses (50%) sometimes had physical exercise. Also, thirty-eight percent joined sometimes community and/or group online chat groups, and 56.1% always keep contact with family and friends through social messaging or phone calls. Conclusion: Understanding this topic is important for healthcare organizations, effective strategies, and programs is needed to provide holistic staff care and wellbeing during outbreaks that focus on the value of mental and emotional support

The use of portable OSL and IRSL measurements of NaCl in low dose assessments following a radiological or nuclear emergency

During recovery phases following a nuclear or radiological incident analyses of doses received by members of the public and responders are often required. Several methods have been investigated for use at different timescales after the incident, including assessments based on measurements of materials present at the time of the incident. Common salt has previously been shown to have potential for retrospective dosimetry in the mGy dose range using laboratory instrumentation. This preliminary study investigates the use of portable instruments, with unprepared commercially sourced salt, in dose ranges below 100 μGy. Responses from pulsed IRSL and portable OSL instruments were compared. For OSL measurements, detection limits of 7 μGy have been demonstrated, with detection limits of 30–340 μGy for the other instruments investigated. Dose responses in the 0–500 μGy range were determined for the most sensitive systems, which show a linear response over this dose range with a non-zero intercept representing doses received from environmental sources since manufacture of the salt. For use as a dosimeter, methods of removing or accounting for inherited signals will be required in this low dose range. The results demonstrate that salt has considerable potential for use in retrospective dosimetry below 100 μGy, and that measurements can be conducted with portable OSL instruments

A Structural Review on Disaster Management Models and Their Contributions

This qualitative study aimed to undertake a critical examination of the models by thematic analysis to determine their contribution to disaster management. A review and analysis of the literature were used. The models were studied to explore their contribution to disaster management and to identify any significant constraints or challenges which could limit the ability of the models to carry out appropriate disaster risk reduction actions. The study found that such models are indispensable because they simplify and improve disaster management. Additionally, they may support planners, managers, and practitioners in reaching proper decisions, making them valuable and necessary decision-making support tools. The study also found that the four key phases of disaster management – mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery – constitute the basis of the majority of models. The study also showed that each model has an advantage that distinguishes it from the other models. The findings also confirmed the doubts raised about the limitations and concerns associated with the models. Concerns included future disasters’ unpredictability, the models’ prescriptive nature, and the impact on businesses. The findings also indicated that certain planners, managers, and practitioners had a limited understanding of the use of models in disaster management. As such, they appear to have overlooked the use of models while dealing with disasters. Hence, the study recommends that the models should be employed in all disaster management phases. The study also recommends that the findings are utilized as a basis for further research into the potential use of disaster management models