Arab Educational Information Network

The educational system in Saudi Arabia has improved but the research infrastructure and teaching methods are still not ideal. The students in Saudi Arabia lack research-based skills. A survey was conducted on 95 respondents in Najran University to investigate the challenges that are responsible for lack of scientific research skills and whether any significant link with research opportunities exists. The responses suggest that institutions provide a medium level of research opportunities for the students; however, the students lack ability and competency for research skills. The students’ ability was found to be the greatest factor that affected their acquisition of scientific research skills. The institutional barriers seem to affect less as compared to personal barriers in students. The study also found a strong correlation among barriers (personal and institutional) and research competency. The study suggests that institutions should offer workshop training and seminars to make students aware of the significance of research skills and more importantly, the students must make an extra effort to participate in research opportunities provided by the institution. (Published abstract)