Governance in Higher Education : Global Reform and Trends in the MENA Region

Over the years, the education sector has witnessed substantial transformations and developments, driven primarily by the rapid growth of technology and inventive pedagogical approaches. In the MENA region, these changes have been particularly noteworthy, as educational institutions are striving to keep pace with global advancements while addressing unique regional challenges. Set against this context, this book delves into two pivotal dimensions that have surfaced as vital for thriving in today's educational sphere, with a strong emphasis on the MENA region's distinct characteristics and opportunities. The first dimension explores the evolution and challenges in governance, encompassing the organizational frameworks, decision-making mechanisms, and policies that empower educational institutions in the MENA region to adapt to the shifting environment. The second dimension zeroes in on the metamorphosis of education itself, emphasizing the innovative tools, assignments, and methodologies that are accessible to educators in the region, and discussing the balance between these elements and effective university governance. By offering an exhaustive and up-to-date examination of these two dimensions, this book imparts invaluable insights and pragmatic guidance to educational professionals, policymakers, and students alike, all with a focus on the MENA region. It aims to equip readers with the knowledge and abilities required to successfully navigate the new educational landscape and excel in the world of academia while highlighting the unique potential and prospects of the region's educational institutions. Foreword Acknowledgments Contents Notes on Contributors List of Figures List of Tables 1 Introduction Part I Current Status of the Higher Education System in the MENA Region 2 Overview of the Current Higher Education System in the Middle East and North Africa Introduction History of Higher Education in MENA Overview of Higher Education in MENA Higher Education System and Governance in MENA Challenges and Opportunities of Higher Education Institutions Conclusion References 3 Inclusion and Diversity Introduction Importance of Inclusion and Diversity in Higher Education The Current State of Efforts in Promoting Diversity and Inclusion in Academic Institution Growing Recognition of the Need to Address Issues of Diversity and Inclusion in the Education System The Challenges that Institutions Face in Promoting Diversity and Inclusion Strategies Implemented by Educators and Policymakers Aiming to Create an Inclusive and Supportive Learning Environment Clearly Define Inclusion and Equity in Education Use Evidence to Identify Barriers that Hinder Learners’ Participation and Progress Provide Support to Teachers in Promoting Inclusion and Equity Design Curriculum and Assessments Carefully to Reflect the Needs of All Learners Structure and Manage Education Systems in Ways that Engage All Learners Involve Communities in the Development and Implementation of Inclusive and Equitable Education Policies Examining the Effectiveness of These Strategies Explore the Ways in Which technology and Digital Tools can be Leveraged to Support the Goals of Inclusion and Diversity in Education Diversity and Inclusion in the Higher Education at MENA Region References 4 From In-Person to Hybrid Learning Mode Introduction The Transition from Conventional to Hybrid Learning in Higher Education Governance Challenges and Considerations Key Governance Challenges Reassessing Organizational Structures Reviewing Policies and Regulations Changing Decision-Making Processes Best Practices and Strategies for Effective Governance Communication and Collaboration Flexibility and Adaptability Commitment to Continuous Improvement Conclusion References 5 Challenges and Opportunities Faced by the Students and Faculty Members Introduction Status of Education in the Mena Region Challenges Faced by Students Challenges Faced by Faculty Members Opportunities Faced by Students Opportunities for Faculty Members Shaping the New Role of Education Proposed Educational Reform Policies Conclusion References Part II New Strategies for Higher Education 6 Role of Women in the Higher Education System Introduction Role of Women in Higher Education Gender, Equity, and Inclusion Harmonizing Work and Life Leadership in Higher Education Closing the Gender Gap Epidemic or Pandemic Factors Impacting Women’s Experiences in Higher Education Sociocultural Factors Women Refugee Experiences Opportunities for Women Universal Access to Higher Education Best Practices and Policies Systematic Change and Drivers Governance Considerations that Influence Women’s Success Nature verses Nurture Successful Strategies from the MENA Region Strategic Initiatives for the MENA Region Change Management for MENA Institutions Impactful Change for Wider Adoption Overcoming Obstacles Timely Advancement References 7 Revitalizing Education: Curriculum Reform and Program/Course Delivery Restructuring Introduction Defining and Designing Curriculum Reform and Program/Course Delivery Restructuring Defining Program/Course Delivery Restructuring Reasons for Curriculum Reform and Program/Course Delivery Restructuring Best Practices for Curriculum Reform and Program/Course Delivery Restructuring Role of AoLs in Curriculum Reform and Restructuring of Program/Course Delivery Policies and Regulations Governing Curriculum Reform and Program Delivery Future Trends of Curriculum Reform and Program/Course Delivery Restructuring in Education References 8 Interactivity and Engagement Tactics and Tools The Changing Landscape of Higher Education The Evolution and Impact of Technology on Higher Education Shifting Toward Online and Blended Learning Understanding Interactivity and Engagement in Higher Education Definition and Importance Linking Interactivity, Engagement, and Student Success Factors Influencing Interactivity and Engagement The Faculty’s Role in Promoting Interactivity within Higher Education Increasing Participation and Interacting Increasing Interactivity and Engagement Challenges Faced by Faculty Best Practices and Strategies The Future of Interactivity and Engagement in Higher Education Conclusion References 9 New Evaluation, Assessment Tactics, and Tools: An Example from Bahrain Introduction Literature Review Concepts of Assessment of Student Learning in Higher Education Assessment Methods Factors That Influenced Student Assessment in the Arab World Unemployment Despite Increasing Numbers of Academics in the Arab Region Moving Toward Competency-Based Education Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Teaching Methods and Approaches Technological Change Needs for Certain Skills in the Future Research Context Case Study: Royal University for Women Background Information on Royal University for Women Introduction to Assessment at RUW Recent Developments Online Teaching and COVID-19 Modifications to RUW Assessment Over Time Assessment Design Levels of Assessment: Qualification Descriptors Assessment Process Assessment Preparation for Internship Assessment for Class Participation and Engagement Moderation of Exams and Students’ Assessments Discussion and Conclusion References Part III The Future of Education 10 The Changing Role of Governance in Education Introduction History and Evolution of Governance in MENA A Contemporary Perspective in the MENA Region Challenges and Trends Affecting Current Governance in MENA Traditional Governance Modern Governance Possible Changes to Improve Governance in MENA New Dimensions of Governance Evolving Governance Structures Recommendations for Effective Governance Conclusion References 11 Advancing Assessment for Enhanced e-Education in the MENA Region Introduction Global Reforms and Trends in the Higher Education Sector Higher Education Reforms and Trends in the MENA Region An Overview of e-Education in the MENA Region: Challenges and Opportunities Assessments in e-Education Grading Systems for Promoting Higher Quality e-Education Influencers of Grading e-Education Assessments in the MENA Region Strict or Lenient Grading Systems in the MENA Region? Strict Grading Systems Lenient Grading Systems Considerations Conclusion: The Need for a Balanced Grading System for Higher Quality e-Education in MENA Region References 12 Reforming Higher Education Through AI Introduction Global Challenges of Higher Education Higher Education Challenges in the MENA Region The Global Teaching and Learning Dilemma The Standardized Approach to Learning The Time Allocation of University Instructors The Two Sigma Problem Classification of Challenges A Brief History of AI The Social History of AI From Speculation to Reality: Tracing the Origins of AI The Story of Large Language Models Possible Use Cases in Education Diving Deeper: Personalized Learning as a Use Case Why Personalized Learning A Practical Overview of Building an AI Personalized Tutor What Would the Solution Look Like Ethical and Governance Considerations Concluding Remarks and Recommendations References 13 Conclusion Index