Women's Scientific Research Committee

  The Women's Scientific Research Committee of the Bachelor of Arts in English program organized the second session of Academic Writing series of Workshops by Dr. Nada Alqarni on February 24, 2020.   Dr. Alqarni started her speech by referring to a common mistake that the authors should steer clear of, which is to sprinkle references liberally around with insufficient thought as to how they fit into the theory and the theme. She explained that a good start would be to place the topic into a historical perspective and identify key landmark studies. Additionally, the authors could establish a context for their own interest and research, and distinguish what has been done in order to identify a space for their own work.   Dr. Alqarni asserted that the review of literature should indicate the core concepts, the variables and the findings of the research paper.   She then reviewed the steps researchers should follow in writing the review of the literature. First, they should find the information and studies that are relevant to their topic. Second, they should summarize these studies (organize and evaluate them), indicating who found out what, when, and how this developed the study of the topic. Finally, the researchers should finish with a conclusion, explaining the gaps in knowledge that they have identified and how their research will fill these gaps left by previous research.   Dr. Alqarni highlighted the significance of the works cited in a research paper. Researchers, she said, should apply a mental test every time a work is referred to or a quotation is included. This mental test consists of asking the questions if this reference is adding to the development of the theory. How does it follow the thread of the research paper? And how does it relate to the research questions? Then the research should indicate the gap in the knowledge to be filled.   Dr. Alqarni discusses the rules of citation tense. She illustrated that a move from past to present perfect and then to present indicates that the researchers reported are increasingly close to the writer in some way. She then reviewed the methods of giving general panorama of past-to-present literature, reporting what specific authors have said, and highlighting limitations of previous studies.   Dr. Alqarni provided many valuable examples that clarified all the steps for writing the literature review effectively. The workshop, which was very informative and highly interactive, was attended by Vice Dean, Dr. Salma Alqahtani, staff members and students. Date: 2/29/2020 Source: Dr. Amal Metwally – Scientific Research Committee Coordinator

  The Women's Scientific Research Committee of the Bachelor of Arts in English program organized the second session of Academic Writing series of Workshops by Dr. Nada Alqarni on February 24, 2020.   Dr. Alqarni started her speech by referring to a common mistake that the authors should steer clear of, which is to sprinkle references liberally around with insufficient thought as to how they fit into the theory and the theme. She explained that a good start would be to place the topic into a historical perspective and identify key landmark studies. Additionally, the authors could establish a context for their own interest and research, and distinguish what has been done in order to identify a space for their own work.   Dr. Alqarni asserted that the review of literature should indicate the core concepts, the variables and the findings of the research paper.   She then reviewed the steps researchers should follow in writing the review of the literature. First, they should find the information and studies that are relevant to their topic. Second, they should summarize these studies (organize and evaluate them), indicating who found out what, when, and how this developed the study of the topic. Finally, the researchers should finish with a conclusion, explaining the gaps in knowledge that they have identified and how their research will fill these gaps left by previous research.   Dr. Alqarni highlighted the significance of the works cited in a research paper. Researchers, she said, should apply a mental test every time a work is referred to or a quotation is included. This mental test consists of asking the questions if this reference is adding to the development of the theory. How does it follow the thread of the research paper? And how does it relate to the research questions? Then the research should indicate the gap in the knowledge to be filled.   Dr. Alqarni discusses the rules of citation tense. She illustrated that a move from past to present perfect and then to present indicates that the researchers reported are increasingly close to the writer in some way. She then reviewed the methods of giving general panorama of past-to-present literature, reporting what specific authors have said, and highlighting limitations of previous studies.   Dr. Alqarni provided many valuable examples that clarified all the steps for writing the literature review effectively. The workshop, which was very informative and highly interactive, was attended by Vice Dean, Dr. Salma Alqahtani, staff members and students. Date: 2/29/2020 Source: Dr. Amal Metwally – Scientific Research Committee Coordinator

  On Wednesday, February 19, 2020, the Women's Scientific Research Committee of the Bachelor of Arts in English program organized a practical workshop on Rbrul by Dr. Khairia Ali Abu Dady, assistant professor of sociolinguistics.   Dr. Abu Dady started her presentation by reviewing the various uses of Rbrul in conducting different scientific studies. She specifically focused on the significance of the software in sociolinguistics and reviewed some valuable examples.   She then started the practical section of the workshop. First, she guided the participants to the installation steps of the software. Then she worked with them on data files. The workshop was very informative and introduced the participants to the use of Rbrul in conducting scientific research. It was attended by staff members and members of the scientific research committee.   Of noteworthy mention, Dr. Abu Dady conducted a Rbrul workshop during the first semester which was organized by the Language Research Center, where she provided an introduction to the software. Date: 2/21/2020 Source: Dr. Amal Metwally – Scientific Research Committee Coordinator

  On Wednesday, February 19, 2020, the Women's Scientific Research Committee of the Bachelor of Arts in English program organized a practical workshop on Rbrul by Dr. Khairia Ali Abu Dady, assistant professor of sociolinguistics.   Dr. Abu Dady started her presentation by reviewing the various uses of Rbrul in conducting different scientific studies. She specifically focused on the significance of the software in sociolinguistics and reviewed some valuable examples.   She then started the practical section of the workshop. First, she guided the participants to the installation steps of the software. Then she worked with them on data files. The workshop was very informative and introduced the participants to the use of Rbrul in conducting scientific research. It was attended by staff members and members of the scientific research committee.   Of noteworthy mention, Dr. Abu Dady conducted a Rbrul workshop during the first semester which was organized by the Language Research Center, where she provided an introduction to the software. Date: 2/21/2020 Source: Dr. Amal Metwally – Scientific Research Committee Coordinator

  On February 17, 2020, the Women's Scientific Research Committee of the Bachelor of Arts in English program organized the first session of the Academic Writing series of Workshops by Department of English Supervisor, Dr. Nada Alqarni.   "Effective academic writing depends on interactional elements which supplement propositional information in the text and alert readers to the writer's opinion," said Dr. Alqarni.   She explained the importance of employing hedging, whose job is to make things fuzzier, implying that the writer is less than fully committed to the certainty of the referential information given. She further illustrated that hedging can be expressed through the use of a variety of structures. Additionally, she explained when to use hedges, emphasizing that their appropriate use is central to developing an academic, communicative competence as it assists the writers in establishing "a relationship with the reader and with the authorities in the field."   Following this introductory section, Dr. Alqarni moved to explain the parts of the academic research paper. The introduction, the purpose of introduction and common mistakes that the authors should steer clear of in writing the introduction as well as the main parts in the introduction were the main ideas covered in the second section. She emphasized that in the introduction authors should establish why the topic is important, outline the past-present history of the study of the topic, indicate the gap in knowledge and possible limitations, state the aim of the paper and its contribution, explain the key terminology in the field of the study and how the terminology and acronyms are used in the paper, and indicate the structure of paper - what is and is not included.   The workshop included practice on the three main parts of an introduction (i.e., the general research area, the gap in the literature and the purpose of the research paper). The workshop was a big success, and it was attended by many graduate students, staff members and scientific research committee members.   Of noteworthy mention, the series of academic writing workshops consists of seven sessions on Mondays 17 Feb to 30 March 2020 at 9:00 am at the Faculty of Languages and Translation, King Abdullah Road Campus. Date: 2/20/2020 Source: Dr. Amal Metwally – Scientific Research Committee Coordinator

  On February 17, 2020, the Women's Scientific Research Committee of the Bachelor of Arts in English program organized the first session of the Academic Writing series of Workshops by Department of English Supervisor, Dr. Nada Alqarni.   "Effective academic writing depends on interactional elements which supplement propositional information in the text and alert readers to the writer's opinion," said Dr. Alqarni.   She explained the importance of employing hedging, whose job is to make things fuzzier, implying that the writer is less than fully committed to the certainty of the referential information given. She further illustrated that hedging can be expressed through the use of a variety of structures. Additionally, she explained when to use hedges, emphasizing that their appropriate use is central to developing an academic, communicative competence as it assists the writers in establishing "a relationship with the reader and with the authorities in the field."   Following this introductory section, Dr. Alqarni moved to explain the parts of the academic research paper. The introduction, the purpose of introduction and common mistakes that the authors should steer clear of in writing the introduction as well as the main parts in the introduction were the main ideas covered in the second section. She emphasized that in the introduction authors should establish why the topic is important, outline the past-present history of the study of the topic, indicate the gap in knowledge and possible limitations, state the aim of the paper and its contribution, explain the key terminology in the field of the study and how the terminology and acronyms are used in the paper, and indicate the structure of paper - what is and is not included.   The workshop included practice on the three main parts of an introduction (i.e., the general research area, the gap in the literature and the purpose of the research paper). The workshop was a big success, and it was attended by many graduate students, staff members and scientific research committee members.   Of noteworthy mention, the series of academic writing workshops consists of seven sessions on Mondays 17 Feb to 30 March 2020 at 9:00 am at the Faculty of Languages and Translation, King Abdullah Road Campus. Date: 2/20/2020 Source: Dr. Amal Metwally – Scientific Research Committee Coordinator

  On February 17, 2020, two Master of Arts in Applied Linguistics program students, Alaa Alshehri and Fatimah Abdulaziz delivered a presentation entitled 'Online Research Tools: Discussion and Tips' at a seminar organized by the Scientific Research Committee - Women’s section. The seminar was attended by current MA students and research committee members.   The presentation discussed several useful websites that help researchers to review citations, check grammar mistakes, and check plagiarism. The presenters shared their experience by raising the importance of the English Club in improving students' speaking skills. Alaa and Fatimah suggested that MA students should have their own reading library, which contains articles in their field of research. The presenters appreciated the effort of their professors in effectively helping them and other students during their MA studies and encouraged students to seek their professors' help and discuss any issues that they face during the course of their research.   At the end of the presentation, Alaa and Fatimah advised students to be patient and ambitious toward their goal. They talked about the time when they were stressed during their MA journey, noting that intrinsic motivation is key to student achievement. Date: 2/17/2020 Source: Banan Hassan Alhajaji, Member, Scientific Research Committee

  On February 17, 2020, two Master of Arts in Applied Linguistics program students, Alaa Alshehri and Fatimah Abdulaziz delivered a presentation entitled 'Online Research Tools: Discussion and Tips' at a seminar organized by the Scientific Research Committee - Women’s section. The seminar was attended by current MA students and research committee members.   The presentation discussed several useful websites that help researchers to review citations, check grammar mistakes, and check plagiarism. The presenters shared their experience by raising the importance of the English Club in improving students' speaking skills. Alaa and Fatimah suggested that MA students should have their own reading library, which contains articles in their field of research. The presenters appreciated the effort of their professors in effectively helping them and other students during their MA studies and encouraged students to seek their professors' help and discuss any issues that they face during the course of their research.   At the end of the presentation, Alaa and Fatimah advised students to be patient and ambitious toward their goal. They talked about the time when they were stressed during their MA journey, noting that intrinsic motivation is key to student achievement. Date: 2/17/2020 Source: Banan Hassan Alhajaji, Member, Scientific Research Committee

  The Women's Scientific Research Committee of the Bachelor of Arts in English program organized a seminar entitled "Publishing in Peer-Reviewed Journals: Challenges and Solutions" on Monday, February 3, 2020. The presentation, which was conducted by Dr. Mazeegha Al- Tale', focused on highlighting the significance of publishing in peer-reviewed journals, necessary steps, and techniques. At the beginning, Dr. Al-Tale' thanked the Scientific Research Committee for giving her the chance to give that presentation. She extended her thanks to the outstanding researchers Dr. Fakieh Alrabai and Dr. Munassair Al-Hamami for providing her with valuable information about international publishing.   "As faculty members, we strive to publish in peer-reviewed journals. After the hard work of thinking about appropriate topics, designing our studies, collecting the data and going through other steps of writing, we all are eager to see our works in good scientific journals", said Dr. Al- Tale’. Dr. Al- Tale' illustrated that there are five steps that researches have to follow in their journey towards publishing their work in authentic reliable journals. These are: reading towards topic selection, writing the research paper, selecting a journal, editing, and submission. She further explained in detail how each step could be accomplished perfectly towards publishing in peer-reviewed journals.   Dr. Al-Tale' also highlighted the importance of checking the impact factor of a journal before correspondence. Additionally, Dr. Al-Tale' provided a list of good publishing houses and explained the journal selection tools. She also visited some useful websites during the session in order to show the audience how to know if the target journal is listed in Scopus or not, to know whether a target journal is predatory or not, and to make sure that the International Standard Serial Number (ISSN) is a real one.   The seminar was attended by Dean's Assistant, Dr. Salma Alqahtani, Vice Dean, Dr. Mona Alshehri, teaching staff, and students. The seminar was very informative, engaging and such a great success.   Date: 2/4/2020 Source: Dr. Amal Metwally, Scientific Research Committee

  The Women's Scientific Research Committee of the Bachelor of Arts in English program organized a seminar entitled "Publishing in Peer-Reviewed Journals: Challenges and Solutions" on Monday, February 3, 2020. The presentation, which was conducted by Dr. Mazeegha Al- Tale', focused on highlighting the significance of publishing in peer-reviewed journals, necessary steps, and techniques. At the beginning, Dr. Al-Tale' thanked the Scientific Research Committee for giving her the chance to give that presentation. She extended her thanks to the outstanding researchers Dr. Fakieh Alrabai and Dr. Munassair Al-Hamami for providing her with valuable information about international publishing.   "As faculty members, we strive to publish in peer-reviewed journals. After the hard work of thinking about appropriate topics, designing our studies, collecting the data and going through other steps of writing, we all are eager to see our works in good scientific journals", said Dr. Al- Tale’. Dr. Al- Tale' illustrated that there are five steps that researches have to follow in their journey towards publishing their work in authentic reliable journals. These are: reading towards topic selection, writing the research paper, selecting a journal, editing, and submission. She further explained in detail how each step could be accomplished perfectly towards publishing in peer-reviewed journals.   Dr. Al-Tale' also highlighted the importance of checking the impact factor of a journal before correspondence. Additionally, Dr. Al-Tale' provided a list of good publishing houses and explained the journal selection tools. She also visited some useful websites during the session in order to show the audience how to know if the target journal is listed in Scopus or not, to know whether a target journal is predatory or not, and to make sure that the International Standard Serial Number (ISSN) is a real one.   The seminar was attended by Dean's Assistant, Dr. Salma Alqahtani, Vice Dean, Dr. Mona Alshehri, teaching staff, and students. The seminar was very informative, engaging and such a great success.   Date: 2/4/2020 Source: Dr. Amal Metwally, Scientific Research Committee