Science Teachers' Perceptions of Social-Emotional Learning: Lessons from Oman

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.11575/ajer.v68i4.74503

Abstract

The study aimed to identify science teachers' perceptions of social-emotional learning. A descriptive approach using quantitative methodology was followed, and a nationally representative sample of male and female science teachers (n = 1034) was used. A questionnaire was designed and used for data collection. The results revealed that science teachers have negative perceptions of emotional-social learning. Statistically significant differences were found between females and males. Also, there was a statistically significant difference based on grade level taught. However, there were no statistically significant differences in science teachers' perceptions due to years of teaching experience. Implications are discussed and recommendations are offered for promoting teachers' social-emotional competence.

Keywords: Science Teacher, perception, Social-Emotional Learning, Sultanate of Oman

L'étude visait à identifier les perceptions des enseignants de sciences sur l'apprentissage socio-émotionnel. L’étude a suivi une approche descriptive utilisant une méthodologie quantitative et elle repose sur un échantillon représentatif au niveau national de enseignants de sciences masculins et féminins (n = 1 034). Un questionnaire a été conçu et utilisé pour la collecte des données. Les résultats ont révélé que les enseignants de sciences ont des perceptions négatives de l'apprentissage émotionnel et social. On a constaté des différences statistiquement significatives entre les femmes et les hommes. De même, une différence statistiquement significative a été constatée en fonction du niveau scolaire enseigné. Cependant, aucune différence statistiquement significative dans les perceptions des enseignants de sciences n’a été constaté en fonction des années d'expérience d'enseignement. Les implications sont discutées et des recommandations sont proposées pour promouvoir la compétence socio-émotionnelle des enseignants.

Mots clés : enseignant de sciences, perception, apprentissage socio-affectif, Sultanat d'Oman.

Author Biographies

Mohamed A. Shahat, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman, and Aswan University, Egypt

Mohamed A. Shahat is an Assistant Professor of science education at Sultan Qaboos University (SQU), Oman, and an Associate Professor at Aswan University, Egypt. He earned his Ph.D. in science education from the University of Duisburg-Essen, Germany. He is currently leading various Omani national research projects at SQU, including STEM and entrepreneurship education. His research interests include science education, STEM/STEAM education, teacher education/professional development, entrepreneurship education, assessment, Rasch analysis, and emotional behavior. He published several papers in high-ranked journals. He is a member of different national and international journal editorial boards.

Abdullah K. Ambusaidi, Ministry of Education, Sultanate of Oman

Abdullah K. Ambusaidi is a Professor of Science Education. He received his PH.D. from the Centre of Science Education at Glasgow University/UK. Currently, he is the undersecretary for education at the Ministry of Education/Oman. He worked before at Sultan Qaboos University and held several positions, including Director of the Center for Humanities Research and Dean of Postgraduate Studies. He has supervised over 80 master's and doctorate degrees in science education and is an external and internal examiner for more than 80 master's and doctoral dissertations. He has more than 150 published and accepted research papers in well-known international journals. He is a consultant for many educational projects in Oman, including TAMAM Project (school-based development) and Green Schools Initiative. He is also a leading researcher of various educational projects, such as the school garden project, ecotourism project, health education project, and the Omani Heritage Project in the school curricula.

Abir Al-Busaidi, Ministry of Education, Sultanate of Oman

Abir Al-Busaidi is a Biology Teacher. She received her bachelor's and master's degrees from Sultan Qaboos University. Her research interests include science, environmental education, and sociological education.

Manal Al-Qulhati, Ministry of Education, Sultanate of Oman

Manal Al-Qulhati is a chemistry teacher. She received her bachelor's and master's degrees from Sultan Qaboos University. Her research interests include science education, sociological education, environmental education, and scientific literacy.

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Published

2022-12-21

How to Cite

Shahat, M. A. ., Ambusaidi, A. K. ., Al-Busaidi, A. ., & Al-Qulhati, M. . (2022). Science Teachers’ Perceptions of Social-Emotional Learning: Lessons from Oman. Alberta Journal of Educational Research, 68(4), 515–536. https://doi.org/10.11575/ajer.v68i4.74503

Issue

Vol. 68 No. 4 (2022): Winter

Section

ARTICLES

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