The emergence of intercultural sensitivity through experiential learning in the attitudes of Emirati women

Doctorate other than PhD


Shammas, Nicole. 2017. The emergence of intercultural sensitivity through experiential learning in the attitudes of Emirati women. Doctorate other than PhD Doctor of Education. University of Southern Queensland. https://doi.org/10.26192/5c060be08a82b
Title

The emergence of intercultural sensitivity through experiential learning in the attitudes of Emirati women

TypeDoctorate other than PhD
Authors
AuthorShammas, Nicole
SupervisorO'Neill, Shirley
Hatoss, Aniko
Institution of OriginUniversity of Southern Queensland
Qualification NameDoctor of Education
Number of Pages317
Year2017
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.26192/5c060be08a82b
Abstract

The expatriate population of Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates stands at close to 90% of the population. The challenges this presents the leaders of the UAE are complex and reflect the social and cultural fabric of the region. Ensuring Emiratis remain the stake-holders in their country is key and only achievable through an Emiratization policy and buy-in from the tertiary sector.

This study looks at the Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT) which has responded to the government Emiratization initiative by mandating that all Bachelor Degree students undertake an Intercultural Studies course as part of their studies. The research explores the role of experiential learning in fostering intercultural openness understanding and development is perceived by this particular group.

This is a mixed methods study that includes ethnographic data collection, uncovering the complexities of a lived classroom learning experience from the perspective of the students. As an inductive exploratory study the movement is from observation to generalisation to theory.

The data collected was sourced from interviews with students, written reflections and a Likert scale survey. Themes were not pre-determined and were be generated through a coding system based on frequency and constant comparison until core categories were clearly defined. Both sets of data were then compared to generate more conclusive theory. Participation was entirely voluntary and taken from the students from a current Intercultural Studies class.

This study has contributed significantly to a field that has not yet explored experiential learning as a vehicle for intercultural studies in an Emirati context. The results provided a much needed road map for the teaching and learning of intercultural studies globally. Finally, this study was unique in that it was of their learning, and of the pedagogy, rather than adopting a more traditional type of external measure.

KeywordsDubai Women's College; intercultural studies; Emirati women
ANZSRC Field of Research 2020390401. Comparative and cross-cultural education
Byline AffiliationsSchool of Linguistics, Adult and Specialist Education
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