This study explored the state of social studies in basic education schools in the current reform. Particularly, it explored teachers' preferred rationales for teaching social studies, content areas emphasized in the social studies curriculum, instructional methods used by teachers, and the importance of social studies and other school subjects. Data were gathered by surveys from 451 social studies teachers from all Omani governorates. Findings showed that teachers supported all rationales for teaching social studies in schools. The most emphasized topics were Omani history, geography of Oman, rights and duties of citizens, population education, geography of the Arab world, and environmental education. There was a significant progress in implementing student-centered instructional methods. Unfortunately, social studies was not regarded as an important school subject. Implications of the study were discussed.
The research-teaching nexus is an important factor in the enhancement of the quality of teaching and learning in higher education institutions. The purpose of the study was to explore undergraduate students’ awareness and experiences of research in one faculty at Sohar University, Oman. Data were gathered from 240 undergraduate students using an online survey. Overall, results indicated that while there was good evidence of students’ awareness and experiences of research, less than half of the students in the sample were aware of or had experienced important research activities. Some students reported advantages arising from their participation in research—including developing research skills and gaining new knowledge. They also reported the need for more hands-on research experience and instructor support. Some findings were generally consistent with the literature on students’ awareness and experiences of research. The study provided important implications for the research-teaching nexus at Sohar University.
Education in Omani schools switched to online learning in response to the COVID-19 crisis. Within this context, the purpose of this qualitative study was to explore pre-service social studies teachers' perceptions of some aspects of teaching social studies. In particular, the study explored pre-service social studies teachers' perceptions of the positive and challenging aspects of teaching social studies, ways of integrating COVID-19 into social studies instruction, the importance of social studies, and suggestions for improving social studies. The participants were a cohort of 16 pre-service social studies teachers participating in the practicum for one semester. The data were collected using open-ended online surveys, semistructured interviews, and portfolios. Overall, the participants were positive in their perceptions of social studies and their teaching experiences. The most positive aspects of teaching social studies were the integration of technology, diversity of teaching approaches, and collegial support received. On the other hand, the most challenging aspects were related to weak Internet networks, a lack of communication, difficulty in implementing assessments, a lack of instructional time, and difficulty in executing hands-on activities. The findings of the study have important implications for social studies and efforts to improve pre-service teacher education in Oman.
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