Title:  Teaching Strategies in Higher Education Classrooms | 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Abstract:  Dr. Lila will present different strategies for university instructors to use in higher education classrooms. Strategies such as (think, pair, share, heads together, brainstorming, acting, etc.) can be modified and fixed by the instructor depending on the subject and the time period.

Dr. Lila will also present strategies to provide rules for each student in one group, allowing them to develop their different skills and gain knowledge in an interesting and joyful learning environment.

About the Speaker:  Dr. Lila Alhashim joined the PMU College of Sciences and Human Studies in the Fall of 2024. She received a Bachelor of Islamic Studies from Imam Abdulrahman Bin Fasil University in 2009.  She also received a master's in Curriculum and Instruction from Winthrop University, USA. Her Ph.D. is in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of South Florida, USA. 

Dr. Lila has experience teaching students in U.S. and Saudi classrooms. Also, she has worked as an adviser to help create and design curricula for pre-and in-service teachers. In addition, she has worked with undergraduate students to improve their learning skills through classroom strategies.

Title:  Empowering Saudi Women in STEM:  Assessing Readiness and Aspiration at PMU | 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Abstract:  Enrolling Saudi female students in STEM fields offers career opportunities and fosters societal development and innovation. This study underscores the intersection of gender inclusivity, STEM education, and societal advancement. It provides a platform for female students to share experiences and contribute to the dialogue on empowering women in STEM, aligning with Saudi Vision 2030’s goals. Analyzing data from a precalculus course, a prerequisite for advanced mathematics and core classes, and a survey distributed to students provided valuable insights into students’ readiness, competence, interests, perceptions, and motivations.

About the Presenter:  Dr. Russina A. Eltoum is a mathematics educator with over a decade of teaching experience at Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd University (PMU) and a strong commitment to enhancing student learning in mathematics. She holds a Ph.D. in Mathematics Education from the University of Aberdeen in the UK, along with a master’s degree in Math, Science, and Technology from St. John Fisher College in New York. Dr. Eltoum has taught a wide range of mathematics courses, including introductory and intermediate algebra, precalculus, calculus, and finite mathematics, as well as specialized calculus courses for business students. As an active member of PMU’s Cognitive and Research Center and a dedicated course coordinator, Dr. Eltoum is passionate about developing learner-centered approaches that make complex mathematical concepts accessible to students from diverse backgrounds.

Title:  Case Study of Systems Thinking in Education (Practical) | 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Abstract: This workshop will build upon the theoretical presentation by Dr. Siddiqua Aamir. By implementing suggested Systems Thinking protocols, interconnectedness and interdependencies will help to dissect the complexities associated with students transferring into university from high school or Preparatory Programs. Activities will follow step by step systems thinking methods to determine the effectiveness of educational applications while attempting to expose patterns of the whole, moving beyond isolated component investigations. Academic institutions that operate from a systems thinking perspective use holistic methods, are curious, find root causes, have an open mind rather than relying upon a predictable formula or a linear approach. 

About the Presenter: Dr. Laura M. Strachan is a Canadian Environmental Anthropologist who specializes in protected area management, local community development, sustainability, and tangible and intangible cultural heritage. She has worked at PMU since 2016 as an Assistant Professor, a consultant for ministries in Jordan, Oman, and KSA, and has conducted numerous research projects in the Arabian Peninsula. Since 1999, she has worked and conducted extensive anthropology - archaeology research in Jordan serving as a consultant and researcher at the Wadi Rum Protected Area, a member of a UNESCO World Heritage nomination team, and the Hashemite Fund for Development of Jordan Badia in Humayma. In Oman, she conducted interdisciplinary research in Wadi Bani Kharus for Oman’s Ministry of Culture & Tourism. The findings of their research were published in a book by the ministry. Her KSA projects include Socio-Economic Assessments for Saudi Arabia’s Imam Saud Bin Abdulaziz Royal Protected Area and King Salman Royal Reserve under the authority of the Saudi Royal Court. Currently, she is the lead investigator for a project that is exploring Najran’s hima.