Conclusion of a training program for advanced research organized by the College of Education, Administrative and Technical Sciences in the Arabian Gulf

The Learning Disabilities and Developmental Disabilities Program at the College of Education, Administrative and Technical Sciences at the Arabian Gulf University, in cooperation with the Department of Special Education, organized a training program entitled: “Foundation Workshop for the Advanced Research Seminar,” for doctoral students in the Learning Disabilities and Developmental Disabilities Program, within the framework of a comprehensive plan aimed at raising the research competence of doctoral program students.

The workshop was presented by Dr. Tariq Youssef Melhem, Associate Professor in the Department of Special Education, and Dr. Hazem Radwan Al-Ismail, Assistant Professor in the same Department. The training focused on applying an organized scientific methodology to identify promising educational projects in the field of special education, and mechanisms for developing an effective educational research plan that responds to the needs of this vital field.

The program included learning about the basic elements of the research plan, such as the study problem, its objectives, questions or hypotheses, its importance, limitations, and terminology, while formulating clear and specific research problems that reflect realistic challenges in the field. The training also included choosing the appropriate method, designing research tools to suit the nature of the research problem, and critically analyzing previous studies to be used to support the theoretical and methodological frameworks of the research.

The Deputy Dean of the College of Education, Administrative and Technical Sciences, Dr. Ahmed Al-Abbasi: The college is constantly working to develop the system of higher education and scientific research, and to raise the research competence of doctoral program students, as they are a fundamental pillar in the production of knowledge, and a main pillar in achieving sustainable development, innovation, and effective contribution to facing national and global challenges.

For her part, the coordinator of the Learning Difficulties and Developmental Disabilities Program, Dr. Al-Daghestani noted that developing advanced research skills among doctoral students is not limited only to the academic aspect, but extends to include enhancing critical thinking, methodological design, the ability to analyze complex issues, and provide solid and applicable scientific solutions. From this standpoint, the college seeks to provide a stimulating research environment, enable students to access resources, knowledge and modern technologies, and expand the horizons of cooperation with local and international research institutions.

In addition, the workshop discussed ethical considerations in special educational research, and the program concluded with practical applications aimed at evaluating the extent to which the research plan is consistent with the standards of solid scientific research for the doctoral stage.

At the conclusion of the training program, the participating students appreciated the richness of the content and diversity of the training program, and confirmed their great benefit from this program and other training programs offered in cooperation with the Department of Special Education and the Learning Difficulties and Developmental Disabilities Program. They also expressed their desire to employ these research practices in their research journey within the doctoral program.