Showing papers in "An-Najah University Journal for Research - Humanities in 2012"

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.

4 The impact of peer feedback on improving the writing skills among hebron university students

Abstract: This study investigated students’ attitudes towards peer feedback in process writing classes in addition to assessing the effectiveness of this teaching technique. The sample of the study consisted of 105 male and female students from five sections of an undergraduate writing course offered by the English Department at Hebron University in the academic year 2010/2011. A pre-test, post-test as well as a pre-questionnaire and post-questionnaire consisting of twenty statements follow a five-point Likert scale. The results indicated that students viewed peer feedback as a worthwhile experience; it offered an opportunity for social interaction. It also improved students’ writing skills. Furthermore, the technique enhanced students’ critical thinking, confidence, creativity, and motivation. In addition, it helped in improving their assignments. The paper offers some recommendations.

The Most Common Punctuation Errors Made by the English and the TEFL Majors at An-Najah National University

Abstract: The aim of this study is to investigate the most common punctuation mistakes which the English and the TEFL majors at An-Najah National University make in their writing To this end, the researcher administered a test to a stratified random sample of 100 students from An-Najah University: 45 males and 55 females from the TEFL Department in the Faculty of Education and the English Department in the Faculty of Arts The results revealed that the most common errors among the English and the TEFL majors at An-Najah University were: the overuse of comma at the expense of the period, the incorrect use of the capital letter, the wrong use of the quotation marks and the misuse of semicolon respectively Furthermore, the results indicated that there were no significant differences in the number of punctuation errors due to gender and department; however, the results revealed that there were significant differences in the number of punctuation errors among the participants due to academic level In the light of the study findings, the researcher recommended that all the teaching staff should overstress the importance of all the punctuation marks in the written and the oral communication courses

An Evaluative Analysis of Comprehension Questions’ Level of Difficulty: A case of 12th Grade Palestinian English Student’s Textbook

Abstract: This study aims at analyzing reading comprehension questions’ levels of difficulty in English for Palestine 12th grade English student’s textbook in terms of their categorization according to Barrets’ reading comprehension higher thinking skills Taxonomy: the literal comprehension, reorganization, inferential, evaluation and the appreciation levels. The researcher investigates whether the questions prepare students for future reading comprehension college experience. It also seeks to identify the compatibility of the 23 reading comprehension objectives in “English for Palestine” syllabus with Barrets’ higher thinking skills Taxonomy. Through descriptive analysis, the researcher found that the largest proportion of the questions in the 12th grade textbook were literal level questions represented with around 60% of the textbook total number of questions exceeding the syllabus objectives with %29.9. The reorganization, inferential, and appreciation questions were under represented compared to the syllabus objectives percentages. Only the evaluation questions are compatible with higher thinking skills Taxonomy as projected by the syllabus. The second question in this research is regarding the syllabus reading comprehension objectives which were found to be reasonably compatible with higher thinking skills. The researcher recommends incorporating these findings in the student’s textbook to simulate the syllabus percentages.

The Role of Social Communication Networks in Mobilizing The Palestinian Public Opinion Toward Socio-Political Change

Abstract: The Internet invades all aspects of life, thereby contributing to the change in various phases of life in a record time On the sidelines of this great event, a set of different phenomena has emerged at several levels The spread of social communication networks is one of the most remarkable achievements in this day and age Social networks play a vital role in forming the world public opinion, especially the Palestinians in their social and political issues The study related to descriptive research is concerned with the reality of social communication networks It also deals with the analysis and interpretation of events, phenomena, attitudes, and opinions to determine their impact on the Palestinian public opinion and socio-political change This aims at correcting, updating and developing the reality through a survey approach covering a representative sample of (500) students (male & female) of Palestinian Universities in the Gaza Strip, who commonly use the internet and social communication networks The most important findings of the study are: Email is the most commonly used, done at home three hours a day The degree of confidence is average The variables of gender and residence have no effect on the role of social communication networks in mobilizing the public opinion towards social and political change, whereas there is an effect of both university and specialization variables

Approaches to Learning Mathematics among Students, and the Impact of Mathematical Self-Concept on them, and their Relation to Achievement in Mathematics

Abstract: The present study aimed at identifying approaches to learning mathematics among students, and the impact of mathematical self-concept on them, and their relation to achievement in mathematics. Two scales were developed and used for the purpose of this study: The Scale of Approaches to Learning Mathematics, consisting of 24 items, and distributed over 3 subscales: Deep Approach, Strategic Approach, and Surface Approach, and Mathematical Self-concept Scale, comprising 20 items. The sample of this study consisted of 582 male and female, eighth- and tenth- grade students in Amman-Jordan. Approaches to Learning Mathematics for students, were shown consequently as following: Strategic Approach, Deep Approach, Surface Approach. The results of the study showed a positive statistically significant relationship between the level of high achievement in mathematics and the strategic approach to learning mathematics, and a negative statistically significant relationship between the level of high achievement in mathematics and the surface approach to learning mathematics. The relationships between the level of low achievement in mathematics and the either approach to learning mathematics were not statistically significant. The results also showed an effect of mathematical self-concept for students on their approaches to learning mathematics. A number of recommendations were provided in the light of these findings.

Effectiveness of Programmed Learning Based upon the Use of Blended and Traditional Learning Methods in the Achievement of Tafila Technical University Students in the Course "Methods of Teaching for Early Graders" and their Attitudes towards Programmed Learning

Abstract: This study investigates the effectiveness of programmed learning based upon blended and traditional learning. The corpus of this study consisted of (58) students randomly selected from the students of Child Education and Classroom Teachers currently enrolled in Early Grades – Teaching Courses. An achievement test was designed for the purpose of this study. This test consisted of (45) multiple-choice items, with stability rate of (%86). The researcher also used another criterion to measure student’s attitudes towards blended learning with stability rate of (0.79). The findings of the study showed statistical differences for the benefit of the experimental group conducted by the approach of blended learning over the traditional learning. The study also revealed some positive attitudes among the students of the college of Educational Sciences towards blended learning. The researcher highly recommends adopting the blended learning model and using it as a medium of teaching different courses and specializations.

The Degree of Elementary School Teachers' Self-Esteem at Russaifa Education Directorate and its Relationship with their Achievement Motivation

Abstract: This study aimed at investigating the degree by which elementary school teachers' appreciation of their self-esteem and the relationship between that degree and their achievement motivation. The sample of the study consisted of (108) elementary school teachers selected randomly. To achieve the purposes of the study, the researchers developed a special self-esteem scale and used Kadiri (2000) scale to measure the achievement motivation. Results of the study showed that the degree of elementary school teachers' appreciation of their self- esteem was high; where the general and outward appearance dimension received the lowest mean score comparing to the "behavior" dimension that received the highest mean score. The results also showed that there were no significant differences in the degree of the elementary school teachers' appreciation of their self-esteem that can be attributed to the variables of gender, academic qualification, and teaching experience. Results also indicated that the level of the achievement motivation of elementary schools teachers was high, where no significant differences was shown in the level of achievement motivation that can be attributed to the gender, academic qualification, and teaching experience variables. However, the results showed a positive correlation between the degree the elementary school teachers' appreciation of their self-esteem and the level of achievement motivation. Several theoretical and practical suggestions were provided at the end of the study.

The Effect of a Training Program on Competence of Students with Learning Disabilities

Abstract: This study aimed to identify the effect of a training program on the development social competence among students with LD through investigating the following hypotheses. - There are no statistically significant differences between the experimental and control groups in social competence. The population of the study consisted of (415) students attending resource rooms in the schools of the Directorate of Education in Zarqa )265 (males and 150 as females). The sample of the study consisted of 24 students as an experimental group and 24 students as a control group. Social competence was assessed through School Social Behavior Scale (Merril, 1993). After the process of testing students. Students’ skills were assessed after completing the training program regarding all variables of the experimental and control groups. ANCOVA was used to analyze the results of the study. The findings revealed the presence of statistically significant differences in the social competence scale.

The Relationship between Logical Thinking and Understanding of Genetic Concepts among 12 Grade Students of Dakhilia Governorate/Sultanate of Oman

Abstract: This study aimed at identifying the logical thinking level among 12 grade students and it's relation to their understanding level of genetic concepts. The study sample consisted of (362) male and female students in a group of Dakhilia Governorate's schools in the school year 2010-2011. To answer the study questions, two research instruments were constructed. They are Logical Thinking Test which consisted of (8) questions covered four skills that are: proportional reasoning, controlling variables, probalistic reasoning and correlational reasoning with a reliability value of (0.72). The second instrument is Genetic Concepts Test which consisted of (25) multiple choice questions with explanation in both classical genetics and modern genetics with a reliability value of (0.82). The study results revealed that: the logical thinking level among 12 grade students and their understanding level of genetic concepts were low. In addition, there was low significant relationship between logical thinking level among 12 grade students and their understanding level of genetic concepts at (α= 0.01). Also, there were statistically significant differences at (α= 0.01) in understanding level of genetic concepts between students, grades in gender variable in favor of female students, in the level of logical thinking variable in favor of abstract thinking students and in the interaction between them in favor of female abstract thinking students. The study recommends focusing on logical thinking and understanding of genetic concepts by using new teaching strategies and applying technology.

Training Needs of Female Physical Education Teachers in the Jordanian Upper Basic Schools from Their Point of Views

Abstract: This study aimed at identifying the training needs of female physical education teachers in the Jordanian Upper basic schools from their point of view, and the differences in training needs according to experience and supervising authority. The sample of the study consisted of stratified random sample forming (38%) from the population of the study, its members were (300) teachers from Amman schools, distributed in Amman public directorates: first, second, fourth and the Directorate of private sector, (150) teachers from the three public directorates, and (150) teachers from the Directorate of private sector. The researchers designed and developed a questionnaire of the training needs consisted of (47) items classified under seven areas, namely: (planning and teaching, knowledge, technical skills, professional growth, teaching methods, classroom management and system maintenance, and students' assessment). Results revealed that training needs of female physical education teachers in the Jordanian upper basic schools on the tools was a medium degree and also at all the areas in a descending order, and that there were statistical differences in the training needs due to the variable of experience in favor of the category less than (5) years in the area of planning and teaching. Also showing statistical differences between public and private schools and in favor of the private schools.

Development of the Ability of Mathematical Thinking and It’s Relation to Learning Style of Jordanian Students in Grades 8 to 10

Abstract: This study aimed at investigating the development of the mathematical thinking ability of students in grades 8, 9 and 10 and it’s relation to their learning style The sample of the study consisted of (1148) students chosen from 6 schools in Amman First District To achieve the objectives of the study, a test of mathematical thinking was developed by researchers The validity and reliability of the test were achieved by using suitable methods VARK instrument was also administered to investigate the learning style Results of the study showed development in the students' mathematical thinking ability when upgraded from one grade to the upper, likewise the development in the learning style Results also revealed that the performance of students on the mathematical thinking test was the highest for people with visual style, and lowest with auditory style In light of these results, the study recommended the necessity of developing the math curriculum for different grades by focusing on mathematical thinking and learning style

The Attitudes of the Academic Supervisors at Al-Quds Open University toward the Nature of the Training and its Prospects in the Light of Distance Learning

Abstract: The study aims at investigating the instructors' attitudes at Al-quds Open University towards the nature and the prospects of the training system in the light of distance learning. It also aims to find out whether statistical significant differences can be found with regard to nature and prospects that may be attributed to gender, qualification, academic program, years of experience, and the instructor's position in the university. The Population of the study consisted of all instructors of Ramallah & Al-bireh academic region in the second semester of the academic year of 2008-2009. The total number of the instructors was 185. Questionnaires were distributed to the target group. The researchers received 172 questionnaires out of 185 with a percentage of 93%. SPSS package was used for statistical analysis using descriptive & analytic statistics (Means, Standard Deviations, Percentages, T-test, One-way Analysis of Variance and reliability equation (Chronbach Alpha). The results show that the instructors' attitudes at Al-quds Open University towards the nature and the prospects of the training system in the light of distance learning were positive in all fields. The average of all Means was 3.82 with a percentage of 76.41; and this can be considered high.Results were as follows: There were no statistically significant differences with regard to nature and prospects of training during service that can be attributed to gender. 1- There were no statistically significant differences with regard to nature of training during service that can be attributed to academic qualification. Nevertheless, There were statistically significant differences with regard to prospects of training during service that can be attributed to (MA) holders.2- There were statistically significant differences with regard to nature and prospects of training during service that can be attributed to instructors for the favor of part time lecturers. 3- There were statistically significant differences with regard to nature of training during service that can be attributed to number of years in service for the favor of those who have experience from 5 to 10 years.4- There were no statistically significant differences with regard to prospects of training during service that can be attributed to number of years in service. 5- There were no statistically significant differences with regard to nature of training during service that can be attributed to the major academic program in which the lecturer teaches. 6- There were no statistically significant differences with regard to prospects of training during service that can be attributed to the major academic program in which the lecturer teaches. In the light of the aforementioned results, the researchers recommended the following: 1- Conducting evaluative studies for the training activities to compare them with instructors' estimations to the nature of training in the University.2- University should encourage instructors to be engaged in training activities outside the university. It should also encourage the scientific visits of instructors among Palestinian universities.

The Effectiveness of Recourse Centers Services as an Inclusion Option as Perceived by Schools Principals in Ma’an City

Abstract: This study aims at exploring the effectiveness of recourse room services as an inclusion option as perceived by schools principals in Ma`an city. To achieve study objectives, a sample consists of 15 public school principals was selected. An instrument consisted of (25) items was developed to measure the effectiveness of recourse room services as an inclusion option; the instrument indicated a proper validity and reliability property. Means and standard deviations were calculated and data was analyzed utilizing non-parametric statistics (Kruskal-Wallis Test and Mann-Whitney Test). The results reveal high level of effectiveness of recourse centers services as an inclusion option; there were statistical differences in the effectiveness of recourse centers services as an inclusion option as perceived by school principals due to principals' educational level. Whereas, results indicated that there were no statistical differences in the effectiveness of recourse centers services as an inclusion option as perceived by school principals in respect to principals' majors, principals working experiences, and school types.

The Effect of a Training Program Based on TREZ Theory on the Development of Metacognitive Thinking Skills for Al Balqa Applied University

Abstract: This study aims at investigating the effect of a training program based on TREZ theory on the developing metacognitive thinking skills for Student's at Al Balqa Applied University. The study, therefore has proposed a number of TREZ theory skills to be the bases of the training program, a Scale has been developed by the researcher in order to gauge the program's effect. Thus, the study adopted an experimental approach where the study subjects were divided into tow groups: experimental and control, the scale was used for pre and post application after Having applied the training program on the experimental group, the tow groups then where put on the scale. The study finding there is distinctions in the statistical significance at the level (α = 0.05) are found attributed to the training program on developing metacognitive thinking skills and for the benefit of experimental group. The study recommends further research in the following areas:1) The student's ability to contribute to the metacognitive thinking skills in various university colleges.2) Including metacognitive thinking skills in the university curricula.3) Developing a variety of training programs that deal with all strategy TREZ theory and applying them on university students.

Involvement Level for General Science Textbooks for Intermediate Basic School Students in Jordan

Abstract: This study aimed at exploring the involvement level of 6th-8th science textbooks in Jordan through: Content presentation, figures & diagrams, and activities. The study also aimed at exploring the differences in the level of students' involvement in science textbooks according to the class level. To achieve the objectives of the study, the researcher used Romy's method to calculate the students' involvement coefficients, and Chi-Square test to examine the differences of science textbooks involvement according to the class level. The results of the study revealed that the content involvement of students in the three classes were all within acceptable range adopted by Romy, ranged between (0.52-0.85). The results also revealed reduction of student's involvement of activities in all science textbooks, and the student involvement through figures and diagrams was good except the first part of 7th science textbook, where its involvement coefficient was (1.76), and its figures and diagrams did not provide enough data to inquiry. The results also revealed that there were no statistical significant differences in all classes due to the content presentation and activities, and there were statistical significant differences in all classes due to figures and diagrams. The study recommended to increase the interest of student's involvement of science textbooks, especially the activities, where its student's involvement was low. It also recommended to conduct more analytical studies of science textbooks in light of the student's involvement.

Reality of Employment of Technological Innovations and the Constraints of this Employment in West Bank and Gaza Strip Schools from the Teachers's Perspective

Abstract: The study aimed to determine the reality of the use of technological innovations in Palestinian schools from the teachers' perspective, and the constraints faced by teachers in their use. In addition, it aimed to determine the effect of gender, academic qualification, years of experience and types of schools and its place in regard to the use of technological innovations in Palestinian schools. To achieve these aims, the researcher conducted this study on a sample of (790) teachers, and applied a questionnaire measuring their awareness of the reality of the use of technological innovations, and constraints. The study found that; - the reality of the employment of technological innovations in Palestinian schools from the perspictives of teachers' was moderate (64.60%). - the highest degree constrained on the use of technology was due to the inadequate services, in addition to the teachers' inability to use the equipment. - there were differences in the reality of the use of technological innovations in Palestinian schools from the teachers' perspictives due to the variables of region, academic qualifications, years of experience and type of school, while the differences were not statistically significant due to gender. The researcher overemphesised several recommendations including: the need for capturing attention of the Ministry of Education regarding conducting training courses for teachers related to the follow-up recent developments in the use of educational technology.

Conditions of Installment Sale in Islamic Jurisprudence

Abstract: The research is concerned with installment sale, its definitions, legitimacy, wisdom and morals. The research has explored the difference between installment sale and other kinds of sale. It has tackled the evaluation of increasing the prize when selling by installment. The research has investigated scientists' point of view in the above mentioned matters. Finally the research has explored the consequences of payment delay and the effect of the death of the debtor and creditor due to this delay, and the legitimacy of fining the rich debtor or punishing him.

Effect of the Use of Proof Without Words on Secondary Students’ Mathematical Thinking and Achievement

Abstract: The present study aimed at investigating the use of the “proof without words” in teaching math on students' mathematical thinking and achievement. A scale of mathematical thinking was developed in this study. The scale consisted of 15 items, distributed over 3 dimensions: numerical reasoning, discovery of the pattern rule, and non-numerical reasoning. An achievement test comprising 20 items was also used. Validity and reliability of the two instruments were established. The subjects of this study were 153 first-secondary scientific stream students, selected from basic government schools in Nablus. Subjects were divided into two groups: an experimental group (76 students) and a control one (77 students). There were statistically significant differences between the mean scores of the two groups with regard to their mathematical thinking, and also with regard to their achievement in favor of the experimental group in each time. A number of recommendations were made in the light of these findings.

The Level of Health Awareness among An-Najah National University and Al-quds University Students

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to determine health awareness among An-najah National University (ANU) and Alquds University students. Furthermore, to determine the differences in health awareness according to university, gender, collage and GPA Variables. The sample of the study Consisted of (800) students. (500) students from (ANU) and (300) student from (AQ) university. A (32) items questionnaire was applied for measuring health awareness. The result of the study indicated that the level of health awareness among students was moderate, where the percentage of response was (64.80%). Also, the result revealed that there were significant differences in health awareness among students according to university, gender, collage, and GPA variable. Based on the findings of the study the researchers recommended to re-construct the Curricula which is related to health, and constructing workshops.

The Condition and Potential Development of the Palestinian Cooperative Movement from the Perceptions of Policy and Decision Makers

Abstract: This is an analytical study on policies and strategies. It aims to explore views of decision makers and policy makers about the situation and potential development of Palestinian cooperatives since the establishment of the Palestinian Authority in 1994. Many results and recommendations are presented in order to activate the cooperative movement and overcome its current crisis, and enable it to contribute to the comprehensive and sustainable development process and job creation. The study depends on both qualitative and quantitative approaches, and the data is obtained from both primary and secondary resources. The primary data was obtained directly from the Palestinian Ministry of Labour, from unpublished reports and studies and from semi-structured interviews with 14 policy makers. The secondary data was generated from reviewing the available literature on Palestinian cooperatives that has emerged since 1994.

Effect a Critical Reading Instructional Program in the Development of Critical Reading, Critical Writing skills and Creative of Jordanian Tenth Basic Grade Students

Abstract: This study aimed to investigate effect of a critical reading instructional program in the development of critical reading and critical, creative writing skills of Jordanian tenth basic grade students. To achieve the aim of the study, a program in critical reading was developed introduced to of curricula and methods of teaching Arabic, then it was applied on the target sample. The sample of study consisted of six sections in two governmental school in ministry of education in Al-Kourah directorate for the year 2009/2010 The number of male students was (123); there were(83) students in the experimental group, while the control group consisted of (40) students. The number of female students was (118): (79) students in the experimental group, and (40) students in the control group. The finding of the study revealed that there ware statistical differences (α = 0.05). For the benefit of the Experimental group. There ware also statistical differences (α = 0.05) for the benefit of females regarding the critical reading and critical writing. Regarding male students، there are statistical differences in creative writing.

Transformational Leadership of Academic Leaders in Official Jordanian Universities and its Relation with Teaching Staff Empowerment

Abstract: This study aimed to investigate the level of practicing transformational leadership among academic leaders in official Jordanian universities, and its relationship with teaching staff empowerment. To achieve the study aim, a questionnaire was used to measure the transformational leadership of the academic leaders and the job empowerment of teaching staff. The study sample consists of (288) academic leaders in University of Jordan, Yarmouk University and Mu'tah University, and (773) teaching staff members were selected randomly in the mentioned universities, representing (30%) of the total number. The study findings revealed that academic leaders in official Jordanian universities have higher degree of transformational leadership. Findings also revealed that there is a significant positive relationship on (≥ 0.01) between leaders practicing transformational leadership and teaching staff members job empowerment. The study suggests to generalize its results, spread it in higher education institutes, performing training courses for leaders and teaching staff members. The study also recommends performing similar survey studies on other populations to verify the possibility of results generalization.

A proposal for Contemporary Professional Stand ards for Mathematics Teachers and the Availability of These Standards with A Group of Mathematics Teachers in Saudi Arabia

Abstract: This study aimed at determining a list of contemporary professional standards for teachers of mathematics of in the basic stage, and determining the extent to which these standards are available with a group of mathematics teachers of the basic stage. It also aimed at identifying the impact of the experience of a group of mathematics teachers in terms of the professional standards they employ. The study sample consisted of (160) Math’s teachers in the directorate of Education in Medina.Three tools have been developed and applied on the study sample; questionnaire, observation sheet and guided interview sheet. the results of the study showed that all proposed standards (including all indicators) were accepted as needed contemporary professional standards that should be reflected in Mathematics teachers' performance in the basic stage. The state-of-the art of these standards was at 44%, which is a low percentage. Seniority did not have a significant role in professional standards

Assessment of the Final School Examination Questions of Seventh Basic Grade Mathematics Teachers, in the Light of the NEAP Foundation Classification of Mathematical Capabilities

Abstract: This study aimed at assessing the final school examinations questions of seventh basic grade mathematics teachers in the light of the NEAP foundation classification of mathematical capabilities according to the teacher's level, academic qualification, and types of questions. In order to achieve this objective, all the examination papers of the study sample prepared by the seventh basic grade mathematics teachers in the Nablus Governorate for the second study semester of the scholastic year 2009/2010 were administered for the assessment process. All the data required for the study were collected by using two instruments. The first was prepared by researchers in order to determine the objective levels from which the questions were derived in the light of the cognitive objectives in mathematics as classified by the NEAP whereas the second, prepared by Aleqdearat (2008) was implemented in order to assess the examination paper itself. The study sample consisted of (54) examination papers prepared by teachers who were selected by using the random strata method. The number of questions that were analyzed was 1581 including (577) objective questions and( 1004) essay questions. The study reached the following findings: There are no significant differences in the prevailing objective levels in the seventh grade mathematics final examination questions attributed to the sex and years of experience variables, whereas there are significant differences in the prevailing objective levels in the seventh grade mathematics final examination questions attributed to the academic qualification variable. The study findings showed that the prevailing objectives in the examination papers prepared by the teachers were the procedural capability.

Common Thinking Styles in the light of the Mental Self-Government Theory amongst Students at Jordanian Universities

Abstract: This study aimed at investigating common thinking styles in the light of the theory of the mental self-government amongst students at Jordanian universities. To achieve this aim, the Thinking Styles Scale which was developed by Sternberg and Wagner, and its verified psychometric characteristics were used. The study sample consisted of (1174) students, of whom (402) from scientific faculties, and (772) from humanistic faculties. Results of the study showed the prevalence of the conservative style, the local style, and the monarchic, while the less common styles are: the legislative, the hierarchical, and the external. The study revealed that there were statistically significant differences between students’ means of scores on the judicial, monarchic, oligarchic and external styles attributed to gender in favor of the males on each of the judicial, oligarchic and external, and in favor of the females on the monarchic style. There were statistically significant differences between students’ means of scores on the judicial, local, progressive, hierarchical, and oligarchic thinking styles attributed to the students’ specialization in favor of students in scientific faculties in the oligarchic style, and for humanistic faculties in the other styles, and there was a weak positive correlation between the students’ GPA and some thinking styles. The study proposes some recommendations such as: developing the scale of Sternberg and Wagner on the Jordanian environment, and exploring its predictive value in light of different variables.

The Prevailed Patterns of Socialization of the Palestinian Family from the Perspective of Al-Aqsa University Students in Khanyunis

Abstract: This study aims at investigating the prevailed patterns of socialization of the Palestinian family from the perspective of Al-Aqsa University students in khanyunis. To achieve this aim, the researcher has designed a questionnaire and applied it to a random sample of 431students of both sexes. This study indicates that، the democratic pattern of socialization is prevailed. The study also reveals that there is a significant difference among fathers and mothers. However, the study does not indicate significant differences with regard to the sociological view of the prevailed pattern of socialization of the students of Al-Aqsa University.

Dimension of Locus Control and its Relation with (Freiburger) Personality Profile of first Division Teamhandball Players in Jordan

Abstract: The purpose of the study was to identity the dimension of Locus Control and its relation with personality profile of first division teamhandball players. Subject were (n=84) team handball players were selected randomly from division clubs in Jordan. The researchers used Freiburg Personality Inventory (FPI) for personality profile which includes (56) items divided into eight subscales. and locus control questionnaire which includes (19) items divided into two dimensions. Descriptive statistics were employed using (SPSS). The results showed subjects personality profile were affected by intrinsic locus control, (colum and social) also the results showed positive correlation between intrinsic locus control and calm and social profile, and found apposite correlation with aggression and nervousness.

The Common Sport Injuries Among Kata Players in the Kata Game in Jordan

Abstract: The aim of this study was to know more about the most common injuries among karate players in Jordan in kata game The study also discussed the places and the reasons of injuries, the attack and defense and some instructions to avoid injurie In addition, this study showed the time of injuries (during training or during the competition) and the places of injuries (in the upper or the lower part of the player's body) In order to achieve the aims of the study , the researchers used a special form for the sport injuries, They used a descriptive method, the study sample included (147) players which formed (9%) of the study community After interviewing the players, the researchers used some statistical methods such as frequencies, percentages Analyzing the data showed that the most injuries were muscle contusions, cramps and bone contusions The places of injuries were the back and the gigot, also showed that bad warming up is the main reason of injuries the researchers presented some suggestions to avoid injuries such as focusing on good warming up It showed that injuries usually happen during training and the place of injuries was mostly the lower part of the body In the light of the results, the researchers stated some recommendations:first, taking some necessary procedures to avoid injuriesSecond, giving the players some courses in awareness about injuriesThird, dealing with warming up Fourth discussing the issue injuries in other games by new studies and generalizing the results of these studies to be adopted by the Olympic committee and the karate Union