An-Najah University Journal for Research - Humanities 

About: An-Najah University Journal for Research - Humanities is an academic journal. The journal publishes majorly in the area(s): Population & Test (assessment). Over the lifetime, 316 publications have been published receiving 751 citations.

Equity in Education

Abstract: This paper introduces a conceptual framework for education and equity. The concept of education was developed in light of the available literature in the field of philosophy of education. The emphasis was on the concept of pragmatism in education. Learning by doing is a major principle taken from Dewey and was analyzed as it relates to the value system in Islamic and Christian thought. The foundation of education as it relates to equity was introduced in relation to Plato’s Republic. Equity education as originated in Plato’s work assumes that justice is relative. The concept of relativity principle is basic to the development of a conceptual web that this work attempts to produce. The principle of relative justice is seen basic to justify dealing with individual differences in the educational processes. Plato’s dialogue (dialectic method of searching for truth) is the main tenet for ethical practices in education. People are viewed to be equal in their potential to know, learn and act. Consequently people are entitled to have equal opportunity to self-actualization. Each individual is created with a readiness to be developed to the best of his/her inner resources. Yet the resources though equal in quality of human elements (i.e. intellect, rage and biological instinct) yet each element is viewed to have its equal finality according to its positional value in the individual human system. If the intellectual component was in the leading positional value, the individual has to be developed to actualize the virtue of intellect by becoming a philosopher. If rage was in the leading positional value then the individual has to be developed to actualize the virtue of courage. However if the instinct of pleasure was in the leading positional value the virtues to be developed has to be the industrious talent of producing goods. Each individual however has to be trained to maintain balance among the three virtues in him as an individual and between himself and society as a citizen. This concept of balance is a principle tenet in Plato’s equity education. Finally the researchers gave the conclusion remarks and their recommendations based on the conceptual web on education and equity which was presented in this paper.

Islamic Marketing: Addressing the Muslim Market

Abstract: The paper aims at filling a gap in international marketing literature covering the various aspects of Islamic marketing mix. Two new elements "promise" and "patience" have been added by the author to the already existing conventional seven Ps of marketing mix. The new elements have been embedded by the researcher as pure Islamic service industry ingredients. The paper provides a practical perspective for understanding and implementing the various ingredients of marketing mix from Islamic perspective. Therefore, this paper will help marketing practitioners better address Muslim and Arab countries and markets. This analytical research design is built on the authors’ vast knowledge, expertise and years of teaching of Islamic marketing and marketing management in Islam. The article uses Quran (Islamic law) and Sunnah (acts and sayings of prophet Mohammad) to analyze and explain relevant data. The findings have practical implications for marketing practitioners and international investors who produce, sell and market in Muslim and Arab countries and societies. Two new elements of marketing mix have been embedded by the researcher as pure Islamic marketing ingredients. Islamic-marketing mix is based on value -maximization demand empathy and mercy of God’s creatures which implies refraining from doing harm to others and preventing the spread of unethical marketing practices. In Islam, adherence to Islamic ethical framework is based on equity and justice which ensures the dignity and freedom of people's “consumers and producers” minds, consciences and souls from all types of bondage. The findings presented will be of genuine interest to Western and non-Western executive managers, practitioners, marketers, academics, employees and customers at large. In Europe several companies at present start to realize that the growing presence of immigrants and new citizens with an Islamic background need to be addressed specifically. From the findings it can be concluded that understanding Islamic marketing mix is a key to business success in Muslim and Arab countries. This is the first paper, to the best knowledge of the researcher that conceptualizes and clarifies the various elements of marketing mix from Islamic point view with strong emphasis on Islamic business culture. The article has added two new elements of marketing mix that have not been explored before "promise" and "patience". Marketing practitioners, investors, researchers and academics would find this research very useful.

Reflective Journal Writing as an Effective Technique in the Writing Process

Abstract: This study assessed the benefits of keeping reflective journal writing on improving English writing skills, increasing motivation, enhancing creativity, and critical thinking among university students. It also explored differences in students’ performance and attitudes due to gender, and some writing practices. The sample consisted of 120 male and female students from four sections of an undergraduate writing course. A 19-item questionnaire was distributed and the items were structured according to three dimensions: improving learning, motivation and self confidence, and value and convenience. The results of the study indicated the positive effects of the use of reflective journal writing in enhancing motivation and self-confidence and improving learning in general and the writing skills in particular. The results also indicated that female students favored reflective journal writing more than male students. Furthermore, students who voluntarily wrote their own paragraphs were more motivated to write than others and had a much better perception. In sum, reflective journal writing makes the writing course enjoyable, motivating, relevant and exciting.

Students' Perceptions Towards Blended Learning Environment Using the OCC

Abstract: The evolution of incorporating technology in EFL settings has enhanced the implementation of new instructional strategies to improve students' performance and increase variation in teaching English Language. This paper aims at investigating An-Najah National University students' perceptions towards Blended Learning environment using traditional methods in addition to OCC (Online Course Container) which is both a synchronous and asynchronous tool for computer assisted communication used to aid EFL learners improve their four language skills. The study included (92) students enrolled in a general English course (10103) offered at the language Center at the university. A questionnaire was designed to measure the students' attitudes towards BL (Blended Learning) using (OCC) in terms of: the process, ease of use, and content. Interviews were also conducted to validate the study and elicit more feedback. The study concludes that in general the students’ attitudes towards BL were positive in terms of the three domains. Moreover, it reflects the students' internet and IT skills and interests due to internet availability and accessibility.

Exploring the Relationship Between Occupational Stress and Organizational Commitment among Nurses in Selected Jordanian Hospitals

Abstract: The present study aims at exploring the relationship between occupational stress and organizational commitment among nurses in selected Jordanian hospitals, and measuring the level of occupational stress and the level of organizational commitment among nurses in selected Jordanian hospitals in Amman. The research population consisted of two governmental teaching hospitals, and a systematic random sample of 150 nursing personnel was selected. A self-administered questionnaire was used for collecting data for this study. The questionnaire was developed by the researcher based on pertinent literature. It includes two main parts; one of them is the occupational stress (sources of work pressure, health information, and coping strategies), the other one is the organizational commitment. The findings of the present study revealed that occupational stress is present among thirty percent of the nurses; and forty percent of the nurses had organizational commitment. The study also reveals that the organizational commitment is statistically significantly negatively correlated to occupational stress (P = 0.025, r = -0.18). Based on the previous findings relevant recommendations were made.